Lantern
The Lutheran Lantern
Shedding light on our life together in Christ
Shedding light on our life together in Christ
Bethel Lutheran
LutheranChurch
Church && First
FirstLutheran
LutheranChurch
Church
Bethel
March 2015
Inside this issue:
Worship Matters
2
March Events
3
News & Notes for All
4
Reminders
5
News & Notes to the Bethel Family
6
Messages & Memos to Bethel
7
First’s Service Assignments
and More
8
News & Notes to the
First Lutheran Family
9
Bethel Birthdays, Anniversaries,
Shut-Ins
10
First Birthdays, Anniversaries,
Shut-Ins
11
SPECIAL DATES
SPECIAL
DATES
SPECIAL
OF INTEREST
INTEREST
DATES
OF
SPECIAL
OF INTEREST
DATES
Saturday,
OF INTEREST
March
7
Thursday,
May 1
Sunday,
Dick Bair
December
Memorial 7
National
Day
Prayer
Wednesday,
2nd
Pancake
Sunday
Breakfast
ofof
March
Advent
4
Annual
8:00 am
Lenten
– 11:00
Breakfast
am
FirstSunday,
Lutheran
December
Fellowship
Sunday,
May 414Hall
3rd Hunger
Sunday
9:00 am
of
Advent
Walk
March 17
Sunday,
Saturday,
St. Patrick’s
December
March
Day 21
7
Sunday,
May
11
4th
Dick
Sunday
Bair Memorial
of Advent
Pancake
Joint
March
Service
Breakfast
20
Mother’s
Day
8:00
Spring
am – Begins
11:00 am
Sunday, December 28
Sunday,
May
18
1stSunday,
Sunday
March
of
March
Christmas
25 8
Confirmation
Day
Daylight
Annunciation
The Savings
Holy Innocents
of
Time
ourBegins
Lord
March 29
Palm
March
Sunday
17
St. Patrick’s Day
Monday, May 26
MemorialMarch
Day (Observed)
20
Spring Begins
March 25
Annunciation of our Lord
March 29
Palm Sunday
How do you walk through Lent? Each of us has learned ways of engaging ourselves in this season of preparation for the sorrow of
Jesus’ passion and the joy of the resurrection. For some, it is the
mid-week simple suppers followed by worship that provides nourishment for the Lenten journey (see page 2 for info on this year’s series). For others, it is the special devotional booklets that enhance
and focus their daily time of study and prayer. For some, it is giving
up (sacrificing) something they enjoy for 40 days. For others, it is
adding a spiritual practice (singing, giving, serving, being kind).
How do you walk through Lent? Each of us has a different attitude
toward these 40 days. For some, it is the most meaningful season of
the Church Year. Others think, “Oh no, Lent, time to feel awful
again.” Lent encourages us to live as if we are on the way to Jesus’
crucifixion and resurrection. We mentally try to place ourselves in a
time before both happened in order to more fully appreciate those
events. We wonder, “Will Jesus overcome his temptations?”, “Will
our sins ever be forgiven?” In order to grieve appropriately during
Holy Week, we spend 40 days pretending we don’t know how the
story turns out. And that is the problem with the season of Lent. It
is a problem because the truth is that we do know that Jesus will
overcome every temptation put before him. We do know that our
sins are forgiven.
If Jesus had not risen from the dead, we would not care about ashes
or giving things up for Lent. If Jesus was not raised, it would be
shear silliness to engage in Lenten disciplines. But Jesus was raised!
We live in the time after the resurrection. We confess our sinfulness
because Jesus has already done something about it. We come together as a faith community to hear the story once again because
we know the story turns out in reconciliation and triumph – every
single time. Knowing that allows us to walk through Lent with confidence and joy.
So, during the days of March, I invite you to remind yourself daily:
“I am walking through Lent in this way because I have been forgiven by the risen Christ.” Easter morning may not be quite as surprising if you remind yourself of that every day. But, you yourself will be
transformed – reshaped by the incredible love of a God who allows
you to live each day of your life after the crucifixion and resurrection.
