The Epistle NEWSLETTER...pg 5 - Ladies Aid pg 5 - Realm pg 6 - Anniversaries and Birthdays pg 6 - Food Pantry TeleCare Card Ministry Clothes Closet pg 7 - Thank you Dave and Fred/Welcome

The Epistle, August 2020 1

655 Wayne Ave., Defiance, OH 43512 Church 419.782.5766. School 419.782.1751 • www.stjohndefiance.com • email: [email protected] • www.facebook.com/stjohnlutherandefiance

The Epistle St. John Lutheran Church and School, Defiance, Ohio 43512 Vol. 85 #8

N E W S L E T T E RTHANK YOUDave Goldenetz retires from the church treasurer job after 30 years. Dave has been a faithful steward of the church’s finances. See page 8 for the full article.

THANK YOU Fred Schuette has been the Building Fund treasurer for our capital improvement projects for over 30 years. See page 8 for the full article.

WELCOME Bill Phlipot was elected as the treasurer of St. John at the June 18th congregational meeting. Welcome Bill. See page 7 for the full article.

DAVE ANDERSON Plan to attend the Dave Anderson concert on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. See page 9 for the full article.

WEEKEND OF AUG. 8 & 9The installation of John March as principal and teacher dedication will be on August 9 for the 2020-21school year.

- CHURCH SERVICE TIMES - - LIVE STREAMING - Traditional Services: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Sunday 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 11:00 a.m.Sunday and Contemporary Service at 11:00 a.m. Sunday Bible Study Sunday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

HOW TO LOVE THE UNLOVABLEI have discovered that if people are not in my heart, they are on my

nerves. If you don’t have your kids in your heart, they get on your

nerves. If you don’t have your husband in your heart, he gets on your

nerves. The reason so many marriages are crumbling is that mates are

reacting to each other from their minds rather than their hearts. When your wife says,

“I feel depressed,” listen to her; it is legitimate. When your husband says, “I don’t feel

this is the right thing for us to do, and I think we ought to do it this other way,” listen

to him.

Heart love begins with understanding why others feel the way they do. Ask questions,

and listen. Hear the hurt, look for the problems, and know what makes your mate tick.

You need to understand the moods of the people closest to you – why they act the way

they do. If you care, you will be aware.

How do you love people when, even when you do understand them, you find them

unlovable? Look at Philippians 1:8, “God can testify how I long for all of you with the

affection of Christ Jesus.” In Greek, the word “affection” is the word for intestines. In

Greek society, people thought that the seat of the emotions was in your stomach and

your liver. Paul was saying, “I’ve got a gut feeling of love for you.” That is not a

natural kind of love. It is a supernatural kind of love. That is why Paul said it is not from

himself, but it is the affection of Christ Jesus. Human love wears out and dries up and

dies on the vine. The only kind of love that lasts in spite of heartache and difficulty in

tough circumstances is God’s love –the affection of Jesus Christ. How do you get this

kind of gut love? God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy

Spirit, who has been given to us. God’s love is not something you work up. It is

something that is poured into you by the Holy Spirit as you let Him in day by day.

MAKE IT A HABIT TO GIVE YOUR FULL ATTENTION TO PEOPLE AS YOU LISTEN AND SHOW GENUINE CONCERN!



PASTOR’S OFFICIAL ACTSBaptismNolan Joost was baptized on July 11Sponsors: Ross and Amanda Joost

WeddingBenjamin Plassman and Julie Cadet on July 4 in Napoleon by Pastor Mews

Funerals Rhonda Schweitzer died on June 14 and received Christian burial on June 19.

Clara Fessel died on July 10 and received Christian burial on July 15.

Linda Sowers died on July 23 and received Christian burial on July 27.

Joan Gerken died on July 24 and received Christian burial on July 27

pg 3 - Pastor Mews’ Message

pg 4 - Pastor Mews’ Message

pg 5 - Bible Studies

pg 5 - Ladies Aid

pg 5 - Realm

pg 6 - Anniversaries and

Birthdays

pg 6 - Food Pantry

TeleCare

Card Ministry

Clothes Closet

pg 7 - Thank you Dave and

Fred/Welcome Bill

pg 8 - Scouting News

pg 9 - The “Diggers”

pg 10 - Dave Anderson

Concert

pg 11 - Principal’s Message

pg 12 - School News

pg 13 - Media Ministry

pg 13 - Repairs and cleaning

pg 14 - Our Church

pg 15 - LCMS Foundation

pg 16 - Our ministries

pg 17 - Youth News

pg 18 - Youth Calendar

pg 19 - Church Calendar

Rita Bergman, Editor Please send articles to [email protected]

PRIVATE COMMUNIONThe Pastors continue to offer private Communion for anyone who wishes to have Communion. Please call the church office for an appointment.

SHUT-IN CALLSWe have around 30 people who are designated as shut-ins in our congregation. The Pastors, Walt Smith, George Kaiser and Jim Schatz are keeping in contact with our members. If the shut-in person is comfortable having a home visit, then they make arrangements for this visit. Otherwise, they receive a a care telephone call.

SERMONS FOR AUGUST

August 2, “The Letting God Meet My Needs” by Pastor LuhringText: Philippians 4:19

August 9, “Saving Faith” by Pastor Mews

Text: Romans 10:5-17

August 16, “How to Be Certain You Are Going to Heaven” by Pastor Luhring Text: John 3:16

August 23, “Back to the Future” by Pastor Mews Text: Isaiah 51:1-6

August 30, “How to Cope with Change” by Pastor LuhringText: II Corinthians 4

COVID-19 MESSAGE AND FOUR WORSHIP SERVICES

COVID-19 is causing new challenges that no one has ever faced before. We want to make the right decisions for our congregation and keep everyone safe. We are trying to keep everyone informed the best way that we can. We have 193 people using REALM. This is the fastest way to communicate to our congregation.

