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St. Paul's
Evangelical Lutheran Church
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127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, OH 44646
330 832-7409
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September 2025 Newsletter
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Contact Us: Click to send an email
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- 25th Anniversary Thank You Devotional
- Upcoming Events
- Adult Sunday School Class
- Church Picnic Sunday,
September 14
- Pastor's Ordination Anniversary
- Church Council Highlights
- Income and Expense Summary
- Capital Fund Update
- New Enclosed Archways
- August Community Meal Report
- Good Things on the Way from God's Kitchen Angels
- Friendship Circle
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- Grant for Cathedral Concerts Approved
- Chorus for a Cause:
September 21 at 4 pm
- Anderson Rambler's Graduation Recital
- Prayer List Update
- September Birthdays
- September Wedding Anniversaries
- In Sympathy
- Flowers for the Altar
- Council Members
- Committee Members
- Serving During the Month of September
- New Assisted Hearing Devices Available
- St. Paul's Phone App
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25th Anniversary Thank You Devotional – Based on How Great Thou Art
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photo credit: Kyla Kreemer
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One of the most beloved hymns of the church is How Great Thou Art. Its verses remind us of the greatness of God revealed in creation, in the gift of Jesus Christ, and in the hope of eternal life. But the refrain may be the part that lingers longest in our hearts:
“Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art!”
That refrain has been echoing in my heart as I reflect on last Sunday’s celebration of my 25th anniversary of ordination. I felt surrounded by the greatness of God—not in thunder or mountains, but in the love and faithfulness of God’s people.
I want to pause and give thanks. To Pastor Karen Asmus-Alsnauer, whose preaching lifted our hearts to God’s Word and reminded us that ministry is always grounded in Christ. To our faithful Kitchen Angels, who organized the catered meal and turned it into a feast of fellowship. To Mayor Jamie Slutz, for the proclamation honoring this anniversary and recognizing the ways the church continues to bless the community. To Abby Haake and the whole congregation, for the two beautiful stoles—gifts that will rest on my shoulders in worship as a reminder of God’s call and of your love. And to you, the congregation of St. Paul’s, thank you for your prayers, your presence, and the support you have given me, not just on this day, but throughout the years of ministry we have shared together.
The hymn begins with awe at God’s creation: “O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made…” On this anniversary, I found myself in that same “awesome wonder”—marveling at how God has guided my life, sustained my call, and surrounded me with people who reflect God’s love.
When the hymn writer says, “Then sings my soul,” it is as if he is saying: when I see the greatness of God in creation, in Christ, and in the people of God, my heart cannot help but respond in praise. And that is what I feel today—gratitude overflowing into praise.
So my prayer today is simple:
“Gracious God, You are faithful and good. Thank You for calling me into ministry, for sustaining me these past 25 years, and for the love shown through this celebration. May all of us continue to sing with our lives: How great Thou art! Amen.”
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The church calendar is always available on every page of the church website on the right side, along with the church address, phone number, email address, and Youtube link for the online services. The online calendar contains the most up-to-date listing of events.
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Wednesday Snip-N-Stitch, 9:00 am, beginning September 3
Thursday Bible Studies, 10:00 am, beginning September 11
Thursday Chair Yoga following Bible Study, 11:00 am, beginning September 11
Sunday School after church service, 11:30 am, beginning September 21
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Tuesday, September 2, Worship and Music Committee (1st Tuesday of month)
Thursday, September 4, 6 pm: Friendship Circle. (1st Thursday of month)
Friday, September 12, 4:30-6:00 pm: Community Meal and Clothes Closet
(2nd Friday of month)
Tuesday, September 9, 7 pm: Church Council (2nd Tuesday of month)
Tuesday, September 16, 6 pm: Finance Committee (3rd Tuesday of month)
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Special Congregational Meeting, September 7, immediately following Worship in the Sanctuary to consider repaving the parking lot
Church picnic: Sunday, September 14, after church
Pepperoni Rolls available from Kitchen Angels, Sunday, September 21 after church
Cathedral Concert: Sunday, September 21, 4 pm, A Chorus for a Cause
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Adult Sunday School Class
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Beginning September 21, 11:30 am
Who is God the Holy Spirit?
“The Spirit will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13a)
The Holy Spirit may be the most neglected and misunderstood person of the Holy Trinity. God the Father and God the Son seem more relatable and easier to embrace. The lessons for September and October will focus on the person and work of the Holy Spirit and the privilege we have as believers to access this “power from on high.”
Please join us following the Sunday worship service in the Parish Hall, top floor, as we begin this interesting series of lessons. We typically start at 11:30 and conclude shortly past noon. An elevator is available for easy access. Hope to see you there!
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Thursday Morning Bible Study
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Beginning September 11, 10:00 am
Everywhere Is Jerusalem: Experiencing the Holy Then and Now
By James Howell
Location matters. Christianity isn't a batch of spiritual thoughts or metaphysical truths. It's a journey of real people with their feet on the ground in real places.
In Everywhere Is Jerusalem, James Howell takes you on a spiritual pilgrimage to significant places in the ongoing story of the Christian faith. You'll go from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, from the Jordan River to Assisi, and from the Sea of Galilee to Montgomery, Alabama. Along the way, you'll discover the profound connections between biblical stories and the places they happened.
Part travelogue, part Bible study, this book will take you on a spiritual journey to the places that are most important in our faith, and you'll discover that the most important place of all is the place where you are, right now.
