1

Our journey through Lent begins.

Together we will spend the next 40

days on the road to the Cross as

we venture from Ash Wednesday

to Good Friday. Did you know that

these forty days were set aside to

mirror Jesus’ forty days in the

wilderness where he was

eventually tempted by the Devil?

It’s hard to think of Jesus living forty

days, alone without food, drink, or

the company of others. It’s hard to

think that Jesus, during this time,

was essentially homeless. For some

of us it’s hard to think about

homelessness.

My first encounter with

homelessness came from the

stories my confirmation pastor

would tell. He had spent one of his

sabbaticals on the streets of LA,

living off of what he could carry in

his backpack. Even as a young

youth, I found his stories

captivating and eye opening.

Fast forward several years to my

first Call in Norfolk, Virginia. There

was a highway that cut diagonally

between the church and the

parsonage, which was located

serval miles away. No matter

which way I had to travel, I always

had to pass under the highway

and the exit ramps, one of which

had a tent city set up underneath.

It wasn’t large, and it was high up

on the top of the slope located in

between the beams supporting

I-64. Every time I drove by I

thought about what I should do, or

could do, but in my naivete, did

nothing.

Fast forward several yeas to my

third Call in Palm Beach Gardens,

Florida. As a congregation we

were partners with “St. George”

and old Episcopal church building

that had been turned into a

resource center for the homeless in

West Palm Beach. They offered

classes for at risk children, training

for adults, we cooked meals, and

helped provide other service. One

treasured memory I carry was a

service day where hair cuts were

given, health screening was

offered, etc. As I volunteered, I

graciously accepted to

opportunity to help with food care.

Sounds gross and weird, doesn’t it!

However I saw it as a chance to

model Jesus washing the disciples’

feet. For these individuals it was

like walking into a five star

pedicure spa. We helped them

wash, scrub, trim nails, and soften

the hard calloused feet upon

which they traveled day in and

day out. They received a fresh pair

of socks and a new pair of shoes or

flip flops for everyone involved. It

was taste of heaven and I believe I

was rewarded just as much as all

those whom we served.

Continued on page 2

Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m.

Broadcast live on 93.3 FM

or 1600 AM

Midweek Lenten Worship:

5:30p Soup Supper

7:00p Worship

Senior Choir: 8:59a.m. on Sunday mornings

Bells of Praise: 5:45 p.m. on Mondays

Council Meeting: 7:30 Tuesday March 17th

Children’s Church: Each week on Sunday

Confirmation: 8:45a March 1st and 15th

High School Sunday Group:

8:45a March 8th and 22nd

First @ Lunch: March 8th @ TJ Willie’s

Chicken BBQ: April 26th

Seeking donations of

auction items. They can be

dropped off in the Church Office.

EVENTS AT A

GLANCE

“ Cod is among us!” “We are called to go out, care for all, share the gospel, forgive, reconcile, and trust God for all that we need.”

First Lutheran Church

300 Melmore Street Tiffin, Ohio

March 2020 Scroll

WORDS FROM PASTOR BAILEY

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meets on

the third

Monday

of each month at 1:30 PM in the

Church Library. Upcoming books:

March-Sold on a Monday by

Kristina McMorris

April-Where the Crawdads Sing by

Delia Owens

May– Killers of the Flower Moon by

David Grann

PIECE CORP

Next meeting will be at 9AM March

11th in Fellowship Hall.

Everyone is invited to help put

together quilts. No experience is

needed.

There is a job for everyone!

GROUPS

FIRST@LUNCH will meet on March 8th

at TJ Willie’s.

Everyone is invited to join the group.

WOMEN’S

BIBLE STUDIES

Monday 7PM

March 2nd Home of Janet Meyer

March 9th Home of Judy Kimmel March 16th Home of Beth Myers

March 23rd Home of Donna Brueggemeier

March 30th Home of Deb Hohman

Contact Beth Myers for details @

419-447-8507.

Wednesday 10:15AM in the Church Library.

Thursday 7PM

March 5th Home of Janet Zirger

March 12th Home of Bonnie Oberlander

March 19th Home of Jan Grangaard

March 26th Home of Diane Greene

Contact Ruth in the Church

Office for details @419-447-1323.

(T-TH)

Continued from page 1

Then fast forward to Tiffin. One would be quick to assume that we

don’t have a homeless population in our community. I might have

made those assumptions early on as well. However a few years

ago, I responded to an invitation to a community meeting on

homelessness in Seneca County. Out of that meeting was birthed

“Project Seneca Help” which took place in the Spring of 2018. From

there, I’ve been serving on a series of planning teams and

committees that are working to raise awareness about

homelessness in our area with the hopes of building a shelter in the

Tiffin community. I think these are exciting ventures as a people of

faith.