We were going to go back to four worship services the weekend of August 8 & 9 to have more options for our congregation to worship and to abide by the 6 foot distancing mandate. The services would be 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. This is the same weekend we are going to install the new principal, Mr. John March, and dedicate the teachers for the 2020-21 school year. A celebration cake will be served and a gift box will be available for any cards and well wishes.



“Two-Kingdom Theology!” By Pastor MewsNo doubt the past few months have been challenging for all of us. First the COVID 19 crisis, which is expanding in southern and western states, then the great societal upheaval and cry for social justice with the tragic death of George Floyd. This isn’t the first time in history that a society has been shaken by pandemics and diseases and placed on edge due to injustice, rioting, corruption and the abuse of power.

Politics has, is and will always be a volatile and difficult conversation, it hits near and dear to home for each and every one of us. Magnifying this issue is an undercurrent that many hold, whether, good or bad, that Church and State are to be separate. The question many ask is where and how does my faith intersect with such troubling issues, like politics, as all want to do what is right and best and honorable.

God, His clear Word and His Church offer answers, insights and blessing, and the rest of this article will provide solid material for each individual believer to begin to faithfully address these issues. God’s Word reveals and Dr. Martin Luther the great Reformer expresses these Biblical truths in truthful, yet practical, insights. One of his greatest contributions to not only The Church, but to the world, is his articulate and faithful insights into what we and scholars would call, “Two-Kingdom Theology.”

Dr. Martin Luther states that God works through two great institutions, or realms, or what he calls Kingdoms: The Church and The State. We believers live in those two Kingdoms and realms at the same time and that with proper understanding we see their roles and functions being a great blessing to all.

The Church is one realm and Kingdom. One is called and brought into this Kingdom through Word and Sacrament. God’s Kingdom is built by the preaching of the Gospel, which creates and sustains faith. The Church operates by the power of the Word and the Spirit and blesses individuals with salvation, personal growth and maturity in faith through the Word. The Church transforms individuals with faith and growth through public worship, Christian education, Christian fellowship and outreach. The church is concerned with the poor, ill and down-trodden, and gives ministry and aid to them and the suffering. The Church’s mission is that all may have faith and be saved, and lift up the cross in bringing grace and peace to all.

The State is the other realm and kingdom. Born or emigrated into a nation, one belongs in this kingdom or realm. The State operates by the sword and is run by human reason. The function of the state is to basically oversee one’s physical life by providing guidance in the areas of commerce, medicine, public policies, law enforcement and administration of agencies of the Armed Forces. Christians are called to obey, serve, honor and support this realm as well. The Church functions under the blessing of the state.

Being in the Kingdom of the Church enables one to be a godly member of the Kingdom of the state. Christian churches can make wonderful citizens of the state who bless this realm. Truthfully, the church and state very rarely are at odds or are indifferent to each other. Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and render unto the Lord that which belongs to the Lord.”

As Christians mature in their faith, they begin to see the blessing of the two kingdoms. God’s Word sharpens minds and consciences to understand and act upon complex issues of love and justice, hence influencing the state through lawful means and programs. In other words, one is to be a humble, obedient servant of the state, voting one’s conscience, and striving towards justice, mercy and love in both realms. We thank God that we live in a country where we have the freedom of both as citizens of both Kingdoms. Our faith intersects in a very real way with politics; however, the Kingdom of the Church lasts forever.



QFSTPOBM!GSPN!QBTUPS!NFXT;Pastor Mews and his family will be on vacation from July 29-August 5, sightseeing and, visiting Camp Trinity in Bigfork, (Kalispell) Montana. Kaitlynn Mews is completing her summer counselor ministry there on August 2.

Pastor Mews visited his parents from June 26-27 as his mother went home from the hospital after an infection. He will return to visit in early August.

Stay Connected!• www.stjohndefiance.com• Realm - onrealm.org• St. John Lutheran Defiance, OH youtube.com• Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/54964• St John Lutheran, Defiance, OH YouTube• Facebook.com• www.stjohntigers.com• sjl@defiance and @mews_kurt

COVID-19 MEETING SCHEDULED

- The next COVID-19 Committee meeting will be on Monday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Room.

- We will continue to use technology, Zoom, Realm, SJL Facebook and the webpage as often as possible. Our 5:30 p.m. Saturday (Traditional) and 11:00 a.m. Sunday (Contemporary) Worship services continue to be live streamed!

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS

I continue to ask that all our churches pray in July for our Lutheran schools and early learning centers as they prepare to “reopen in person.” School boards face challenges in creating policies to protect students and staff. Administrators are creating multiple contingency plans for the start of classes. Teachers are reviewing teaching methodologies. Students are anxious to start classes, yet also anxious about the changes in school that await them. Our Lord, who has seen His people through tumultuous times in the past, will continue to lead us through this pandemic.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Wilson, President Ohio District, Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

FROM LCMS SYNOD WEBPAGE

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Psalm 122:1) Communities are in various stages of reopening in the wake of COVID-19 crisis and its lockdowns. Just as you have adjusted to the challenges of live streaming services, you now face the challenges and the opportunities of reopening: gathering your flock back together and reaching out to your community. In a recent video of encouragement for reopening churches, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison said, “While we’re all looking forward to coming back together in the Lord’s house, the timing will not be the same for everyone. It will be quite different too, as we spread out, wear masks, use sanitizer, etc.” “And so I tell you now, the words of Jesus apply to you,” Harrison continued. “’Come to me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ Don’t doubt for a moment that Christ is using all of this for your good.”



