Care Givers



FROM THE

PASTOR

The Prognostication Accuracy of Punxsutawney Phil

Come February 2nd we’ll find out if six more weeks of winter will be upon us or not. This Tuesday is Groundhog Day. That means the world’s “most famous weather forecaster, the prognosticator of prognosticators”, Punxsutawney Phil, will make his annual appearance. Emerging from Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Phil will either see his shadow (six more weeks of winter) or not (an early spring).

I didn’t realize until recently that Punxsutawney Phil has fellow groundhogs helping in the field of winter/spring predictions. There are Jimmy the Groundhog of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Staten Island Chuck of NYC; General Beauregard Lee of Lilburn, Georgia; Woody the Woodchuck of Marion Township, Michigan; Buckeye Chuck of Marion, Ohio; and Mojave Max of Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to Punxsutawney Phil has made 119 predictions: Shadow 102 times; No shadow 17 times (14.3%); No record 9 times. Phil, according to , holds an all-time accuracy percentage of 39% as of 2015. However, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club says that their groundhog has a 100% accuracy rating.

Tracking Phil’s prognostications can be fun and makes the news annually. A defining moment for us, though, is not Phil’s shadow/no shadow, but rather the six week labyrinth of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, February 10th, we will begin our Lenten journey towards Easter of Sunday, March 27th. Easter is the celebration of the resurrection from the dead of our Lord Jesus Christ. Whether or not Jesus saw His shadow when He emerged from the Jerusalem tomb that first Easter morning is insignificant. What matters is that our Lord lives. Satan, sin and death have been defeated. In Him we have forgiveness of our sins, new life and salvation. And because He lives we can face tomorrow.

This good news of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ has an all-time accuracy percentage of 100%. You can place your confidence in our God who loves you unconditionally and is the creator and owner of heaven and earth, or in that of a groundhog at Gobbler’s Knob.

We don’t know if we’re going to have an early spring or six more weeks of winter. We do not know what the future holds. But we do know who holds the future.