As our own mission statement calls us “to go out” this month I would

like to invite you to go out into the world with open eyes to see,

hear, learn about, and experience what homelessness means in

Seneca County.

On Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. the Library is hosting a discussion

on “Homelessness in Seneca County.” Several individuals from the

Seneca County Council on Homelessness will be there to share

stories of what homelessness looks like in our area and how this is a

valid concern that exists, even while we may not see it.

On Wednesday, March 18 a Poverty Simulation will take place from

3 – 6 at the Marion Center of TU. If you have never participated in a

Poverty Simulation, I would strongly encourage you to consider

registering for this event. During the simulation, you will have new

“identity”, restraints by which you live, and tasks that are supposed

to be accomplished within the daily time limit. Our youth had the

opportunity to participate in a similar simulation on one of our

recent mission trips. It was fun, educational, and eye opening. If

you are interested in registering, please call 419-447-3751.

Together, as we walk with Jesus to the cross, let us live out our

mission “to go out” and experience the world with the eyes of

Christ, full of compassion and love for all of God’s children.

God’s Blessings,

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THANK YOU / ANNOUNCEMENTS / BIRTHDAYS

Thank you from...

On behalf of the congregation of

the First Presbyterian Church in

Tiffin and the Tiffin Community

Non-Food Pantry, I would like to

express deep gratitude for the

generous contributions of items

and monetary donations you

have made to the Non-Food

Pantry. The mission of the pantry is

to help as many people as we

can to obtain necessary personal

hygiene and household supplies

that they cannot otherwise afford

and that are not available to

them through other existing

assistance programs in our area.

Your generous contributions

directly impact our ability to

extend assistance to as many of

the most vulnerable members of

our community as possible. The

need for such a resource in our

community is confirmed by the

fact that , during our first year+ of

operation, the number of families

we have assisted each month has

steadily grown. As we look

forward to continuing the

community Non-Food Pantry long

into the future, we hope to

continue partnering with churches

such as First Lutheran. I would

further ask that you hold in prayer

those that we seek to serve, as

well as the leadership and

volunteers of the Pantry, that we

may transparently share God’s

superabundant love with our

larger community through all

aspects of the Non-Food Pantry

operation. Again, we thank you

for your generous support.

West Ohio Food Bank

March 26th will be the next

opportunity to lend a hand as

we help to feed Seneca County.

Distribution begins at 1.

Volunteers are welcome anytime

after noon.

If you are in need of assistance,

know that the line starts forming

around 10 a.m. Feel free to

come early, as supplies are on a

first-come, first-serve basis.

Many thanks to those who are

faithful in helping each month!

Thank you from…

Thank you for the use of the

church for our funeral dinner for

John Losey.

Sincerely,

Sharon, Craig & Dave Losey

1 Caden Groves

2 Evelyn Cole

Kenny Thomasson

3 Wendy Bailey

Andrea Cleveland

Mary Hoyda

5 Pat Digby

Joan Ruffing

6 Wendy Demith

7 Michaela Griffin

8 Jace Margraf

Kael Margraf

11 Ginny Bowers

Kelly Cook

Tori Lee

14 Sally Moffett

Ken Zeop

Carlo Adams

15 Tyler Dunbar

Brenda Matter

20 Colby Fay

22 Vicki Ryman

24 Andrea Eckelberry

26 Morgan Schulz

27 Barb Vogel

Jack Fay

Krew Stephens

28 Richard Ellinger

31 Emma Hall

Maple Syrup Festival at LMC

Lutheran Memorial Camp will

welcome the community on

Sunday March 8, 2020. Pancakes

and fresh maple syrup will be

served from 11-4. Cost is $9 for

adults and $5 for youth under 9.

Along with the taste of breakfast,

you can explore the camp, take

in the sugar shack, and support

this great part of Lutheran

Outdoor Ministry of Ohio!

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Greetings from Childhood Ministries!

Greetings from Childhood Ministries! It is hard to believe that March is almost here! During the month of

February, the children have been busy with various Valentine's Day and President's Day activities. You would

not believe the many different things we can make from heart shapes!

Our Pre Three classes have been learning about Pets, Valentine's Day, Dental Health and Bedtime

Stories. They have focused on the color pink, heart shapes and the letter "H". The children are looking

forward to their Valentine's Parties and Pajama Day, yet this month! Each class has missed one day of class,

due to ice and snow, so far this month. The next few days aren't looking too good, either! (We usually have

snow around Valentine's Day, just to mess with our scheduled parties!)