BIBLE STUDIES Monday Fellowship Room 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. “Life with God”

Tuesday Fellowship Room2:00 - 3:00 p.m. C.S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity” 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Zoom meeting,

C.S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity Pastor Mews

Wednesday9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Moms in Touch, Faye Luhring

every other Wednesday 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Fellowship Room

C.S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity”Pastor Mews

6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Fellowship Room, “The Case for the Creator”

7:00 p.m. Senior High Hangouts for the youth

Thursday 10:00-11:30 p.m. Fellowship Room, “Genesis Bible Study”

Pastor Mews (discussing Abraham & Isaac)

Friday6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Adult A Room, Iron Men Bible Study

Pastor Luhring

Sunday 9:45 - 10:45 p.m. Youth Room, Youth Bible Study

Cassidy Holeso, DCE, InternLunchroom A, “The End Times”

Phil RohlfLunchroom B, Bible Study

Faye Luhring Fellowship Room B, “The Book of Acts”

Pastor Mews & Jeff Rohlf Fellowship Room A, Bible Study

Sandy Gyurnek

Ladies AidThe Ladies Aid is a fellowship and service organization whose membership is open to all ladies of our congregation. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m.For more information contact Roberta Phlipot 419-789-9411 or the church office at 419.782.5766.During this time of trials, let us remember, Jeremiah 17:7, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” Let us not forget that the Lord is in control. Our next meeting is August 27, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Karen Kent will be the hostess. The food pantry items for the month are toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant.We will be distance socializing and hoping to see you at the meeting.

Our officers are: President, Roberta Phlipot, Vice President, Lorna SmithSecretary, Donna Van Vlerah, Treasurer, Nancy Kemper

Groups: the backbone of Realm • A Realm group is composed of people with a common interest or purpose. Examples at St. John include Altar Guild, Ladies Aid, the Senior Choir, Elders, Lay Readers and Bible Studies, to name a few. As a group member, you are able to see and participate in discussions relevant to the group’s purpose and interests.

• The Church Administrator is the only person who can create a new group in Realm. Contact the church office if your group is missing from the list.

• You do not have to be an active member of a ministry in order to join its Realm group.

For instance, if you are curious about the work of the Ladies Aid group but not yet ready to commit full-time, you can become a Ladies Aid group member in Realm to follow the group’s activities, then volunteer through the group when you are ready.

Pastor Luhring and Pastor Mews are resuming 2020 Winter, “Life with God” class on August 10 (9 are attending)

Wednesday, August 5, NO CLASS, Pastor

returning from vacation in Montana

Wednesday, August 12, CLASS, The Evidence of Biochemistry.

Wednesday, August 19, CLASS, DNA and the origin of life.



Thank you to the “Birthday Parade” volunteers who are bringing smiles to our 80+ birthday members. Our WeCare Card Ministry honors our members with a greeting card. Thank you!

80+ August BirthdaysElinor Lee August 9 83 yrsElaine Harris August 10 87 yrsGinny Hefflinger August 12 94 yrsDonna Nicely August 18 82 yrsBill Hultz August 18 82 yrs Arleta Hammon August 21 85 yrs Myrna Ritterling August 28 86 yrsPatty LInebrink August 31 82 yrs August 40+ Anniversaries Terry & Diana Gathman August 1 50 yrs John & Carolyn Heilman August 3 46 yrs Tom & Sue Boesling August 4 47 yrsKen & Pat Diemer August 11 60 yrsSteve & Judie Zachrich August 13 54 yrsPete & Bonnie Karzynow August 14 44 yrsRev. Donald & Faye Luhring August 20 54 yrsSkip & Sue Hanenkrath August 23 51 yrsElmer & Linda Friedrickson August 24 52 yrsSteve & Ginna Waxler August 26 42 yrsTom & Kathy Wolfrum August 28 49 yrs Mike & Barb Saxton August 30 45 yrs

The Food Pantry continues on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In June we served 37 families or 104 people with 190 bags of food with a value of $1,900.

In July we served 42 families or 130 people with 221 Bags of food with a value of $2,210.00.

Thank you to Meijer for an additional $2,500 in gift cards to continue to keep our shelves full.

Thank you to our congregation for supporting this ministry and to all our volunteers who help with their time and talent to continue the operating.

Clothes ClosetThe Clothes Closet is in need of volunteer help. With the new regulations in place by the state we are in need for help with writing up the new procedures. We will run an ad in the Crescent-News to let the community know that we are open and outline the new procedures. If you want to volunteer to help, please call Sharon Keller at (419) 782-2639.

TeleCare As St. John Lutheran Church continues to grow, fulfilling it's mission "to make fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ of the dechurched population of Defiance County," more Telecare Team lay ministers are needed. As a Telecare Team lay minister you could be a sower of His love. We provide TeleCare training so people are prepared to do this ministry. If you would like to help, please call Penny Mueller at 419-304-5768. Many of our Stephen Ministers participate in this ministry as an extended care ministry to our members. Email: [email protected] if you are in need of a Stephen Minister. All contacts are confidential.

We invite your prayers for these people as they extend Christ’s hand of love to you and others in our congregation.

“WeCare” Card MinistryPenny Mueller manages this ministry. People are selected to receive a care card based on their need. Our “WeCare” card team consists of Marilyn Reeb, Judy Detter, Elmer and Linda Friederickson, Amy Ducat, Cricket Hageman, DiAnn Wichman, Dolena Bergman, Karen Heilshorn, Linda Hageman, Nancy Baldwin and Sharon Meyer.Messages of support, encouragement, love and concern are mailed each week.