Pastor Will

HELPING HANDS

February 7th

8:00

Lector Joan Holland

Usher Larry Miller

Acolyte Sam Moonshower

10:30

Chimer Juli Hamilton

Greeters Jo Holman & Lois Linser

Lector Lorali Todd

Nursery Juli Hamilton

Communion Jo Holman,

George Noggle & Tedd Humbarger

Usher Gregory Pancake

Acolyte Raegan Roehm

Ash Wednesday—February 10th

12 Noon

Ushers Rick Allen

7:30

Chimer Sharon Blank

Acolyte Kendall Rauch

Ushers Marc Grubaugh

Greeters Wayne & Alicia Hickerson

Communion Kevin Taylor &

_______________

February 14th

8:00

Lector Jim Holland

Usher Phyllis Kill

Acolyte Elise Darrigan

Communion Warren Bowery &

_______________

10:30

Chimer Sharon Blank

Greeters Jason, Stephanie,

Abigail & Kevin Stechschulte

Lector Cary Roehm

Nursery Paige Moonshower

Usher Mark Hurless

Acolyte Braelynn Spear

Mid-Week Lent—February 17th

12 Noon

Ushers Frank Rohrs

(Feb. 17th Cont.) 7:30

Chimer Evan Sroufe

Acolyte Brad Korte

Ushers Phil McClure

Greeters Judy Sampson

February 21st

8:00

Lector Wayne Kilton

Usher Kathy Van Eman

Acolyte Evan Sroufe

10:30

Chimer Lori Snyder

Greeters Phyllis Myers &

Yvonne Leaser

Lector Jim Rhoades

Nursery Raegan Roehm

Communion Gary Prill &

Nancy Wolverton

Ushers Kevin Taylor

Acolyte _______________

Mid-Week Lent—February 24th

12 Noon

Ushers Wayne Kilton

7:30

Chimer Hilary Arn

Acolyte Ryan Chen

Ushers Roger Overholt

Greeters Bill & Pauline Weldy

February 28th

8:00

Lector Warren Bowery

Usher Larry Miller

Acolyte Connor Johnson

Communion Neil Korte &

_______________

10:30

Chimer Hilary Arn

Greeters _______________

Lector Marilyn Morgan

Nursery Shannon Spear

Usher Gregory Pancake

Acolyte Paige Moonshower

FUMC Food Pantry: A reminder that items are collected the 1st Sunday of every month. The next Sunday for collection is Sunday, February 7th. Some specific items that are always needed are: vegetables, paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, etc.) oil, flour, sugar, spices, etc. Any and all items are greatly appreciated. The Ruth-Eunice Circle delivers in February.

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FUND RAISING OPPORTUNITY: Easter Sunday Breakfast on March 27th, 2016. Each year St. Mark’s has had its traditional Easter Sunday Breakfast as a fund raising event conducted by a group or organization within the church, or an outside charitable group that a member of our congregation is associated with. The money raised from the breakfast goes to the sponsoring group or organization of the church, or donated to the sponsoring charitable group that a member of our congregation is affiliated.

Currently, Easter Sunday Breakfast sponsorship is open and available to such group or organization.

What’s involved: Advertising in the Sunday bulletin and monthly messenger, signage in the church, securing volunteers to work, obtaining supplies, planning the menu, preparation and serving breakfast, set-up, tear down and cleaning of the fellowship hall and kitchen.

If your group is interested, please act quickly as our Easter Season is early this year and rapidly approaching being on March 27th. Priority will be given to groups within the church through February 8th and to organizations a member is affiliated with from outside the church through February 22nd on a first come basis.

Last year $360 was raised and donated to Van Wert City/County DARE from the donation basket at the breakfast. For more information please contact Denny Wagonrod of the Service Committee at 419-203-4501.

Notes

Of

Thanks

Thank you to Stacie Korte, Dee Fisher, and the choir along with the orchestra for the beautiful and very moving Cantata on December 20th. All I can say is WOW!!

Alicia Hickerson

Thank you: Just want to say thank you again for my prayer shawl. My husband passed away after 65 years of marriage a couple weeks ago and I find much comfort under the shawl at night. Keep up the good work! Say a prayer for us. Thank you, Mary Williams

Thank you: Please accept our sincere thanks for the $300 donation you so generously gave to The Salvation Army. Your contribution will allow The Salvation Army to continue helping the needy in our community. God Bless you! Arthur Barter, Major

Corps Officer

Thank you for your gift of $500 given to Camp Mowana, a part of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio. We appreciate your support of this ministry. Your generosity is a sign of God with us. We rely on the faithful stewardship of our donors and thank you for your confidence and trust. Sincerely, In Christ, Penny Christensen

LOMO Executive Director

Rod Pearce

Dir. Camp Mowana & LMC

Thank you: Your church family has been a true blessing to me as I underwent and recover from foot surgery. The beautiful prayer shawl made and prayed over by one known to God and hand delivered to me by Sandy Errett keeps me uplifted, comforted but wishing I was swimming with Sandy. One day- God answers prayers. My friend Phyllis Myers has kept me faithfully in prayer, calling plus delivering delicious lunches even as she faces her own health challenges. I am grateful for our fellow churches who uplift all with their kind deeds, well wishes and fervent prayer. Thanks to God for his great gift of Jesus and the St. Mark’s family for your gift of love to me. Merry Christmas!

Barb Stanly

Thank you for your generous gift of $250. We are extremely grateful that you have chosen to share in our mission in this meaningful way. Your support of Filling Homes through your gifts and prayers make you an important part of our Filling Family. From our Home to yours, we send you a Christ filled Happy New Year.

Warmest regards in Christ,

Jean Cohrs, Ex. Assistant

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Church Cancellation Information Available

Please be advised, you may listen to the following radio/TV stations for any church service or activity cancellations due to severe winter weather conditions or look on our webpage.