Our Pre Four and Five Classes have focused on letters "R" (Rhyming), "K" (Kangaroos) and

"P" (Penguins). During the week of President's Day, the class reviewed previous letters. All three classes have

enjoyed a visit from Ms. Lorie (from Tiffin-Seneca Public Library). They look forward to their Valentine's Parties,

Pajama Day and 100th day celebrations!

Our Extended Care children have enjoyed many different Groundhog's Day, Valentine's Day, President's

Day , winter/snow activities, art projects, games and related snacks!

We also made pictures and thank you notes for our local police and firemen, to be given to them with

special meals and snacks during our local "Feed the Heroes" weekend!

The Extended Care did not close during Tiffin City Schools closings. On Snow days we have a reduced staff

and 15 to 20 children here daily, as many parents still need to work! We look forward to March, Dr. Seuss'

Birthday and warmer weather.

Again, thanks to all of you who support our program!

Sincerely,

Jane Frederick,

Director of Childhood Ministries

NEWS FROM

CHILDHOOD MINISTRIES

Holy Humor

5

WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS

Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday

March 1 March 8 March 15 March 22 March 29

First Sunday of

Lent

Second Sunday of

Lent

Third Sunday of

Lent

Fourth Sunday of

Lent

Fifth Sunday of

Lent

Acolytes

Garrett Vaughn Xavier Stacy

Wed 4

th

John Bailey

Jack & Andrew Fay

Wed 11th

Andrew Bailey

Garrett & Gracie Chester

Wed 18

th

Bryce Gebauer

Jace & Kael Margraf

Wed 25

th

Brance Gebauer

Aaron & Julia Wildman

Wed. April 1

st

Jonathan Nominee

Lector Rick Greene

Wed 4th

Melissa Chester

Melissa Chester Wed 11

th

Shelley Ross

Shelley Ross Wed 18

th

Wendy Bailey

Wendy Bailey Wed 25

th

Melissa Chester

Jan Grangaard Wed April 1

st

Communion Assistants

Beth Myers Melissa Chester Shelley Ross Wendy Bailey Jan Grangaard

Connie English Gracie Chester Michael Ross John Bailey Garrett Chester

Ushers Jane & Bob Fruth

Sandra & Ron Mellott

Jane & Bob Fruth Kelly & Laura Cook

Sandra & Ron Mellott

Deb, Angela & Jonathan Nominee

Jim Zellner

Deb, Angela & Jonathan Nominee

Jim Zellner

Offering Counters Janet & Joe Zirger

Deb Hohman Judy Kimmel

Bonnie Oberlander Kristi Loy-Hetzel

Jan & Blake Grangaard

Jan & Blake Grangaard

Greeter Nancy Owens Pat Nelson Pat Nelson

Fellowship Hour Beth Myers Wendy Bailey Nancy Owens Ann Koning Judy Kimmel

Bread Baker Angie Vaughn Angie Vaughn Angie Vaughn Angie Vaughn Angie Vaughn

Altar Guild Sandra & Ron

Mellott Sandra & Ron

Mellott Sandra & Ron

Mellott Sandra & Ron

Mellott Sandra & Ron

Mellott

Pews Janet & Joe Zirger Janet & Joe Zirger Janet & Joe Zirger Janet & Joe

Zirger Janet & Joe

Zirger

Snow Removal Bob Fruth Shawn Vallery John Kobelt Jim Ruess

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YOUTH EVENTS

Confirmation Classes

Confirmation Youth will be meeting for class on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of March. This means that we will

have class on March 1st and March 15th. Please mark your calendars accordingly. Together we will begin

our studies of the Old Testament, so be sure to bring a Bible. Classes begin at 8:45 a.m.

High School Classes

High School Youth will be meeting for class on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of March. This means we will have

class on March8th and March 2nd. We will venture back into studying the parables of Jesus through our

“Parable Remix” video series. Classes begin at 8:45 a.m. in the Holy Theater.

The Youth Lock-In

included lots of

games, laughs and

fellowship. One of the

most exciting games

involved human

bowling!

(picture above)

Moving people from

‘island’ to ‘island’

involved a lot of

planning and team-

work!

(picture below)

Looks like the saltine

cracker challenge

causes giggles!

Thank You Notes

Many thanks to everyone who came out

to this year’s Pancake Dinner. Despite

the questionable weather, the youth

were ready to greet you with a smile!