Financial UpdateCOVID-19 has caused many challenges for all of us. We pray that you and your family are staying healthy. The offerings in the summer months have been historically lower because people go on vacations. With the combination of COVID-19 and the summer months it has been more of a challenge to continue to pay the bills. Your continued support of St. John Lutheran Church and Christian Day School is much appreciated. We have been blessed as a congregation for 169 years. This church has survived during wars, depressions, civil unrest and pandemics. As we continue to lean on our faith we know that God is in control and we are not anxious about anything. Here is a quick look at where we are currently. The average amount needed each month to pay the basic bills is $88,000.00. If we want to expand our ministries we need more than this to GROW!. We did receive the Federal Government Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which helped us for eight weeks with the payroll and the Toledo Edison bill. As of today, we are awaiting more guidances from the State Bank and the SBA (Small Business Association) on how to apply for the Forgivable Loan. We will receive more information on how to apply for the loan in the middle of August.

June revenue: $68,885.43 June expenses: $98,859.69 July revenue: $40,766.86 July expenses: $105.898.09

Thank you for your continued financial support of the ministries of St. John.

Thank You!Dave Goldenetz has served as our Assistant Treasurer for over 30 years. Dave has been a member of St. John Lutheran ever since 1946. He and his wife, Dottie, have been active members of St. John Lutheran. Dave has been a team player, working with many of the treasurers over the years. Some of the treasurers were Jim Schatz, Dan Ripke, Al Smith, Tom Koppenhofer, Paul Stockinger, Karl Kane and Phil Rohlf. If you know Dave, he always has a way of making you laugh. Dave states, “The Lord guided and blessed my effort. Thanks to all who helped over the years!”

Fred Schuette has been our Building Fund manager since 1989. He is retiring from this position. He has overseen many projects, such as the asbestos removal, the 1989 addition, renovations of the church, managing the Clothes Closet and the rental property monies. We thank Fred for helping all these years juggling all these projects!

We welcome Bill Phlipot as our new treasurer at St. John. Bill is on the Endowment Committee as well and comes with experience managing monies. Bill has been a member of St. John since 1975. In 2010 he was a commissioned Stephen Minister. If you know Bill, he always has a smile on his face. He is employed at St. John as one of our two “Happy Custodians.” He is willing to help in every way that he can. Welcome to your new position. God’s Blessings!

Thank you to Dave, Fred and Bill for all their time and talent managing the finances.

BEST PRACTICES CONFERENCESept. 23-25, 2020 Frankenmuth, MI

Renew your passion for ministry.

Sign-up on REALM or see Angie Morris for details. Please call her at 419.956.1171.

Space is limited, we would love to see a large group go from St. John. Register by August 30,2020.

Church Mailboxes - New Mailbox! The office staff is working on updating our member mailboxes in the lower hallway. We hope to have the new listing available next month and will published in the Epistle. The listing will be alphabetically which should help you in locating your mailbox. If we missed you and wish to have a mailbox, please contact the church office. A printed directory will be available by the mailboxes.



Scouting NewsAugust 2020

The Cub Scout Pack has remained active during the summer months with several activities, all of which have been done with safety guidelines due to COVID-19. Cubs were encouraged to participate in the Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony at the end of May to honor our veterans. In June, the Pack held an advancement/recognition event at the UAW Park to reward Cubs for completing numerous achievements. The Defiance Splash Pad was enjoyed by all during July. On our agenda for August is a swim party at a local residence.

The BSA Scout Troop recently hiked the Buckeye Trail, starting at Independence Dam and heading east from there. Although there was no traditional summer camp experience at Lakota this summer due to the virus, a three-week virtual session was offered. Troop 75’s Layne Neff was an instructor during those sessions. Mini-Sessions where Scouts attended Camp Lakota for 3 days and 2 nights, again with safety protocols in place, followed the virtual sessions. Layne Neff also served as a volunteer during that activity. A future bike ride has been scheduled and the Troop, in addition, is planning a joint activity with Troop 76, sponsored by St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Defiance. Both Layne Neff and Caleb Zachrich are moving forward with Eagle projects that will fulfill the service requirement for achieving that rank.

Both the Pack and Troop will be soon selling popcorn soon. This is our annual fundraiser event. Your support will be truly appreciated.

The Boy Scout Troop has for many years recycled newspapers as a conservation project. Anyone wishing to recycle newspapers can place them in the garage on the east side of the south parking lot. Money made from their sale is used to help pay for Scouts to attend summer camp.

Youth and adults are always welcome to attend pack and troop events to learn more about the program. Questions at any time can be addressed to Mike Saxton, Chartered Organization Representative, at 419-439-2079.

CROSS TRAININGCross Training will begin with a big kick-off event on Wednesday September 2 from 6:30-8:00p.m. All families with children in grades 1 - 8 are invited to attend. For our Cross Training kick-off, we will be holding a sports themed dinner for all of our Confirmation students and families! Wear your favorite sports team gear and join us for hotdogs and other goodies. Each grade has been assigned to bring something to this dinner. Details are listed below!

1st-5th Grade: Veggies/Fruit

6th Grade: Chips/Other Snacks

7th Grade: Drinks

8th Grade: DessertsAt this meeting, we will be going over our Cross Training covenant, introducing the teachers who will be leading classes this year, discussing various events that will be held over these next few months, and handing out other forms as well. Please let us know if you cannot make it to this event - we will try to meet separately to go over details.

