2020 Vision - emmauslutheranchurch.comemmauslutheranchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/... · January 2020 Emmaus Lutheran Church, 841 N Shoop Ave, Wauseon, OH Vol. 56, No. 1 2 COUNCIL

January 2020 Emmaus Lutheran Church, 841 N Shoop Ave, Wauseon, OH Vol. 56, No. 1 1

2020 Vision Dear Christian Family, The sense of sight dominates our five senses. Hearing works when we are not directly connected with another person, smell works in order to evoke memories, touch in order to feel closeness, and taste to enhance our enjoyment of food. Yet sight is by far the one that dominates. The Magi (root word means wise, hence a magician was one who was wise enough to know how to do things that others didn’t) saw the star and knew what it meant and what they had to do. They couldn’t hear it or anything else, they could only see it. And what they saw spurred them to action. They followed the star. But that is not the end of what they saw: “Coming to the house, they saw the child.” The star appeared at Jesus’ birth, but it took time to travel to where He was. So when they arrived, it was at a house, not with the shepherds. They presented gifts for the Messiah, the Christ: Gold for a King. Frankincense (a form of incense) for a Priest to offer prayer. Myrrh (embalming fluid) for a Prophet because this prophet would die on behalf of His people. When they saw this toddler, they saw God. Can we see signs and know what they mean? There is a major shift in our culture which desperately needs to hear the gospel. The goal is no longer pursuing those things that are familiar, but striking out to a new land where we encounter what God is doing next: pursuing avenues to connect with young families who are not otherwise connected to the gospel. Can we follow where the signs lead? If the wisdom passed on from the wider church says to pursue young families, what new things can we do to form relationships? What ideas can individuals say, “I’m willing to do this, who is with me?” and then doing it? Of course we can as the Lord provides the vision to do so. Where do we see Jesus? If we are looking for Him in the places we saw thirty years ago, that would be like the Magi looking for Jesus in the manger: He was long gone from there by then. We always look for God in Word and Sacraments first. At the same time, the church universal has adapted to various ways of presenting the gospel as the world around them changed: the printing press, radio, internet, and now we have two generations that have grown up and are growing up feeling disconnected because of technology: friends online but very few real-world relationships. How can we be Jesus to them? There are sacrifices to be made. Jesus is King, we serve him and bring Him our treasures. Jesus is Priest, hearing our prayers and bringing them before the Father, so we pray for guidance and how to reach this generation. Jesus is Prophet, sacrificing Himself as He speaks forth in word and action what God has spoken. We are called to follow Him and lay down our lives and our personal preferences for those around us. God will provide our Vision!

In His Service,

Pastor Steve

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2


COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES—Monday, December 16, 2019 Congregation Chair (Scott Norris): No report at this time. Will be covered under Unfinished Business. Pastor’s Report (Pastor Geske): Membership numbers are 279 Baptized and 229 Communicant. Pastor’s detailed report attached. Following are highlights: • Scripture and best church development researchers advocate churches are growing when outward focused toward their

community. What can Emmaus do into the future that connects us further to young families and children that they need. • Suggestions for Sunday adult Bible class include “Amos” or “Battlefield of the Mind” through Epiphany, Lenten Bible

study with the theme, and 5 sessions on “Christian Judgment” (we are called on to make certain judgments but not be judgmental). Pastor is open to suggestions for Bible Class topics, or if you want to lead a Bible Class.

• Shut-in visitation spreadsheet is available. Pastor would appreciate information if there is anyone that should be visited and communed at home.

• Pastor has recommended to Elders to actively contact portions of the congregation in order to better care for both inactive and active members and report at next Voters.

• Praise Team gathered this past month to discuss ideas and have ‘gemutlicheit’. We will be using a Contemporary Worship template which will also be shared with Worship Committee. Sermon titles, sign sayings, and worship services are to be prepared three months in advance. Pastor is currently working on February 2020-March 2020. We will need a volunteer(s) to change the sign every week.

• Pastor has been assured that a donor will cover any remaining balance on the Screens Project that may exist as of Wednesday.