Your generosity contributed $372 to-

wards future youth

ministry. Special thanks to Thrivent for the

Action Card which covered all our sup-

plies and expenses. We look forward to

serving you again next year!

~~~~~~~~~~

Valentine Thanks Thank you for the sweet goodies! It was so nice to receive that box, especially since it was a time in which we had a lot of tough exams! I am in my fourth year of pharmacy at the University of Findlay. After this semester, I will have two more years left until graduation. Thank you again. I appreciate every-thing!

Sincerely, Mercedes Snyder

~~~~~~~~~~ I wanted to extend my thanks to the entire congregation for the lovely Valentine’s Day e-card! (sent to Italy) My studies are going well! Outside of class, I’ve been spending my time exploring beautiful European churches, enjoying delicious food, and seeing new wonders of God’s creation. I look forward to returning to First Lutheran when I get back to the States! Wishing you all the best, Amanda Wildman

7

God calls us to care, share, forgive, reconcile, and trust.

First Lutheran Church

Council Meeting Minutes

January 15, 2020

Present: Pastor Bailey, John Swope, John Kobelt, Deb Nominee, Bonnie Oberlander, Kelly Cook, Allison Meyer, Anna Wildman, Jan Grangaard, and Jane Fruth

Absent: Kristi Loy-Hetzel

Guests: Janet Zirger and Rick Green John S called the meeting to order and Pastor opened in prayer.

Approved today’s agenda: John K motioned, Jan seconded,

motion passed. Approved December minutes: Bonnie motioned, Deb seconded, motion passed. Approved December financial report: John K motioned, Jan seconded, motion passed.

Old Business

Drinking Fountains-a donor has agreed to cover the total cost. We will move forward with replacing the 2 units (4 drinking fountains)

Preschool Entrance-received quote from Clouse Construction, will pursue additional quotes. Received quote for security from Northcoast Security, will pursue additional quotes. Bonnie made a motion that council approve moving forward with the security project for childhood ministries, John K seconded, motion passed

Nominating Committee progress-committee recommends the following: Rick Green-President. Kelly Reis-Kelly VP, Amy Mills-Parish Ed. Kelly Cook will remain on Property. Nomination Committee-John Kobelt, Jan Grangaard, Mark Stephens, and Jamie Chester. John K motioned to approve the nominations, Anna seconded, motion passed.

Council Members who are leaving were thanked for their service and commitment. John Swope, John Kobelt, Allison Meyer, and Jan Grangaard.

Sexton Position-Pastor made the motion to hire Mike Porter, Jan seconded, motion approved

Financial Report

Month ending January 2020

Month YTD

Income

Parish $21,179 $21,179

C.M. $17,119 $17,119

$38,298 $38,298

Expenses

Parish $17,159 $17,159

C.M. $ 8,264 $ 8,264

$25,423 $25,423

Total Income

Less Expenses $12,875 $12,875

Transfer from Investments

to cover expenses $0

New Business

HINTS-no hints

Room use request-review and approved one Annual Congregational meeting review-postcards have been mailed, booklets will be available this Sunday and a follow-up email will be sent next Wednesday

Pastor’s Reports: report

submitted. West Ohio Food Bank will continue food distribution outside throughout the winter. Next one is Jan 23

rd. Working on Lent

Services. Mission Trip registration deadline is end of February

Committee Reports: Finance: Report submitted. We are in the black 10K for 2019!!!!

continued from page 7

COUNCIL NEWS

We appreciate your

gifts. The QR code

will take you to our

online giving page.

Continued on page 8

8

NEWS

Stewardship: No report Worship and Music: No report Parish Education: No report Evangelism, Fellowship, Social Ministry: No report Childhood Ministries: Report submitted. Still working on getting the Third Star. Christmas program was nice even though school was closed that day due to weather and one of the teachers was ill. Thanks to Barb for filling in and leading the program! Property-No report John S asked for a motion to adjourn. John S motioned and Jan seconded. The meeting adjourned in prayer. Next Meeting: February 19

rd at 5:30pm

Installation Sunday February 2nd Devotions for next meeting: Pastor Bailey Respectfully Submitted,

Allison Meyer Council Secretary

Worship in Lent

Our Sunday Morning Worship service will take on a special theme

as we experience L.E.G.O. Lent.

Together we will see that LEGO’s Explain God’s Obedience as we

journey to the cross. Each week we will hear a portion of the

passion as it tells of the great and loving sacrifice which Christ gave

for our behalf.

Along with the story a LEGO brink will be added to the story board

as we make our own “mini– kit” for Lent. Following worship you will

receive a “piece of the passion” so you can take the LEGOs home

and build you own Passion Story Board.