What is Cross Training? Cross Training is our Confirmation program here at St. John Lutheran. Our goal is to build up students with the knowledge about their faith in Christ so that they can share it with the world. Throughout this year, we will grow together through fellowship, special events, service projects, icebreakers, team-building games, and learning about our faith and what we believe as Christians.

All students in 1st-8th grades are invited to participate in

this program. 1st-5th grades will be taught together while

6th, 7th, and 8th grades will be taught separately. There are 95 children ages 6 to 13 who are members of this congregation, and we would love to have all participate in learning more about our amazing God.Please contact us at the church if you will be attending our kick-off event/participating in our Confirmation program this year. We look forward to another year of building faith in our young leaders and growing in our relationship with Christ!Contact Information:Pastor Kurt Mews – [email protected]

419-782-5766 ext. 105DCE Cassidy Holeso – [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]




The “diggers” cleaning up the north side of the church. Thank you to all the helpers!

KNIT AND STUDYThe Knit and Study ladies group meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. The booties that are knitted or crocheted by the group or other volunteers are given to the Defiance Crisis Pregnancy Center. The group enjoys studying God’s Word together. Contact Judie Zachrich at 419-784-5297

Faye Luhring leads the Moms in Touch Bible Study group. They meet every other Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This group focuses on prayer and prayers for the many members of our church family and community. Please contact Faye at 419-782-0153.

New Member WelcomePlans are being made to welcome our new members who are finishing the “Life with God” class. This class is offered three times a year and whether you are a potential new member or would like to “refresh” your beliefs and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ everyone is invited to attend. We have a number of people who visit and would like to join. They receive a letter inviting them to attend the class and at the end of 10 weeks are invited to join. A worship service is planned where they profess their faith publicly.

Cassidy Holeso’s installation on June 21. L to R: Mom Ann, Cassidy and sister, Allison

Nancy Schatz

Deb Manon and Brian FloresOtto Nicely

Steve Meyer & Jim Schatz

Moms in Touch



DAVE ANDERSON CONCERT SUNDAY, SEPT. 6 AT 6:00 P.M.Dave Anderson and Roger Walck will present a concert on Sunday, Sept. 6, at St. John Lutheran. The concert is sponsored by St. John. A meal will be served at 4:30 p.m.

Dave and Roger's music is a blend of contemporary, gospel, hymns, and lots of old-time Sunday School songs. The audience will be invited to sing along but, as Dave says, "so long as it's the same song."

Dave Anderson comes from Phoenix, Arizona and Roger and his wife Patti live in Corona, California. Dave grew up as a Lutheran preacher's kid in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Dave has been involved in lay ministry in the Lutheran church for 48 years, first in youth ministry (Dave is the founder of Lutheran Youth Encounter), and then music ministry including concerts and worship resources.

Roger Walck is a skilled vocalist, guitarist, and a worship team leader. Roger is a graduate of Vanguard University and he has studied at Fuller Seminary and Azusa Pacific University. For many years Roger taught theology at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, California. For many years Roger has led Spanish-language worship in various Orange County churches.

During the concert/service, Dave will share from his personal experiences from having traveled 4,000,000 miles over the past 43 years of concert ministry. These travels have included concerts in Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Scandinavian countries, and 25 trips to Australia and New Zealand. 2020 is the last year for Dave's and Roger's concerts. After 36 years of "living out of a suitcase" Barb decided to pass the concert baton to Roger Walck. Now, in addition to concerts in the Southwest and Northwest, Dave has decided to focus his ministry attention on the Shepherd's Canyon Retreat ministry.

In 1993, God used incredibly heroic men to rescue Dave, his wife Barbara, and five others from 36-degree water after their plane crashed into the Bering Sea while returning from a missionary and humanitarian mission in the Russian Far East. All seven men and women survived what could not be survived!

This story has been heard by millions around the world on radio, TV, and through personal appearances. The Rescue Story points to the God who rescues men and women from overwhelming circumstances in their lives. Dave will tell highlights of this story at the concert. Learn more at www.TheRescueStory.com.

Dave, Barb, and Roger are involved in the most ambitious project yet: Shepherd's Canyon Retreat, a special counseling ministry for burned-out and emotionally wounded Christian ministers and their spouses. Week-long Shepherd's Canyon Retreats are held at the ministry's home base called Standing Stones Conference & Retreat Center which is located 90 minutes northwest of the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport....15 miles west of Arizona's "cowboy town", Wickenburg. Please visit www.StandingStonesAZ.org. The free-will offering received at the concert will benefit the Shepherd's Canyon Retreat ministry.

Shepherd's Canyon Retreat, Inc. P.O. Box 51510, Phoenix, AZ 85076 480-838-8500www.TheFellowship.com - www.ShepherdsCanyonRetreat.org - www.TheRescueStory.com

http://www.standingstonesarizona.org/

http://www.therescuestory.com/



Greetings St. John Families,

I am absolutely thrilled to be starting my 10th year as principal and my first year here at St. John. I actually grew up in Defiance and was baptized and confirmed at St. John. I hold wonderful memories of my years here.

For this edition I thought I would tell you a little about myself. I attended Concordia Ann Arbor for my undergrad, and the State University of New York for my Master’s Degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology. This is my 24th year in Education. I have taught middle school, as well as at the college level. I have been a principal in Lutheran schools in both New York and Indiana for the past 9 years. I am very passionate about education and helping mold young people into the people that God has called them to be!