Blessings on your Lenten walk,
Pastor Darla Ann
WORSHIP MATTERS
MARCH 2015
Page 2
“Walking Where Jesus Walked”
Wednesdays in Lent
6:00 pm Meal, 6:45 pm Worship Service
in the Fellowship Hall at Bethel
First Lutheran – 9:00 am
First Lutheran—9:00 am
Bethel Lutheran—10:30 am
Bethel Lutheran—10:30 am
WORSHIP SERVICE
SCRIPTURES
Sunday, March 1
2nd Sunday of Lent
Gen 17:1-7, 15-16
SCRIPTURES
Rom 4:13-25
Mark 8:31-38
Sunday, March 8
3rd Sunday of Lent
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Exodus 20:1-17
1 Cor 1:18-25
John 2:13-22
Sunday, March 15
4th Sunday of Lent
Num 21:4-9
Eph 2:1-10
John 3:14-21
The season of Lent is a time for us to immerse ourselves more
fully in the story of Jesus. We do that by breaking bread with
other followers of Jesus and then letting our meal fellowship
spill over into worship fellowship. Pictures from Pastor
Kratzer’s recent trip to the Holy Land will bring fresh perspective to the scriptural stories that nourish us on our Lenten
journey.
Week 1 – February 25
Nazareth, Sepphoris, Capernaum
Working and Healing
Week 2 – March 4
The Mountains
Teaching and Eating
Week 3 – March 11
The Sea of Galilee
Calming the Storm
Sunday, March 22
5th Sunday of Lent
Jer 31:31-34
Heb 5:5-10
John 12:20-33
Week 4 – March 18
Samaria
Sunday, March 29
Palm Sunday
Isa 50:4-5
Phil 2:5-11
Mark 11:1-11
Week 5 – March 25
Jerusalem
***************************
Maundy Thursday - April 2
7:00 pm
hosted by Bethel Lutheran
Good Friday - April 3
12 noon hosted by First Lutheran
7:00 pm
hosted by Bethel Lutheran
Outcasts and Sinners
The Mount of Olives and the Way of the Cross
Easter Day this year is Sunday, April 5th
The Easter Season runs from April 5-May 24
The Canton City Lutheran Parish Choir will present an Easter
Cantata on Sunday, April 19th at Bethel Lutheran Church at
10:30 am.
MARCH EVENTS
MARCH 2015
Page 3
Annual Lenten Breakfast
First Lutheran Church
March 4, 2015—9:00 AM
Menu:
German Fries (Potatoes, Green Pepper, Onion & Ham)
Fresh Fruit
Homemade Muffins
Coffee, Tea and Juice
Special Lenten Program presented by
Shirley Griffin
1997 National Christian Educator of the Year
Sign up sheets are located at First on the bulletin board outside the office and at Bethel in the
Narthex at the back of the church.
Dick Bair Memorial
Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, March 7, 2015
8:00 am – 11:00 am
Bethel Lutheran Church
701 Broad Avenue NW, Canton, Ohio
During his lifetime, Dick Bair was a passionate supporter of both Lutheran Men in Mission and the
UrbanArk. Dick died in July of 2014. Therefore, on March 7, Bethel will hold a pancake breakfast in
memory of him to benefit the UrbanArk food and clothing distribution ministry.
This breakfast is for everyone – women, children, teens, and men from 1 to 101. Please join us for
great food, warm fellowship, and an opportunity to remember Dick and the ministries he cherished.
A Free-will Donation will be taken (suggested minimum donation of $5.00).
This is one of two annual breakfasts sponsored by the Canton Massillon Conference Lutheran Men in
Mission organization to raise funds for ministries to which area congregations are committed.
NEWS & NOTES FOR ALL
MARCH 2015
Page 4
Daylight
Saving
Time
Daylight saving
time begins on Sunday, March 8.
Please remember to turn your clocks
FORWARD.