Midweek Worship

Join us at 7:00 pm on Wednesday as we Worship under the theme

“By His Wounds We are Healed.” Together we will reflect upon the

sinful nature of our lives which led Jesus to the cross. Indeed it is by

his wounds that we find salvation and new life.

Prior to worship, a soup and bread meal will be served in the

Fellowship Hall beginning at 5:30. All are welcome. If you would like

to bring a crock-pot of soup or a bread to share, a sign-up sheet is

located on the Dietz Room Wall.

Counseling Connections Center

The former staff of Christian Counseling Center is pleased to announce the opening of Counseling Connections Center in the former location of CCC. Shelley Loesser and Erin Perry have

formed a private practice to carry on the vision and mission of the Christian Counseling Center. The Counseling Connections Center began seeing clients on February 24th in order to continue to serve

the community they love. For more information please visit their website at www.ccctiffin.com or email tiffinconnect@gmail.com.

9

1

8:45aConfirmation 8:59a Senior Choir 10:00aCommunion

Service 11:00a Fellowship

Hour

2

Office Closed

5:45p Bells of Praise

7:00p Women’s Bible

Study

3

4

10:15aWomen’s Bible Study

5:30p Soup Supper

7:00p Worship After worship

W & M

5

7:00p Women’s Bible Study

6

Office Closed

Pastor’s Day

Off

7

8

8:45a High School 8:59a Senior Choir 10:00aCommunion Service 11:00a Fellowship

Hour 11:30 First@Lunch

at TJ Willie’s

9

Office Closed 5:45p Bells of

Praise 7:00p Women’s Bible Study

10

7:30 Exec

11

9:00a Piece Corp

10:15aWomen’s Bible Study

4:00p School Board

5:30p Soup Supper

7:00p Worship

12

7:00p Women’s Bible Study

13

Office Closed

Pastor’s Day

Off

14

15 8:45aConfirmation 8:59a Senior Choir 10:00aCommunion Service 11:00a Fellowship

Hour

16

Office Closed

1:30p Bookworms Anon

5:45p Bells of Praise

7:00p Women’s Bible

Study

17 Election Day

Information for

SCROLL DUE TODAY!

7:30 Council

18 10:15aWomen’s

Bible Study

5:30p Soup Supper

7:00p Worship

19

7:00p Women’s Bible Study

20

Office Closed

Pastor’s Day

Off

21

22

8:45a High School 8:59a Senior Choir 10:00aCommunion Service 11:00a Fellowship Hour

23

Office Closed

5:45p Bells of

Praise 7:00p Women’s Bible

Study

24

25

10:15aWomen’s Bible Study

5:30p Soup Supper

7:00p Worship

26 1:00p West Ohio

Food Bank @ First

7:00p Women’s Bible Study

27

Office Closed

Pastor’s Day

Off

28

29

8:59a Senior Choir 10:00aCommunion Service 11:00a Fellowship Hour

30

Office Closed

5:45p Bells of

Praise 7:00p Women’s Bible

Study

31 April 1

10:15aWomen’s Bible Study

5:30p Soup Supper

7:00p Worship

2

7:00p Women’s Bible Study

3

Office Closed

Pastor’s Day

Off

4

10

First Lutheran Church

300 Melmore St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883-3535 Tel: 419-447-1323

Office Hours: Tuesday — Thursday 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Website: firstlutherantiffin.com E-mail: 1lutheran@sbcglobal.net

Sunday morning worship is broadcast on WTTF, 1600 AM, 93.3 FM at 10:00 AM

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/firstlutherantiffin

First Lutheran Church 300 Melmore St.

Tiffin, OH 44883

March 2020

Vol. 37, No.3

CHURCH COUNCIL & MINISTRY TEAMS

PRESIDENT Rick Greene WORSHIP & MUSIC Anna Wildman

VICE PRESIDENT Kelly Reis-Kelly PARISH ED Amy Mills

SECRETARY Janet Zirger/Linda Ellinger EVANGELISM (vacant)

TREASURER Jane Fruth PROPERTY Kelly Cook

STEWARDSHIP Kristi Loy-Hetzel SOCIAL MINISTRY Deb Nominee

CHILDHOOD MINISTRIES Bonnie Oberlander

FIRST LUTHERAN STAFF

Clayton J. Bailey Pastor Tel. 567.938.6077

Ruth Scott Secretary

Curtis L. King Director of Music

Michael Porter Janitor

CHILDHOOD MINISTRIES

Jane Frederick, Director

Tel: 419.447.1145