Community of Christ Lutheran Church                    Phone: (419) 877-0607
                6517 Finzel Road                                                            Fax: (419) 877-5657
                Whitehouse, OH 43571

Weekly Announcements

Kitchen and Landscape Committees - We are looking for people interested in participating in either of these two new committees.  As we get closer to using our new building, both of these areas are in need of ideas and discussion.  Please let the office know if you are interested in joining.

Construction Update and Reminders - As this is written, the new bathrooms are scheduled to be completed to be used this weekend.  The outdoor 47’ foot is scheduled to be placed this next week.  Watch for it!  If it is placed, we will include a blessing of the cross at the conclusion of all three services next weekend.  The main entrance is almost completed.  Painting and floor polishing are next.   

Dedication Weekend - We have set our Dedication Weekend for May 10 & 11.  On Saturday, May 10 there will be a dinner prepared and served out of our new kitchen, followed by informal open house for our members to explore our new and renovated space.  On Sunday, May 11 there will be two identical Dedication Services at 8 & 10 AM which will include the Bishop, special music, and a procession from the present worship space.  The final services in our present site will be the weekend of May 3 & 4.   A general Open House for the community will be June 2.  Please save these special dates in your calendars now.  You will receive more details as they become available.  You won’t want to miss these truly historic events.

Dedication Preparation - So that we are really familiar with the liturgy for the final Sunday in our present space and also Dedication Day, we will be alternating between Setting 2 of the ELW and Setting 2 of the LBW during all of the worship services until then.  That means there will be a little more music in the 5:00 PM & 8:00 AM worship services.

Blessing of Exterior Cross - Date yet to be determined - Our new exterior cross at the front of the building will rise 47 feet from its platform and tower above the roofline and solar panels.  It will be a visual marker of the location of this church and also a statement of what  we believe - Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  After it has been placed, the very next weekend services will include a special litany, prayers and a blessing of this cross.  At the end of those services, we will sing “Lift High the Cross” and proceed outside at the foot of the cross for the blessing.  The exact date of the Blessing will be known by watching for the cross placement!  Be watching - you won’t want to miss it!

Final Services In Present Worship Space - We will be gathering May 3 & 4 in our present worship space, one last time, to give special thanks to God for the wonderful 31 years we have worshipped there.   We have invited back Pastor Ray Gottschling, the founding pastor who was here when the building was built, to be with us for the services.  We will remember the many worship services - Christmas and Easter celebrations, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals which took place here.  We will also make note of the Charter Members of this church who saw to it that this present worship space was built.  The services the weekend will be at the regular times.

Congregational Dedication Dinner - Saturday, May 10, 5:30 PM Fellowship, 6:00 PM Dinner - The day before Dedication we will sit down together as a congregation to enjoy a meal prepared, cooked and served from our new Kitchen!   There will be NO 5:00 PM worship service that day.   After the dinner we will have a short program which will include a video history of the building and a chance to walk through the building.  Church members, please watch for your invitation in the mail.  This will be a reservation only, limited seating dinner.  The menu includes:  Savory Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, Chicken Marsala, Country Style Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Almondine, and more!

Identical Dedication Services - May 11, 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM - Both Dedication Services that morning will begin in our former worship space and then proceed to the new one... going forth from the present to a future built upon the foundation of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. 

The architect and builder will hand over keys to the new church to the congregation.  Bishop Marcus Lohrmann and Assistant to the Bishop, Marc Miller will be here to celebrate with us.  The Tower Brass, a brass quintet, will provide music.  It will be a wonderful service of praise and celebration as we are Building to Make Jesus Known.

Community Open House - Sunday, June 1, 1:00-4:00 PM - So that our greater Anthony Wayne community might see our new building, an Open House has been scheduled for Sunday, June 1.  We hope that many will come and see our new space and find that this could become their home church as well.   

Workers Needed For All The Events - In order to make this all come together, we will need your help. There will be sign-up sheets on the bulletin board.  We will need worship service volunteers, ushers, parking lot attendants, bulletin/booklet volunteers, commemorative gifts assemblers, dinner invitation workers, adult food servers, table/chairs set-up and take down for dinner,  food/kitchen preps "prior to" and 'day of" our dinner, and confirmation kids to bus tables, and more!   Watch the Bulletin Board how you might help.