Lifelong Learning Opportunities
Walsh University
All adults are invited to continue learning about
faith and spirituality through the education opportunities offered by Walsh University. This lifelong learning academy is organized by Rabbi
John Spitzer who has led several classes & discussions for us during our 5 years as a parish.
The following events are held in the
Barrette Business & Community Center.
Sunday Night Live
March 8, 2015
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
All youth (6th – 12th grade) are invited to
Sunday Night Live. Pastor Darla Ann went to
check out this Canton-Massillon area youth
event in February and it was amazing! 71
youth of the Lutheran Christian variety were
there for a musical presentation, games including human foosball, Chick-Fil-A, a service project, and worship. This month the
event is being hosted by St John, Canal
Fulton.
Mark your calendar for the coming months,
so you won’t miss any SNL events:
March 8 – St John, Canal Fulton
April 12 – Peace, Canton South
May 10 – Christ, Massillon
June 14 – St Paul’s, Massillon
July – off
August – off
September 13 – St Jacob’s, State Street
October 11 – Abiding Savior, Alliance
Thursday, March 12th 7:00 pm
“Christians & Jews: Creating Relationships Built
On Truth” An evening with Rabbi Eric Yoffie.
Thursday, March 26th 7:00 pm
Jewish Spiritual Practices—Making the Ordinary
Sacred. Led by Rabbi Joan Friedman, Ph.D.
Wednesdays, March 25 & April 8th 7:00 pm
“The Exodus and Redemption”
“Sinai and Revelation”
Bring Your Own Bible to follow the biblical story
of leaving Egypt and standing at Sinai. Led by
Rabbi John Spitzer.
Monday, April 13th 7:00 pm
“The Impact of the Holocaust on the 2nd & 3rd
Generation and Upon the Jewish State”
Tohar & Ofri Kait, young Israel Emissaries share
the story of Tohar’s grandfather, a Holocaust survivor.
Thursday, April 16th 7:00 pm
“The Conscience of Dietrich Bonhoeffer”
Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran Pastor, resisted
the Nazi regime. Pastor Darla Ann and Dr.
Thomas Kratzer will present his story and talk
about the source of his conscience & his courage.
The cost is $5.00 /youth and the meal is
included in that cover charge.
We have to make a reservation each month
so please text Pastor at
330-495-8710.
Pub Church
Sunday, March 1 & 15, 3:00 pm
Blue Fig Restaurant on Whipple
A pub church is a gathering of Christians which
meets in a public establishment.
The topic of the March 1st conversation will be
“Christian Community”. Please join us.
REMINDERS
Weekly Bulletin Deadline
MARCH 2015
Page 5
Please submit all information for the Sunday bulletin to the office NO LATER THAN 9:00 AM on WEDNESDAYS.
Weekly
Deadline
The bulletins are printed on Wednesday
at 10:00 Bulletin
AM.
Please submit all information for the Sunday bulletin to the office NO LATER THAN 9:00 AM on
WEDNESDAYS. The bulletins are printed on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.
Newsletter Deadline
Please submit all information for the April Newsletter to the office by 9:00 AM on
Newsletter
Deadline
WEDNESDAY,
March 18.
Please submit all information for the March Newsletter to the office by 9:00 AM on
Mary Steiger (Bethel) serves as proofreader.
We are looking
for a 18.
new proofreader from First Lutheran to help.
Wednesday,
March
Please callserves
the Parish
OfficeReader
at 330-456-0210
with your information.
you!
Mary Steiger (Bethel)
as Proof
for the newsletter.
We wouldThank
love to
have a First
Lutheran member also review the newsletter before it goes to print.
Please call the Parish Office at 330-456-0210 with your information. Thank you!
2015 Dedication Charts
Prayer Chains
Bethel Members:
Please call Evelyn Bair (330-837-7650)
if you wish to have a person’s name
added to the Bethel Prayer Chain.
First Members:
Please call Carole Nichols (330-4843306) if you wish to have a person’s
name added to the First Prayer Chain.