You will often find me reading biographies and taking my family to historical sites. I am definitely passing on my love for history to my children! I am an avid gardener and will enjoy adding to and changing the garden in our new home into something spectacular. Both my wife and I love to go antiquing. We have a soft spot for Depression glass and Shelley china. We like to explore antique malls and search for treasures. I am also happy to report that I am a big Buckeye fan! I have made sure my children have been indoctrinated since birth! Most importantly, I desire to honor Jesus Christ through my leadership and in every area of life.

My wife, Lorrie, and I have been married for 18 years. We are blessed to have two precious girls, Emilee

(10thgrade) and Cailyn (7th grade), and a sweet little boy, Jeremiah (kindergarten).

Lorrie and I look forward to becoming involved in the ministry here and being part of the St. John family. Jeremiah 29:11 is our family verse, and it has been such a great reminder that through the valleys and on the mountain tops God always has a plan and a purpose for us. I am excited to see the plans God has for us at St. John and in the community.

Throughout my educational experience I have had the privilege of working with and helping faculty members, as well as teaching children of all ages and needs. I have taught in Lutheran and Christian schools in both the United States and Canada, and have had wonderful opportunities to help foster children in their development and spiritual growth. I have also enjoyed the privilege of encouraging and directing Christian teachers in their professional growth.

These experiences have both confirmed my commitment to Christian education and contributed to my versatility and flexibility as a teacher and a leader. I have strong organizational skills, have an aptitude for details and my passion is to see Christian education, specifically Lutheran education, expand and strengthen.

I am looking forward to being part of the team at St. John and leading the school. I also am excited about building relationships within the school, and seeing Christ’s love shine through the school as we serve the community. Most importantly, I look forward to seeing our students grow not only academically, but spiritually. It is my desire that each person in our school community will come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ, and that throughout this year their relationship with their Savior will grow as we focus on Him who was Sent to Serve.

Please drop into the school office and say hello anytime. I would love to meet or reacquaint myself with you.

Looking forward to serving our Savior alongside you,

John March, principal



Dear Parents,

We appreciate your patience as our COVID team is diligently working on a plan to have all students and staff return to school.

We are currently working on our complete plan. We are gathering information from the LCMS Ohio District, Governor DeWine, Defiance City Schools, the Defiance County Department of Public Health and the CDC. After we have gotten this information, we will plan to have a more extensive plan to parents in the next couple of weeks. Please keep in mind that any plan is always subject to change as the pandemic changes around us.

We do know that our first day of school will be in person on Monday, August 31. We are planning on in-school learning for the year, unless we are told otherwise.

Each student and all staff will be required to have a face mask. It would be beneficial to have more than one mask. We recommend putting your child’s name on the mask in a way that is easy to identify. How often students and staff will need to wear them will depend on the guidelines we receive. Face shields that wrap around the face and extend below the chin may be considered as an alternative where cloth face coverings would hinder the learning process.

Each student is required to bring hand sanitizer with them, to keep in the classroom. The bottle needs to be a least 8 oz. and the hand sanitizer needs to be made up of at least 60% alcohol. Please be sure to write your child’s name on the bottle.

What can you as a parent do to help the transition back to school?

1. Encourage your child to ask questions and answer them to the best of your ability. 2. Have your child practice wearing a mask for short periods of time.3. Follow recommended guidelines regarding masks and social distancing this summer. 4. Stay positive and excited about beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.



My name is Kori Joost and I am the new secretary here at the school. I grew up in the small town of Mark Center and have lived in the area my whole life. I began my church life at St. John Lutheran in Sherwood. After becoming a member in 2008 here at St. John, Defiance, I went on the mission trip to Louisiana, to

help with clean up after Hurricane Katrina. The experience was life changing. I worked side by side with some of the most caring, compassionate, and selfless people I had ever met, and was so proud to say we went to the same church (and still do!), I have a six-year-old son, Judd, who will be attending first grade this year.I am so thankful for our Christian school and cannot wait to see what the rest of this year brings!

Media Ministries at St. John Lutheran from Lonnie Warncke

Radio Ministry - In 1958 St. John Lutheran started broadcasting a service each week over WONW. Over the years it has changed from recorded to live as it happened, and back to recorded. It has also expanded to being broadcast over WZOM. Due to the limit of a one hour time slot, the service is edited some to make it fit. Also, audio enhancements are done to make the sound level evened for the broadcast. An mp3 format file is made that is sent to the radio station. The sermon is also extracted from the service so that it can be put on a Podcast that can be listened to by someone anywhere in the country. The computer editing for this takes 30-45 minutes.

DCTV5 Viewing - Carroll Bergman initiated video taping the 11:00 a.m. service and editing the service for showing on the local cable station DCTV5 the next Sunday. This is still being done, although the change to digital technology has been made. This also allowed for other enhancements such as picture in picture to add the projection into the video. The editing used to be done at the DCTV5 station, but can now be completed with software we have. Editing time for this is approximately an hour.

YouTube - In the fall of 2016 streaming to the YouTube WEB site was started for the 11:00 a.m. service. The service can be viewed live, or anytime within a month of the service. YouTube charges us nothing for having this channel. We also edit out the video recorded sermon of this stream and upload it to YouTube so you can watch the sermon for a given week at any time. Editing for this is about 30 minutes.

All of this has prepared us well to help us continue to carry out ministry during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Links for the podcast and our YouTube channel are on the St. John Lutheran WEB site.

If you are in a position of speaking to the congregation, always remember that you also have an internet online audience. So you need to speak clearly into a microphone, or that audience hears nothing.

My name is Danielle Oberhaus and I just started in the church office at St. John. I am a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Holgate, Ohio. I have been a Lutheran all my life. You may know my Uncle Luther and my Aunt Cindy. I am happy to be a part of the St. John Lutheran staff. I will do my best to get to know you and serve you at St. John. I live on Jewell Road with Wes, Levi, and our three cats (Verismo, Maggie, and Dash). My email address is [email protected] and my phone extension is 102.