Shakers and Movers Needed - It’s getting very exciting!  The time is getting closer!  In the coming weeks, we will be moving in to our new worship space, offices, music area and kitchen.  We are going to need folks willing to help move items, and those willing to help shake the dust off of many things and areas.  These tasks will possibly need to be done on a last-minute notice.  A lot is going to come together very quickly, as we are winding down our building project. 

We know that on Monday & Tuesday, May 5 & 6, a semi from Gunder Furniture will be here in the parking lot for us to unload all of our pew chairs and place in the worship space.  This is going to take a team of a lot of people, and will require heavy lifting.  This will be an all-day project and will continue the following day.  We will begin very early on Monday morning.  There will be special place on the bulletin board to sign up for the day the pew chairs arrive.  We will also be providing a lunch on May 5.  Ladies, there will be a place for you to sign up for assisting with that also.

There is a signup sheet on the community bulletin board for the other tasks that are going to come up.  Please mark down if you are willing to help clean or carry, including your phone number and/or email will be very important, as we may be connecting you as a group at the last minute.

Building Wish List - There have been some new articles added to the Building Wish List on the Bulletin Board outside the worship area.  Here is an opportunity for individuals and/or families to contribute to specific items or funds in honor or in memory of a loved one.  If you have any questions about an article or your gift, please contact the Church Office.  This opportunity is offered on a “first come, first serve" basis.

At this time, we are thinking ahead to Pastor Rich’s office and the Church Secretary’s office.  We have gotten a bid of approximately $11,000 for office furniture, file cabinets, bookcases, reception area and counseling area for Pastor Rich’s office.  If you would like to take the opportunity to help purchase office furnishing, please use the envelopes on the Building Wish List Board.

Hospitality For The Saturday 5:00 PM Service - Please help us out and provide the hospitality for the 5:00 PM service.  This is an important ministry.  Please sign up on the bulletin board.

Next Lutheran Basics Class - begins Sunday, April 6 at 9:00 AM - If you are interested in joining Community of Christ, please speak to Pastor Rich.  The next Lutheran Basics class leading to membership will begin April 6.  These classes take place on Sunday mornings during the Sunday School time of 9:00 AM.  For those transferring from another Lutheran church, we will meet May 18 & June 1.  Please tell Pastor Rich of your interest.

Vacation Bible School - Sunday, July 13 through Thursday, July 17 - It’s not too early to be thinking about our Community Vacation Bible School.  This year, Community of Christ is hosting VBS.  We are excited to be able to have the community experience the first VBS with our building expansion.  Please watch for ways that you can help with VBS.  If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Gillenwater.

Adult Mystery Dinner - Saturday April 19, 6:30 PM - Look for sign up sheet on the board.  Few details to follow, after all, it is a mystery!  Everyone will meet at the church, we will be off for an adventure and dinner.  Signup sheet will be up soon.  Trust us....you'll have fun.  Bring a friend!

First Place Alumni - Our next session of  First Place starts on Monday, April 21 at 7:00 PM and Tuesday, April 22 at 8:30 AM.  This session will be for those who have previously participated in the First Place program.  The bible study that we are doing is titled Giving Christ First Place.  We will be reviewing week one of the study at our first meeting.  Therefore, you will need to get your study at least the week before in order to prepare.  We will not be doing a Wellness Time during this session.  The last week of this class will be June 23.   We will not be meeting this summer.  We will begin again on September 8 & 9, with new material from the re-written program.  If you have any questions, please call Sherrie Carroll, (419) 877-0607.

CrossTraining - May 16 & 17, Bowling Green State University - Everyone is encouraged to attend Cross Training for our Synod   It is a chance to strengthen and renew your faith in Christ Jesus, as well as the chance to see and explore faith working through each one of us in our lives, in our communities and in the world.  God's power is alive in the Northwestern Ohio Synod - let us celebrate together the vast power that being alive through and in Christ provides to us.  Come and feel the power of the Holy Spirit alive in the conference as we meet, worship and study together to live the mission that God has intended for us in this time and in this place.  Celebrate the music of Ken Medema and Lost and Found and celebrate God's love!  CrossTraining will provide opportunities to renew your baptismal calling - through worship, music and keynote presentations, you can renew your sense of God's call in your life.