To dedicate the altar flowers or the eternal
flame (Bethel), simply enter your name on the
chart in the coatroom (Bethel) or see the Sunday office volunteer (First). You can enter
your dedication beside your name, or submit it
to the church office one week before the date
you have selected. Your dedication will be
printed in the bulletin on your selected date.
Money, which is not due until the day of your
dedication, may be given to the Sunday office
worker (First) or placed in the offering
(Bethel). Please note “altar flowers,”
“bulletins,” or “eternal flame” on the offering
envelope.
The costs are as follows:
BETHEL
Altar Flowers—$17.50 per vase per week
Bulletin Covers—$15.00 per week
Eternal Flame—$17.50 per month
Hospitalizations
If you or a loved one is hospitalized and you
desire pastoral care, please call the church
office. Due to privacy laws, hospitals cannot
tell pastors who has been admitted to the
hospital without the patient’s permission.
That may mean that your clergyperson will
not know of a hospitalization. So, please call
the church office if you desire a hospital visit
for yourself or a loved one. On evenings and
weekends, you may also wish to leave a
message for Pastor Kratzer at her cell phone:
330-495-8710.
FIRST
Flowers—$35.00 Altar Vases or Floor Vases
$17.00 Piano or Organ Vase
Bulletin Covers—$15.00 per week
Friends and Family
Prayer List
When you become aware of a status change of
someone you’ve submitted to the Prayer List,
please call Marie at 330-495-7481 and let her
know. Any updates and/or deletions will be
very helpful in keeping our Prayer List current
from week to week. Thanks for your help!
NEWS & NOTES TO THE BETHEL LUTHERAN FAMILY
MARCH 2015
Page 6
Easter Flower Order Form
It’s time to order your Easter plants. Quantities of each are limited, so please order early. Please fill out the information below
and return it to Cheryl Sepanik (330-768-7496) or place it in the
offering plate (with your money). Orders due March 15, 2015.
I/We would like to order:
_____Easter Lily ($9.35 each)
_____Lavender Tulips ($8.35 each)
_____Pink Hyacinths ($8.35 each)
____ In memory of __________________________________________
____ In honor of ____________________________________________
____ To the Glory of God
Other _____________________________________________________
Your Name_________________________________________________
Please note: Each plant this year is 40 cents less than last year’s price!
FEED THE NEED
Stark Hunger Walk
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Did you know that 269 people participated in the first Stark Hunger Walk in 2014? This fundraising walk benefits all the food distribution sites in the Stark County area who rely on the
Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank for the groceries they give out to those in need. Every penny
raised by this walk goes to the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. Last year brought in
$9,820.16 and 767 pounds of food.
Hunger affects 1 in 7 people in our communities. You can make a difference by participating in
this kid-friendly, pet-friendly walk of 2.1 miles on sidewalks in North Canton.
Date of Walk: Sunday, May 3 at 3:00 pm.
Starting location: Community Christian Church, 210 North Main Street, North Canton
Pre-walk activities: Registration (indoors), music by the Storyville Stompers Dixieland Band,
Face painting, Veggie cups & chips, WHBC live-broadcast, Group picture before walk, Ribbon
cutting by the North Canton Mayor to begin the walk.
Post-walk festivities: An Interfaith Soup Social inside the spacious hall at Community
Christian Church.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 3 and plan to either
walk or support those who walk with a donation.
MESSAGES & MEMOS TO THE BETHEL LUTHERAN FAMILY
MARCH 2015
Page 7
Donations Given
in February
Men In Mission
Memorials
Donations were received
from Ray Studer, and Mr.
and Mrs. Gary Sepanik, in
memory of Julia Reusing.
Breakfast—
Saturday,
March 14th,
8:30 am at
Jane’s Restaurant.
Donations were received
from Ray Studer, Mr. & Mrs.
Gary Sepanik and Irene Campitella, in memory
of Larry James.
March 9th
7:00 pm
Questions, please call
Tom Jingo
330-453-0562
Council Meeting
The Bethel Council will meet on
Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 pm in the
Lounge.