“Cootie Busters” Your happy custodians have been working hard getting the building up to code for the reopening of the church, school and Tigers’ Den.

Some of the things we have been doing: 1. We have sanitized the school and church. 2. We have scrubbed, buffed and waxed all the classrooms, library,

hallways, school office, fellowship room, lunchroom and the gym. 3. Classrooms have been sanitized.4. Along with cleaning we been assisting the Food Pantry with setting out the fresh food items on tables

outside for distribution. 5. The Tigers’ Den Director, Debbie Wagner, has been keeping us busy cleaning and reorganizing for the new

school year. 6. Before the school opens in August the school and the Tigers’ Den will be sanitized and extra cleaning will be done

throughout the day.

The happy custodians would like to thank all members for working with us in getting the building up to the new codes. Also, we appreciate all the positive comments on the job we are doing. Mike and Bill love helping the members of the church. God Bless you.

Point, Tuck and Seal!The Trustees have hired Great Lakes Concrete Restoration, Inc to repair and seal the masonry of a portion of the school building. The area requiring repair is the school section from the cafeteria to the Church. This section of the building has several leaks around many of the windows. Great Lakes Concrete Restoration will be removing and replacing steel lintels above all upper floor windows, replacing sealant at windows, doors and louvers, tuck pointing mortar joints and replacing cracked brick. Upon completion of the repairs this section of the facility will be cleaned and sealed. The project is expected to be completed prior to the start of the school year. The $40,000 project is funded by Endowment.

Respectfully, Stephen Zachrich, Jr.



Creating Your MessageIf we live long enough, we will find ourselves resenting change, at least in some ways. We must adjust as loved ones are called home to Jesus, no longer by our side in this earthly life. Institutions that were dependable are long since gone. Social graces and signs of respect we learned as children may no longer be present. Change is inevitable here on earth. Part of the reason for this is that we live in a world that bears the curse of our sin. That curse will remain until our Heavenly Father brings about the new heavens and the new earth, through His powerful Word, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Some change is great! A vaccine for polio changed fear of disease to confidence to live life again. Technology gives us access to speedy information and entertainment we could never have dreamed. But much change bears the stain of decay. That is the kind of change that causes us to hurt and grieve. Yet with all Christian grief, we do not grieve without hope. We have our Lord Jesus Christ who is going to give us our place that He has prepared for us.

Wouldn’t it be great to put down into words that hope that resides in your soul? The Spirit has used the Word to call you to faith and now you have something very special to share. You can share that as a preamble to your Last Will and Testament, or as a family blessing apart from your legal documents. Creating this message is your way to make sure that your children or their children know exactly what you have believed, and they receive the charge from you to continue in that faith from generation to generation. This can be a great encouragement, especially in these times of rapid change. Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can help you get started on creating this gift to your family and friends.

Contact Eileen Fitzenreiter at [email protected] or 419-822-6461.

CHANGES! CHANGES! CHANGES!

Every day we are hearing new directions on how we are to live in this world with COVID-19. Wash your hands, wear your mask, sanitize frequent touched areas, abide by the 6 foot social distancing. We have made changes at church as well. Only sit in every other pew, 6 feet apart, be escorted in and out and sanitize after every service and individual communion packets. Your safety is our outmost concern. We closed the church services the weekend of July 18 & 19 and July 25 & 26 because of your safety. Because of COVID-19 the Ladies Aid has made the decision to suspend any funeral meals at this time. As soon as our state gets an all clear we will resume the funeral meals.

Tigers’ Den & Preschoolfrom Debbie Wagner

As we continue to plan for school in the fall, our hope is that all of you are enjoying your summer break. We will be following Governor DeWine’s “Responsible Restart” guidance for schools, preschools, and daycares. We will also be implementing a program to meet all required classroom ratios.

Many years ago, the Tigers’ Den Christian Childcare Center was opened as a latchkey program caring for St. John students before and after school and preschool. A decision was made to manage the Tigers’ Den as a latchkey program again for St. John Lutheran students.For preschool, we will be creative in following the governor’s guidelines. A new program has been approved where classroom ratios and staff will be maintained. Furthermore, our full-day students will be using the Tigers’ Den rooms for enrichment learning, naps and lunch. As we move forward with continued guidance from Governor DeWine and the board of Christian Day School, we will continue to keep you informed. Blessings on the rest of your summer!

In His Service, Debbie Wagner, Early Childhood Director




CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONBible Study

Cross Training

Life with God

VBS

CHURCH & SCHOOL HELPERSBulk Mailings

Data input

Filing

Printing/Collator

Receptionist

CHRIST CAREBirthday Parade

Never Alone

Prayer Chain

Shut-in Calls

Stephen Ministry

TeleCare

WeCare Card Ministry

FELLOWSHIP Ladies Aid

Men’s Project Team

Book Club

GROUPSJr High & Sr High Youth Group

ORGANIZATIONChristian Board of Education

Elders

Fellowship Board

Finance Board

Parish Planning Council

Public Relations Board

Stewardship Board

Trustees

Youth Board

OUTREACH Clothes Closet

Food Pantry

Crisis Pregnancy Center

Social Welfare

WORSHIP HELPERS Acolytes

Altar Guild

Baptism Banners

Children’s Talks

Children’s Ministry Bags

Greeters

Hand Bells

Instrumentalists

Lay Readers

PPT Clickers

Radio Broadcast

Senior Choir

Sound Board

Ushers

Worship Teams

Videographers

Where would you like to serve?