Explore your God-given talents and skills during the three workshop sessions, and learn to use them to better serve God's mission in your life, in your home, in your congregation, in the synod and in the world.  Be inspired as a called child of God with all the promises He gives to us as we explore the powerfully explosive presence and potential of the Holy Spirit moving in us and through us.  CrossTraining is being held May 16-17, 2008, at Bowling Green State University. The festivities begin at 4:30 PM, Friday, May 16, and continue until 10:30 PM, Saturday, May 17.  Many packages and options are available for the weekend, and child care is also an option. 

Our Church wants to encourage our members to attend this event by paying for ½ of the registration fees.  Meals will be on our own, but there are lots of restaurants available in the area.  To register, see the Bulletin Board.  Deadline is April 18. 

From Sunday School Superintendent, Heidi Gillenwater - What is the Importance of Christian Education?            In today’s society, there are many activities and interesting pursuits that we can enjoy.  We work very hard as parents to get our kids into the right programs and schools to ensure that they will have the best opportunities in life.  All too often, we suddenly find that the kids are involved in so many activities that we hardly have time for family meals, get-togethers, or simply having fun playing games.  It is important to remember that this is a vital time in your child’s growth in faith.  Expectations, values, and models make a huge impressions on the children and set the tone for the rest of their lives. As parents and sponsors, we made baptismal promises to bring the children to church to learn more about Christian living.  When the children are brought to Sunday school, they gain from the experience by being able to share the Good News with their age peers on a level that’s just right for them.  When they are brought to worship services with you, they gain from watching and hearing the faithful practices of those around them.

This education, like an academic education, is a shared responsibility.  Families who worship together regularly, have an enriched experience. Our intergenerational Sunday school opening and age-level studies, provide the opportunity to go in depth as well as broaden our understanding of our faith.  These opportunities help us all to develop into the people God intends us to be.  As adult members of the congregation, we are all responsible for Christian education in our church. Remember, sharing your faith and helping others makes an indelible mark on the lives of people, regardless of their age.  Thank you to all who attend Sunday school.  For those that have not been able to make it in a while, I personally invite you to join us. It is a wonderful time to gather in fellowship and share in part of what makes Community of Christ special.  Be sure to bring a friend!

Adopt a Shut-In - We have several members who are unable to attend worship regularly and would really enjoy a visit from another member of our church.  So we are going to try a new program, which would involve a church member signing up to “adopt” another homebound member and visiting them at least once a month, and also sending cards on birthdays and other occasions.  If you feel called to do this important ministry in our congregation, please call Nancy Ferne or Susan Nofzinger for a list of members waiting for a visit from you!  Some of you may already do this for a certain person; if so, please let us know so we don’t reassign them. We have had 3 members choose a shut-in so far, so that is very exciting!  Please contact us so you can be part of this important ministry.

Picture Directory - We have now taken over 170+ family unit pictures for our Picture Directory.  Family units - both single and groups - who haven’t had their pictures taken have been called.  We are really intent on having as many people in the directory as possible.  Pictures will be taken against the blue background at the front left of the worship area.

We are completing the photographs for families this next week for our Picture Directory.  We are really intent on having as many people in the directory as possible.  Pictures will be taken against the blue background at the front left of the worship area. 

Funeral Dinner Committee - I have agreed to chair the committee for preparation of funeral meals.  A big THANK YOU! to Donna Cochran for having served as chairperson for several years.  Ruthann Ortner has graciously agreed to continue to be the Co-Chairperson.  The purpose of this group is to prepare and serve a meal after the funeral service.  We do not have a meal after every funeral, but only at the request of the family.  I am looking for individuals willing to prepare a dish to serve 10-12 people and to deliver it to the church prior to the meal.  I am also looking for individuals to help set up and tear down tables and to serve the meal.  I am planning on setting up two to three different groups so everyone would only have to serve/prepare every other or every third time.  If this is something that you would like to do, please either sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board or give me a call, Cinda Pontsler.  The signup sheet has the names of those individuals who were signed up previously.  If you want to stay on the list - thank you.  If at this time it is not convenient for you to be on the committee, please mark through your name and thank you for serving. 

Newsletter Deadline - In the future, the newsletter deadline will on the 15th of the month prior to the next newsletter.  Please email your newsletter items to the church office at: secretary@commofchrist.org.  If you have any questions, please call Sherrie in the office at (419) 877-0607.