Council meetings are open to ALL
members of the congregation. If you
have something to bring before the
council, please contact the council
president, Rick McMichael, so he can
reserve enough time on the agenda.
Bethel Church Council 2015-2016
President: Rick McMichael
Vice President: Cindy Leasure
Secretary: Gary Sepanik
Treasurer: Cheryl Sepanik
Pastor: Darla Ann Kratzer
Property: Dale Studer
Stewardship: Nada Hershberger
Communications: Mary Steiger
Please support the Bethel Church Council
with your prayers throughout the year!
Bethel’s Address: 701 Broad Avenue NW,
Canton, OH 44708
Phone: 330-454-3978
The Adult Class
9:15AM each Sunday
ROMANS CHAPTER 8
&
THE PASSION
The Bethel Sunday School Class meets in the
Lounge at 9:15AM each Sunday. We started a
new lesson series on Sunday Feb. 8th titled
“Climbing to a Place of Confident Faith” by
Pastor Tom Holladay. These lessons are based
on Romans Chapter 8. On Sunday, March 15,
we will have a lesson on “The Passion” by
Pastors’ Lance Witt & Tom Holladay. We will
watch the movie “The Passion of the Christ” by
Mel Gibson over that 3 week period.
Come and join us and learn from the lessons
and the discussions that follow. Bring a friend,
all are welcomed.
SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS & MORE FOR FIRST MEMBERS
MARCH 2015
Page 8
Donations Given
in February
Thank You!
Soup Kitchen
Ed & Nancy Zelmer, Larry and
Erika Begue; Al & Mary Nuske,
in memory of Margaret Davis;
Larry & Erika Begue, and Susanna Scheel, in
memory of Regina Bruckner.
Hunger Relief
Bill Meyers
Memorials
Gertrude Beadle (designated for the Choir), Bill
Meyers, Stephen & Frieda Braneky, Carol Warner
in memory of Margaret Davis; Gertrude Beadle,
in memory of Regina Bruckner.
Thank you to
the group that sent me
the cute Valentine with the
mouse on the front, it brightened my day.
My sister, Evelyn, also sends her thanks.
Shirley Clark
Please remember that when we have a snow
day on Sunday morning our expenses do not
take a break. Just as many of your household expenses are fixed, most of the expenses for running our congregation’s
programs & building are fixed. Please help
your church by bringing or sending your
offering from the Sunday that we did not
assemble for worship. Thank you.
Bulletins
Ed & Nancy Zelmer
MONTHLY ASSIGNMENTS: MARCH
OFFICE ........................................................................................................... Gayle Brown
SECURITY ................................................................................................. Fred Stuhldreher
USHERS ............................................... Albert & Angela Koehler, Gary Koehler, Devin Koehler
ALTAR GUILD........................................... Kari Stuhldreher, Kelly Stuhldreher, Cheryl DeNayer
GUEST FOLLOW-UP ............................................................................................. Fritz Miller
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
Palm Sunday
Robert
Marchbank
David & Jean
Herritt
Carole
Nichols
Kelly
Stuhldreher
Sandra Marchbank
Nancy & Ed
Zelmer
Fritz
Miller
Tim
Stuhldreher
Robert
Marchbank
David & Jean
Herritt
ACOLYTES
Tyler
Koleski
None
Abby
Nichols
None
Tyler
Koleski
LECTORS
Abby
Nichols
Ed
Rehfus, Jr.
Samantha
Nichols
Cheryl
Stuhldreher
Steve
DeNayer
Kelly
Stuhldreher
Dorothy
Breniser
Steve & Cheryl
DeNayer
2015
GREETERS
SERVERS
Steve & Cheryl
DeNayer
Kelly Stuhldreher Steve & Cheryl
DeNayer
Dorothy Breniser
NEWS & NOTES TO THE FIRST LUTHERAN FAMILY
Page 9
MARCH 2015
Easter Flowers
It’s time to order Easter Flowers that will decorate the Altar and Sanctuary during
the Easter season. The Altar Guild will be offering Lilies, Tulips and
Hyacinths for the April 5 Easter Sunday service.