• Pastor will be in a half day on Wednesday and will lead service next Sunday. He will also take vacation days December 26, 29, 30, and 31. As always, he is available by text or call at 567-454-1317.

Administrator’s Report (Tricia Zesing): • Due to holiday schedules, will finalize January 2020 newsletter this week and print. • If possible, will print Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bulletins this week. • Church office closed December 25-27 and January 1-3. Education Team: No report at this time. Elders Report (Harold Boysel): Elders will assign given portions of the congregation (both active and inactive members) to contact. Discipleship Team (Sue Boysel): • Christmas decorations will come down the week of January 6 through the 10. Will focus on storage that makes it easier

to locate everything next year. • Emmaus Spring Rummage Sale is set for March 19, 20, and 21. Set up will be on the 18th. Presale evening of March 18

after Lenten services. After some research, will finalize designation for proceeds. • Offering envelopes are in the narthex for members to pick up. • As agreed to by Council, Food Pantry was changed to December 12, as preschool program was already scheduled for

December 19. There were 17 bags distributed. • Sara’s Garden and our youth will receive some of the hats, mittens, and socks. • Hugs & Kisses Sunday is scheduled for February 9, 2020. • As community outreach, donations for the Cruz family, will be accepted between now and Christmas. • Community meal November 21 served 70-75 people. Next year’s community meals will be May 7 and October 22. Trustee Team (Tricia Zesing & Darl Beachy): Whitmer has looked at the drinking fountain and will give us a quote for repair or replacement. It needs a new thermostat, but the fountain we have is “obsolete” and we may not be able to get the parts for repair. We may have to look at alternatives. Tricia brought an invoice from BFS Audio, LLC for $11,054.00. This is likely


for the parts only, no labor included. Tricia will check with Mark Schlueter to clarify. Darl Beachy reported that Dick Koder has revised the plan for the handicapped access ramp. It was suggested that Dick attend council in January to answer any questions that may arise. Preschool Coordinators (Adriane Baldwin): • 2019-20 registrations: 8 for Tues/Thurs class; 4 for Mon/Wed/Fri class. • Poinsettia Plant Sale (Country Sprouts): Sold 48 plants, raising $144. Students will take their poinsettias home and

church orders will decorate the altar area through Christmas. Thanks to all who ordered. • Christmas program, December 19 @6:00 pm. There will be cookies (decorated by students) and punch after the

program. • Food License fees are due before March 1, 2020. Proposed increase is $10. • National School Choice week is January 20-24. Will distribute the yellow scarves to students & parents; remainder will

be donated to hat & mitten tree. Will also have “Muffins for Moms” & “Donuts for Dads” that week to thank them for choosing Emmaus preschool.

• Lutheran Schools Week is January 26 – February 1. Jennifer is working on activities; past year included fun dress-up days.

• New Heights field trip – February date to be scheduled. • Preschool brochure will be updated and printed for coming year. • Account balance as of 12-10-19 $2832.00 Financial Officer (Bev Schlosser): Reviewed the balance sheet & profit/loss statement. As mentioned in Pastor’s report, funding for the screen project will be completed by Christmas. Next project for funding will be parking lot repair. New Business: Council continued in Executive Session to discuss strategies for improving communication in 2020. Business meeting concluded with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting is Monday, January 20, 2020. Kay Heilman, Recording Secretary

PRESCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS Please watch the helping hands board to see what items are needed for our preschool. We appreciate any and all donations! Classes Resume—January 6, 2020

Visit us at: [email protected]

emmauschristianpreschool.webs.com www.facebook.com/EmmausChristianPreschool

mailto:[email protected]


ATTENTION EMMAUS WOMEN IN MISSION

Busy, Busy, Busy – That describes this year, year 2021, and year 2022 for all us

Lutheran Women in Mission, including the Emmaus unit. Think how you can be in

service to the LWML Mission. EMMAUS LWML MEETING: We will have a Bible study from the Winter