WERT radio1220 (Van Wert)

WKSD radio 99.7 (Van Wert)

WTGN radio 97.7 (Ft. Wayne)

WBCL radio 90.3 (Ft. Wayne)

Channel 15 (Ft. Wayne)

Channel 21 (Ft. Wayne)

Channel 33 (Ft. Wayne)

Channel 6 (Van Wert cable)



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Wednesday Evening Cancellations Information

If Van Wert Schools cancel, due to fog, the Wednesday evening youth/kids meetings WILL MEET as planned. If Van Wert Schools cancel or have early dismissal due to ice, snow, etc. Wednesday evening youth/kids meetings WILL NOT MEET.

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Church Security

Reminder that if you unlock a door into the church please be sure to lock it again when you leave or lock it behind you when you enter. Doors have been found unlocked or unlatched. Please be extra careful to lock anything you have unlocked.

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Circle Meetings

Ruth-Eunice Circle

Wednesday, February, 10th, 2016, 1:30 p.m.

Meeting depends on weather

Esther Circle

Tues., Feb., 9th, 2016 9:30 a.m.

Crystal Haggis, hostess

Judy Sampson, program

Meeting at the church gathering area

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YEAR END STATEMENTS ARE READY AND AVAILABLE IN THE CLOAK ROOM

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St. Mark’s Walking Program: As of December 31, 2015 the total miles walked are 31,333.07! Our goal is 238,857 to the moon! Only 207,523.93 miles to go! Keep up the great work!

LENT & EASTER SERVICE

“24 Hours That Changed The World”

Ash Wednesday,

February 10th

12:00 p.m. and 7:35 p.m.

Mid-Week Lenten Services on February 17th, 24th, March 2nd, 9th & 16th at 12:00 & 7:35 with suppers prior to 7:35 services.

March 20th—Palm Sunday

Services

March 24th—Maundy

Thursday Communion

Services at 12:00 p.m.

& 7:30 p.m.

March 25th—Good Friday

8 p.m. Tenebrae Service

of Shadows

March 27th—Easter Sunday

Services at 7:00 a.m.

and 10:30 a.m. with

Breakfast at 8:15 a.m. &

Sunday School at 9:15.

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A Reminder to All Committees: It’s that

time of year and Annual Reports are due

to the office no later

then February 14, 2016.

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Need A Ride to Church? Call Tom Rhoades during February at 419-238-5858.

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Preparing for Death: A Resource Guide: Death can be a difficult thing to think about, but being prepared can ease the decision making process during that time. A manual has been prepared by the Health Ministry to assist congregational members in planning for death—their own or that of a loved one. The booklet includes instructions for advance directives, local information, checklist of steps, suggestions for funeral arrangements, forms for biographical information and funeral preferences. Booklets are in the cloak room/ church office.

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The Outreach

Committee

is seeking input from the congregation regarding potential recipients of Outreach Funds for hunger programs locally, nationally and globally. Suggestions can be made on the I Worshiped Today, to Council Representative Jo Holman or to the church office. For national and global ideas, some suggested websites are (but not limited to):

hunger,

disaster,

globalmission,

, &

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Yellow Ribbons There is a display on the bulletin board next to the main entrance. We would like to include the names of our loved ones who are in military service on this board. Please contact the church office (419-238-6336) to have a name listed on the board. Remember to pray for the safe return of our men and women and an end to the war. With HIM all things are possible!

Hospital Reminder

Please call the office with ANY information on hospital emergency visits or admissions.

February 22nd for the March 2016 Messenger. Submit your items on or before the 22nd. Please have your items written/typed before you bring them. Meisa

Notes

Of

Thanks

Thank you so much for your recent monetary donation towards Crestview Elementary’s Loaves of Love Program. We are currently providing weekend food items for 26 students. Your generosity means the world to these students. God Bless, Shawn Putman

Thank you for your recent donation to the Van Wert Community Cooperative Ministry food pantry. The need is great and your help is appreciated.

gods at War winter small group initiative kick-off is Sunday, February 7, 2016. “gods at War” is a six week DVD driven – fellowship & discussion oriented experience. “gods at War” looks at what real life obstacles interfere with our having a deeper faith in God and what can facilitate our having a more rewarding relationship with Him.