Complete this order form by indicating which plants and how many you wish to
order. Write your dedication and include payment when you order. Make checks
payable to First Lutheran. Orders must be placed by Monday, March 16.
____Lilies $9.75
____ Pink Tulips $7.75
____Yellow Tulips $7.75
____Hyacinths $7.75
In memory of:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
In honor of:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
To the Glory of God:
________________________________________________________________________________
Sponsored by:
________________________________________________________________________________
All plants may be picked up after Easter Sunday service on April 5. If you’d like your plant to go to a
shut-in, please make arrangements to deliver it, as the Altar Guild does not deliver Easter flowers.
Testing Your
Knowledge:
First Lutheran Church Council
2015
Steve DeNayer
Tim Stuhldreher
Elaine Bray
Larry Begue
Vernon Nelson
Fred Stuhldreher
Treasurer: Judy Reisinger
Pastor: Darla Ann Kratzer
Please support the First Lutheran Church
Council with your prayers throughout
the year!
909 East Tuscarawas St
Canton, OH, 44707
Lets see how well you
know your church…
The February
Question was...
How many years were regular worship
services conducted in German?
The answer is: 155 years; until 1965
The March Question is…
What items were added to the
church in 1925?
The answer will be in the April newsletter.
BETHEL’S PAGE
Page 10
MARCH 2015
MARCH
ANNIVERSARIES
3-5-1977 David & Barbara Seeton
MARCH
BIRTHDAYS
3-2
3-2
3-3
3-5
3-5
3-6
3-12
3-12
3-13
3-13
3-19
3-28
3-30
Shirley Campolieto
Marilyn Lang
Erica Speer
Richard Klotz
Peggy Allison
Evelyn Bair
Deborah Lutyen
Kyle Shackle
Marjorie Funk
Susan Stacy
Lauren McMichael
Alicia Reynolds
Natasha Musaelyan
APRIL
BIRTHDAYS
4-1
4-13
4-14
4-17
4-18
4-28
4-29
Connie Deibel
Debbie Large
Margaret Daniels
Bob McKee
Brian Seeton
Valane Messerly
Barb Jusi
APRIL
ANNIVERSARIES
4-10-95 Bill & Anita Calhoun
4-16-94 Joe & Valerie Fleming
4-24-70 Charles & Peggy Allison
BAPTISMAL
BIRTHDAYS
None in March
APRIL
4-23-06
Zander Skiles
4-29-07
Braden James Price
FIRST’S PAGE
Page 11
MARCH 2015
MARCH
ANNIVERSARIES
APRIL
BIRTHDAYS
MARCH
BIRTHDAYS
3-1
3-4
3-10
3-12
3-14
3-16
3-17
3-20
3-25
Stephen Miller
Marjorie Rehfus
Dorothy Breniser
Samuel Rehfus
Fred Stuhldreher
Mary Nuske
Gary Nuske
Ed Bray
Heidi Mueller
4-1
4-3
4-7
4-24
4-25
4-27
Dorothy Scarry
Kelly Stuhldreher
Pat Nuske
Larry Begue
Donna Salmen
Robert
Schwichtenberg
3-10-1990 David & Jean Herritt
3-17-1979 Edward & Lissa Rehus, Jr.
APRIL
ANNIVERSARIES
4-16-1983 Fred & Cheryl Stuhldreher
4-30-2011 Ed & Elaine Bray
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
909 East Tuscarawas Street
Canton, OH 44707
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL:
Please Deliver by February 27
[bethel-lutheranchurch.org]
[firstlutherancanton.com]
2015 Parish Council
Tim Stuhldreher (First) - 1st year
Tom Jingo (Bethel) - 1st year
Larry Begue (First) - 1st year
Mary Steiger (Bethel) - 1st year
Ralph Reisinger (First) - 3rd year
Gary Sepanik (Bethel) - 1st year
Treasurer—Judy Reisinger
Pastor—Darla Ann Kratzer
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Canton OH
Permit No. 728