- ST. JOHN LEADERSHIP -

Pastor Luhring, Senior PastorPastor Mews, Associate PastorJohn March, School PrincipalBrian Flores, School Board President Dave Martin, Congregational PresidentDanielle Oberhaus, Congregational SecretaryDiana Grim, Congregational Secretary Richard Bonin, Elder Chairman Jeff Rohlf, Stewardship Chairman Cassidy Holeso, DCE, Youth Intern Steve Waxler, Trustee Chairman Rita Bergman, Congregational Administrator,

WebmasterLonnie Warncke, Media MinistryBill Phlipot, TreasurerKrystle Adams, Bookkeeper Jenny George, Fellowship Chairman Brandon Osborn &

Dave Heidepriem,Usher ChairmenDarci Van Vlerah, Choir DirectorMary Goldenetz & Lorna Smith, Finance BoardRoberta Phlipot, Ladies Aid President

SJL YOUTH SCOOP August

Youth Bible Study: Sundays 9:45-

10:45am in DCE Cassidy’s office

Jr. & Sr. High Youth Nights: Sundays

6:30-8:00pm in the youth room

Check our youth bulletin board next

to the gym for more information!

Cross Training

Starting back up on September

2nd—Registrations coming soon!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram,

and Twitter to stay up to date with

youth activities!

St. John Lutheran Youth Group

@youthsjl

@youthsjl

Youth Activities

Pie Pan Update:

The Defiance Co. Fair that was to

be held on Aug. 22-29 has been

cancelled for this year. We are

saddened at this news, as this

means we won’t be opening the

Pie Pan either. Continue praying

for our world, and stay safe!

“Have I not commanded you? Be

strong and courageous. Do not

be frightened, and do not be

dismayed, for the Lord your God

is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Verse of the Month

New High School Programs: Coming

this Fall!

For 9th-12th grade only

Adult Volunteers Needed - Contact

DCE Cassidy Holeso

Attention Youth Families!

The youth program will be dropping

off pop cans at the recycling center

on August 9th after the 11:00am

church service. Please contact DCE

Cassidy if you have a large truck to

haul cans—there is a lot!

AUGUST 2020 - Youth Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 Youth Bible Study (YBS) 9:45-10:45am – Bold Faith Series Youth Night 6:30-8:00pm

3 4 5 HS Hangout 6:30-7:30pm @ Defiance Public Library – Hang by River

6 7 8

9 YBS: 9:45-10:45am – Bold Faith Series (Youth recycling pop cans after 11:00am church service) Youth Night 6:30-8:00pm

10 11 12 HS Hangout 6:30-7:30pm @ Cabin Fever (Southside)

13 14 15

16 YBS: 9:45-10:45am - Bold Faith Series Youth Tie Dye Night! 6:30-8:00pm

17 18 19 No HS Hangout – moving into new HS program!

20 21 22 No Pie Pan Jr. and Sr. High - Swim at Morris’s! 11:00pm-2:00pm

23 YBS: 9:45-10:45am - Bold Faith Series Youth Night 6:30-8:00pm

24 25 26 No HS Hangout

27 28 29

30 YBS: 9:45-10:45am – End Bold Faith Series Youth Water Night! 6:30-8:00pm

31

August 2020

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Pastor Mews on Vacation back in office August 6

1 5:30p Worship/Communion

2 8:30a Worship/Communion

11:00a Worship/Communion

6:30-8:30p Jr/Sr Hi Youth YR

3 9:00-11:30a Preschool Interviews FR

5:45p Finance 1

7:00p- Covid-19 Mtg.

4 9:30-11:30a Food Pantry

5 6:30p HS Hangout


10:00-11:30a Genesis FR

7 6:30a Iron Men’s Bible Study

9:00a Men’s Project Team

8 5:30p Worship

9 8:00a Worship

9:30a Worship

11:00a Worship

10 9:00-3:00p Teachers Meeting FR

5:30p Trustee

5:45p Finance 2

6:30p Preschool Parent Meeting Three year old FR

6:30p Telecare

11 9:00-3:00p Teachers Meeting FR

9:30-11:30a Food Pantry 2:00-3:00p Mere Christianity AE 6:30p Youth Board YR 6:30p Preschool Parent Meeting Four year old FR

12 9:00a Moms In Touch at Tim Horton

11:00a Endowment Mtg @ SS

12:00-4p Teachers 1st Aid

2:00p Mere Christianity FR

6:30p Case Creater FR



12:00-2:00p Knit & Study FR

7:00p School Board FR



6:00p YA Bible Study at Angie & Tim Morris’s House





17 5:45p Finance 1


2:00-3:00p Mere Christianity FR

19 2:00p Mere Christianity FR

6:30p Case Creater FR



7:00p Parish Planning


22 5:30p Worship

6:00p YA Bible Study

23 8:00a Worship

9:30a Worship

11:00a Worship

24 5:45p Finance 2


2:00-3:00p Mere Christianity FR

26 9:00a Moms In Touch at Tim Horton



2:00p Ladies Aid Meeting

12:00-2:00p Knit & Study FR



6:00p YA Bible Study





31 5:45p Finance 1

First Day of School

AE= Adult Education GM= Gym FR= Fellowship Room LB= Library

LR= Lunch Room CB= Church Balcony

YR= Youth Room CH= Church CO= Church Office

Documents

The Epistle NEWSLETTER...pg 5 - Ladies Aid pg 5 - Realm pg 6 - Anniversaries and Birthdays pg 6 - Food Pantry TeleCare Card Ministry Clothes Closet pg 7 - Thank you Dave and Fred/Welcome