Sign up on your I Worshiped Today or go to our church website to participate in one of these groups for six weeks.

Beginning Sunday, February 7, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in the meeting room across from the church office. Facilitator: Eric Overholt

Beginning Sunday, February 7, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in the church parlor. Facilitator: Kelli Thompson; Co-Facilitator: Juli Hamilton

Beginning Sunday, February 7, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the church parsonage.

Facilitator – Pastor Will

Beginning Wednesday, February 10, 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. in the church’s gathering area.

Facilitator – Vicki Johnston

Facebook Group. Facilitator – needed.

Information is available if you are interested in leading this innovative approach.

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Wednesday Night Meal Listing February 2016

February 3rd—Stacie Korte

& Crystal Haggis

February 10th— 6th—8th

Grade Catechism Classes

February 17th—

Nancy Wolverton,

Carol Greulach,

Alicia Hickerson

Youth meal @ 5:55 p.m.

Adult meal @ 6:30 p.m.

February 24th—

Linda Shupe

Reba Robey

Jeannine Roediger

Youth meal @ 5:55 p.m.

Adult meal @ 6:30 p.m.

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24 Hours That Changed The World is the focus and theme for our Mid-week Lenten services. Together we will revisit the final 24 hours of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ and the significance of his suffering and death. This will be an enriching experience whether you are a seasoned follower of Christ or one who is curious, but not yet committed, to a life in the Lord. These Wednesday lunch time and evening services begin on February 10th, Ash Wednesday, 12:00 & 7:35 p.m.

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IMPORTANT TAX NOTICE: To ensure the deductibility of your church contributions, do not file your 2015 income tax return until you have received a written acknowledgment of your contributions from the church. Some of your contributions may not be tax-deductible if you file your tax return before receiving your giving information.

FEBRUARY GREETERS

The greeters for the 8:00 a.m. services in February, 2016 are Roy & Jana Ringwald.

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Coffee Hour Listing for February 2016

February 7th Arn

February 14th Roediger

February 21st Wagonrod

February 28th Grubaugh

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ACTS OF THE CHURCH

Baptisms

Paige Alexis Kaufman &

Jacob Matthew Kaufman

January 31, 2016

February 14, 2016

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Thank you: Please extend a warm thank you to the great St. Mark’s cooks who coordinated the 2015 Bread and Bowl dinners. These individuals included Nancy Wolverton; Kim and Bob Evans; Kelli Thompson; Trudy Webster, Amy McConn, and Kelly Rauch ; and Jeannine Roediger. Dozens more from St. Mark’s prepared tasty side dishes and delicious desserts for the meals. In addition, numerous others served the meals and helped clean-up the kitchen and dining areas. Cheers to each of these fine individuals for using their talents to help feed others!

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HELP NEEDED!!! St. Mark’s is looking for some good planners to help coordinate the meals for Bread and Bowl, a program that feeds the hungry in the Van Wert area every Friday night at the First United Methodist Church. Dinner coordinators help plan the meal, purchase main course items, oversee the Friday meal, and recruit volunteers to prepare side dishes and desserts and to serve the meal. St. Mark’s provides financial assistance to cover the cost of the main course and numerous incidentals. Experienced coordinators would be willing to assist you as needed.

Please consider this fine service and contact the church office (419 238-6336) or Kathy Taylor (419 605-8467) if you need more information or if you would be willing to coordinate a meal.

The dates of the 2016 meals are the following: February 26, May 27, July 29, September 30, and December 9.

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Congratulations to James & Marie Yearling on the birth of a baby girl, Lucile Marie Yearling, on December 14, 2015. Proud grandparents are Dana & Cheryl Yearling.[pic][pic][pic][pic]

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