LWML Quarterly, “Why the Joy of The Lord Is Our Strength”. The meeting begins with a devotion from Leone Huner and ends with a treat from JoAnn Echler. In the middle comes a short meeting to plan for the Napoleon Zone Spring Rally. NAPOLEON ZONE LWML SPRING RALLY. In April 2020, Emmaus will be the host church for the

Spring Rally. The churches of the Napoleon Zone are St. Luke, Wauseon; Zion Ridgeville Corners; St. John Stryker; Immanuel, Hamler; St. James, Burlington; St. John, Freedom Township; St. Paul, Napoleon; St. Paul, Flatrock; St. Paul, Liberty Center and of course, Emmaus. The date is Saturday morning, April 18, 2020. Our speaker is Mrs. Madalyn Short, Family Life Director at Living Word Lutheran in Galena, Ohio. We will need volunteers for greeting and signing in, the continental breakfast and clean up. If you are interested in helping out with this Rally, please contact one of the team members: Marilyn Dachenhaus, Mary Behnfeldt, Leone

Huner or Amber Shelt-Friend. Better yet, you are welcome to attend our meeting on Monday, January 27 at 6:30 pm in the fellowship hall. 2020 OHIO DISTRICT CONVENTION: Held at the Marriott University of Dayton ON June 19-21, 2020. The theme is “Hope Fully on God’s Grace”, based on 1 Peter 1:13. The Napoleon Zone will need a banner and are looking for volunteer(s). If you are interested in participating in making a banner, please contact Deb Wesche, Napoleon Zone President for details (419-262-1403 or [email protected]). By mid- to late February, each unit should choose 2 delegates to the convention. NATIONAL LWML CONVENTION: June 24-27, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. The Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana districts are hosting. The Napoleon Zone delegate will be chosen from St. Lukes, Wauseon. As one of the host districts, we will need lots of volunteers. Watch the bulletins and newsletters as the time comes closer. 2022 OHIO DISCTRICT CONVENTION: The host zones for this convention are Napoleon, Defiance, and Toledo. Save the date of June 17-18, 2022. It is Ohio District’s first “abbreviated” convention or “conventionette”, It will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon, Ohio. Instead of three days, the convention will begin Friday evening with the communion worship. All meetings and luncheon will be on Saturday; convention ends late Saturday afternoon. For the first time, delegates may choose their own hotel accommodations. There will be a luncheon on Saturday, but no banquet Saturday night. The position of chairperson is still pending—watch for updates as the date gets closer.

So, if someone wants to know about your plans for the next 3 years – the answer is “YES”. Planning,

planning, planning.

mailto:[email protected]


ADULT BIBLE CLASS Join us for Bible Study in the fellowship hall after worship – “Pray or Prey?” is a study of God’s Word pertaining to spiritual warfare and wearing/using the whole armor of God (Eph. 6). In short, this class is an extension of Pastor’s sermon on Spiritual Warfare from last fall with the handout. Lasting about 16 weeks, we will learn from the Bible, Luther’s writings and other extra-biblical sources how to safely drive the Spiritual Enemy (Satan, “accuser”; Job 1-2, Zech. 3:1-2, Luke 22:3, 2 Cor. 2:11, Rev. 12:9) and his fallen angels out of our lives and homes. Sessions include (but are not limited to): Spiritual Safety, Offensive/Defensive Warfare, Temptation and Accusation, Blessings as Warfare, The Paranormal, Christians and Halloween, Superstitions, The Occult, Basic Warfare for Everyday Life, Praise and Worship, House Blessings, and How to Bless Other People. The first session is required in order to attend the class. For the best spiritual learning and understanding, it is recommended that the majority of sessions be attended. For those not at the first session, contact Pastor Steve for that make-up session on Spiritual Safety. Questions? Call or text Pastor Steve (567) 454-1317.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study You are invited to join us at Ryan’s Restaurant in Wauseon (in the back room) for Bible Study and breakfast from 8:00-9:30 a.m. We are studying the book of Revelation. Guiding us in our study will be Rev. Dr. Louis Brighton of Concordia Seminary by video and commentary. Revelation (no ‘s’!) is the most connected to the Old Testament, very comforting, and extremely empowering when we see it the way they did in the first century. Since this Biblical interpretation has been passed down by the church, we benefit from it now. Class is led by Pastor Geske and includes members from sister congregations. All are welcome!