Talking With The Pastor - Because of the office situation with Sherrie, Pam and Pastor sharing the same office, it might be uncomfortable for persons wishing to speak to Pastor Rich to either by phone or for a visit.  Please be assured that Pastor Rich makes sure that privacy takes place on the phone or another place in the church.  Pastor Rich would also be willing to meet outside the church to talk.

Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate - Because of our building construction dust, fair trade coffee is not being displayed.  We still encourage you to continue buying and using it.  When you are in need of some, please contact Susan Dentel and she will be happy to deliver your coffee here at the church.  

The following items are on order and should be arriving sometime soon:

If you would be interested in purchasing hot cocoa or teas, please let Susan know and we can order more items.

"Fun"d raising Committee - The "Fun"d raising committee is getting ready to gear up again and would like some new volunteers to get fresh ideas.  We meet at Barb Thober's house to do our planning.  If interested in joining us please call Molly Wachtmann or Barb Thober.

“Out To Brunch Bunch" - Sunday, April 20 - We have begun an informal  “Out to Brunch Bunch” that heads to the Whitehouse American Legion on the third Sunday of the month after the 10:00 service, for a breakfast of eggs (various styles cooked to your order), sausage, pancakes, bacon, potatoes, toast and drink.   Singles, couples, and families are welcome!  Come to our next gathering on April 20.  We had 26 come last month, a great start for this church fellowship activity for all families!

Ladies Night Out - Our April Ladies Night Out will be on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 PM at Biaggi’s in Levis Commons in Perrysburg.  If you have never attended a Ladies Night Out, this is a great way to get to know other ladies at church.  All ladies are welcome!  Please sign up on the community bulletin board!

2nd Annual Church Rummage Sale - We have a date!  May 29, 30, 31.  Start saving your precious items!  We encourage any items large or small:  boats, antiques, clothes, furniture, you name it!  Please start marking your items with masking tape.  This works the best and sticks.  Please do not use stickers or staples.  Pastor Rich is willing to store outdoor items and/or large furniture (no clothes) in his barn.  Call Pastor or Nancy if storage is needed.  If you have questions regarding the sale, call Tina Baden.  You can help prepare for our Church Rummage Sale by saving both plastic and paper bags.  Please keep them at your home until that week.

Community of Christ Shirts - We are once again selling Community of Christ shirts.  We are hoping to show unity at various upcoming events such as the rummage sale, Community Open House Day in June and the Ice Cream Social.  The previous T-shirts and new polo shirts will be available.  We will also have a catalog if you would like to special order.  Keep your eyes open for our display.

Community of Christ Book Club - The Community of Christ Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.  All members are welcome to join in at anytime.  Please call LuAnn Shuman if you have any questions.

Next meeting - Middlesex: A Novel by Jeffrey Eugenides is an epic novel about a genetic condition that occurs within a Greek family.   Book Club will meet on April 15 at 7:00 PM at the house of Ruthann Ortner.

Book Club Selections for 2007-2008

Using Your Church Envelopes - Our Financial Secretary would like to remind everyone to use their envelopes and please fill in the figures on the front.  It helps tremendously for recording purposes if the offering amounts are placed on the outside of the offering envelopes.  If you are using envelopes picked up here at church, please include your name.

Ladies Craft Group - Please join the Ladies Craft Group on Wednesdays from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.  You can bring a craft from home that you don’t have the time to work on OR, you can help the Craft Group fill their large tubs with knitted or crocheted hats, scarves and mittens for one of the women’s shelters in Toledo.  If you aren’t into crafts and you would like to donate hats, scarves or mittens for children or women, please drop them off in the long Sunday School room.  There is a storage tub that marked for  your donations.  If you have always wanted to learn to knit or crochet, come on over - they will show you how!  If you have questions, please call Dorothy Petrell.

Bunnies & Bears - Building Fundraiser - The Ladies Craft Group is offering Bunnies, Bears and other stuffed animals…..dressed in their finest by the craft group for a free will offering, with contributions going toward the building fund.  To see a sample, look on the Community Bulletin Board.  These will make a great small gift for a friend, young or old!  If you would like one of the animals, please see Dorothy Petrell or Molly Wachtmann, or call the church office.

April Thank You Offering - The April Thank You Offering will be used to defer some of the costs of printing the new Picture Directory.