Women’s Bible Study

We elected to take a break for the last month of 2019. The target date for starting a new study is January 15. Prior participants should watch their e-mail for a questionnaire about the new study.

National Lutheran Schools Week Jan. 26–Feb. 1, 2020 National Lutheran Schools Week provides nearly 2,000 pre-schools, elementary schools and high schools with the public opportunity to proclaim and celebrate God’s work among us in schools of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. We thank God for the opportunity to provide excellent academic preparation for the children we serve. We are most grateful for the opportunity to share Jesus’ amazing love with children and their families. National Lutheran Schools Week gives us an opportunity to pro-claim these great blessings within the communities we serve. Our schools are amazing incubators for faithful witness of God’s love for us through Christ by teachers and students alike.


FLY ON THE WALL

Thanks to the Wednesday night youth for leading the Advent service on December 11.

A special angel made the lace angels in the wreaths in the windows, and many caring

members came and decorated at different times. Another couple caring members cleaned up the leaves in the church yard.

To all those who went and did the shopping and who worked here at church we thank you!! And last many thanks to all those who purchased poinsettias...God bless each of you!!

Stewardship minute…. It Was so Simple

What Christian ever tires of hearing the Christmas story? First we hear about the Angel Gabriel. He was a busy guy, delivering messages from God. He must have enjoyed this task, though, because he was bringing good news. To Mary he said, “You’re going to have a son, and you shall call His name Jesus.” To Joseph, who understandably was a little unsure of how to proceed with Mary, Gabriel said, “Don’t worry Joseph. This is God’s doing. Mary’s going to have God’s Son.” Simple, right? Just follow God’s plan. Then there’s a decree from Caesar Augustus. He had no idea he was just a pawn in God’s hands. As the powerful ruler he was, he issued a decree: “Everybody has to go to his hometown to be registered for the census.” And everybody went, including Joseph and Mary. Even though Mary’s pregnancy was quite advanced, she went on that arduous trip. Why not? She was in God’s hands, too, although far from a pawn. She was God’s channel. Through her God would bring to earth the greatest gift ever received. Just in time, the innkeeper said they could stay in his barn – just in time for the birth. No hospital and no neonatal unit – God brought His Son into this world. Some poor shepherds were out in the fields that night, just like most nights. But it wasn’t like most nights, for the night sky filled with light as angels appeared and “the glory of the Lord shone around them” (Luke 2:9). Those shepherds looked and listened, and then they acted. “Let’s go see what God’s been doing in Bethlehem,” they said to each other, and they went. And they believed, and they told others what they had seen and heard and now believed. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Not complicated like the world is today? Not exactly true. The world was complicated then, too. Political intrigue abounded; wars were being fought; the greedy still coveted more and more; some people then, as now, were too busy to see the angels or hear their message. But not everyone! Then as now, some will put aside the hustle and clamor. We’ll slow down and listen for angels’ wings, and we’ll hear the message of “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). We’ll take time to peek into the manger and worship God’s Son and we’ll eagerly “[make] known the saying that [has] been told [us] concerning this Child” (Luke 2:17).


Prayers for our Emmaus Family: Ross Brown Marilyn Dachenhaus Kellie Eckman & her mother Jeff Flory Cathie Geske Don Heilman Rev. Alvia Martis Elmer O’Brien Rev. Logan Schiewe Roseanna Parsons Betty Smith Judi Tuckerman Our Emmaus Family Our Emmaus Preschool

Relatives and Friends of Emmaus: Howard Apple (Edith Beachy’s sister’s father-in-law)

Julie Borton (Mary Behnfeldt’s cousin) Rev. Jim Herbolsheimer Allie Herman (Marilyn Ricker’s Granddaughter)

Pat Kramer (Pastor Kramer’s wife)

Rodney Kurth (Norma Kurth’s son)

Sue Lane (Vickey Finn’s cousin/adopted sister)

Ted Mirabal (Jennifer Rodriguez’s father)

Julie Mires (Roger Behnfeldt’s niece) Mary Lou’s Family (Lorna Hausch’s Friend)

Debbie Loveland (Vickie Oberla’s friend)

Sharon Prather (Don Prather’s sister-in-law)

James Prayter (Karen Grieser’s son-in-law)

Beverly Walworth( Richard Brown’s sister and Shirley Brown’s daughter)

Wesley Wright (Roseanna Parsons’ brother) Ted Wright Nettie Yoder (Darl Beachy’s aunt)

SHUT-INS Shirley Brown Marilyn Gee Lorna Hausch Merici Krieger-Harms Norma Kurth Annabelle Leupp George & Gladys Rue Barb Shannon Gloria Smith Chris Tuckerman Judi Tuckerman Martin Zimmerman

Wednesday Night Youth & Catechism Class activities resume on

Wednesday, January 9, 2020 7:00 to 8:00 PM

for kids Pre-k thru 12th.

Keep these guidelines in mind as winter continues and you need to decide about coming to services: 1) We respect the judgment of our members when they decide weather

conditions are too dangerous and they choose to stay at home. 2) When the designated law enforcement agencies declare a Level 2 or

Level 3 condition for the county or city, we encourage our members to abide by those restrictions and stay home. Activities at Emmaus are cancelled under Level 2 or Level 3 conditions.

3) Generally, when the Wauseon Schools are closed due to weather, Emmaus programs are also cancelled for that day.

4) An email will be sent to all current email addresses on file with the church office, and an announcement will be posted on social media.

In Sympathy: Family of Roseann Meiring (Jerry Meiring’s mother)

The January through March 2020 Portals

of Prayer are available in the church hallway.

Please pick up your copy today.


JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

ALTAR FLOWERS

If you wish to provide the altar flowers to commemorate a special occasion or in someone’s memory, please sign the flower

chart on the hallway bulletin board. The cost is $30. Please make checks payable to Emmaus Lutheran Church and turn check into the office prior to the date.

EMMAUS FOOD PANTRY

will be open Thursday, Jan. 16

5:00-7:00 pm

We are collecting empty ink jet and toner cartridges (big and small) to trade in for office supplies. If you have any empty cartridges, please bring them to the church and place them in the box located in the hallway.

Baptism of Elijah Morris Wakefield

On December 1, 2019, Emmaus welcomed Elijah Morris Wakefield through the rite of Holy Baptism. Elijah was born on April 16, 2019 to Joshua and Alicia Wakefield. His sponsors were Lonnie and Dawn Sumner.

The Tuesday’s with Arlene’s Emmaus

Quilters will resume in January.

Date TBD.

2 Cheyenne Miller

5 Gary Damman

6 Jamie Myers

7 Amy Rice

9 Shawn Hanson

10 Diana Kline

11 Brandon Altman

11 Krystine Davis

11 Kairi Lynn-Marie Mason

12 Tera Rogers

12 Angela Schuette

14 Jamie Hanson

15 Anthony Ruger

16 Adalyn Leahy

16 Emily Wooten

17 Austin Schuette

19 Scott Roberts

22 Wayne Badenhop

22 Gloria Smith

23 Kyleigh Marshall

24 Thomas Smith

26 Chris Schlueter

28 Larry Rabe

28 Megan Ruger

28 Charlene Morris

30 Sue Brock

5 Elmer and Geri O'Brien

The Discipleship Team is accepting items for the Community Rummage Sale on March 19-21, 2020. Set-up will be on March 18. Please contact Edith Beachy to get items to her. Please do not take/leave anything at the church. Thank you so much.

2020 Vision - emmauslutheranchurch.comemmauslutheranchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/... · January 2020 Emmaus Lutheran Church, 841 N Shoop Ave, Wauseon, OH Vol. 56, No. 1 2 COUNCIL

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