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Church Picnic Sunday,
September 14
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Mark your calendar to join us for our annual picnic following our 10:00 AM service. We will be serving BBQ Ribs and Chicken.
Please bring a covered dish. If your last name starts with
A-F - bring a dessert
G-N - bring a salad or appetizer
O-Z - bring side dish
We will have special music from Tom Judge, who plays in the band Digital Natives. Tom is the son-in-law of Mary Ann and Russ Poling. Tom recently played in the Battle of the Bands at the Fan Fest for the Hall of Fame.
There will be games on the lawn, so plan to join in the fun.
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Pastor's Ordination Anniversary
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We celebrated Pastor Mark's 25th anniversary of his ordination on Sunday, August 24. Rev. Karen Asmus-Alsnauer delivered the sermon and renewed Pastor Mark's vows that he made 25 years ago. Special music was provided by the Chancel Choir and soloist Sammy Kay Smith. A catered lunch followed the service to continue our celebration and appreciation. (More photos are shared on our church Facebook page.)
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Rev. Karen Asmus-Alsnauer and Pastor Mark.
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The choir prepared to process to "We All Are One in Mission," the gathering hymn.
The anthem shared in the service was "I Choose Love." The sending hymn was "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light," the song that accompanied Mark and Veronica as they walked down the aisle when they married with Reverend Karen as their officiant.
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Church members gathered to celebrate Pastor Mark's big day.
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Massillon Mayor Jamie Slutz provided a nice surprise in recognition of all Pastor Mark has done for the community: "REVEREND MARK E. KREEMER DAY" on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
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Church Council Highlights
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Report from August 12, 2025
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- We have a projected date for the end of August for the building project. There may be a few things that will need finished up, but most things are on schedule, which is a great thing to be able to say. Everyone is excited to see how the finished project will look!
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Pastor reported that Judy Hall is home and working to recover strength. Dan Lint was in the hospital with some heart-related problems but is now home and anticipating some cardiologist visits.
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We were saddened to hear of the death of Dwight Butler's father.
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Bible Study will resume at a still to be announced date in September. Many are looking forward to the resumption of this worthwhile class.
- Council happily voted to accept Richard Everett into membership at St. Paul's.
- We are all looking forward to the celebration of Pastor Mark's 25th year of ordination. All plans are coming along nicely.
- The new boiler for the church will begin installation at least by the 25th of this month and take about 2 weeks.
- The leakage problems in the Parish Hall will be discussed at the congregational meeting by the Property Committee. Estimates for repairs are being sought at this time.
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We look forward to the congregational picnic on September 14th. Be ready for great food and entertainment.
- The court case concerning Eddie Langford has been dismissed without prejudice. This means there is no current case, but Mr. Langford has one year in which to refile if he so chooses.
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Respectfully shared,
Kathryn Myers
President, Church Council
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Income and Expense Summary
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Financial notes: St. Paul’s new fiscal year is off to a positive start thanks to our $4,600 quarterly receipt from the Fannie Portz Endowment. Unfortunately, we did have some bad luck with two plumbing issues that cost us $2,457 to repair.
Dan Farrar, Treasurer
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Capital Campaign Update Notes from Pastor Mark
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Construction is well underway on our new entrance and restrooms, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity of our members that has made this possible—the project is fully funded!
However, this is not the end of our building and maintenance needs. Two important projects still lie ahead: addressing the window wells around the base of the Parish Hall and upgrading the heating and cooling system in that same space. While we do not yet have formal estimates for these projects, we know they will come at a significant cost.
That’s why we are asking everyone to continue supporting the Capital Campaign. Your continued giving will ensure that we can maintain a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all who come through our doors.
We hope to have estimates for the next phase of work by the end of the summer and will keep you informed as those plans develop. In the meantime, thank you for your ongoing faithfulness and generosity.
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A smooth entry is now available from the front of the church, leading into a light-filled, roomy space between the Parish Hall and Sanctuary. The front entrance has no step and the rear entrance has just the one.
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While the construction project is not yet complete, we are excited to announce that the new entrance is now able to be used. Please note that the chair lifts are not yet operational. We expect them to be operational in the near future.
Please enter the new drive for drop off/pick up and proceed to the original upper lot for handicap parking or continue through for parking on the street and the Harvard lot. We respectfully ask that the three new handicap spots (closest to the new entrance) be saved for those with wheelchairs, walkers, or similar conditions.
Thank you for your patience.
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August Community Meal Report
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On a warm and sunny afternoon, 99 people joined us for sausages in marinara sauce, including onions, peppers, and shredded cheese. Corn, applesauce, roll with butter, and dessert rounded out the meal.
Veronica Kreemer and a student from Central Catholic distributed household items for those who needed them.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for our mission. Many look forward to and enjoy a nice meal and fellowship . . . priceless!
Please reach out to Kim or David with questions.
Blessings and Peace,
phone links: Kim Oberlin and David Stoner
email links: Kim Oberlin and David Stoner
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We greeted several new shoppers this month and many regulars as well. Due to extreme heat in the closet, we had many complaints and shortened visits. We decided on a one white bag limit per person and 3 books for person, but always negotiable per need.
Several children were delighted with our toy selection, and the interaction was priceless. Toy donations are always needed. We can use as a supplement to clothing, books, linens, jewelry, décor, body care items, and miscellaneous.
We will also now be taking fall and winter clothing, blankets, children’s and adults' coats, hats, mittens, and boots.
Please call Cindy Lash, Tracie Schmolt, or Carol Stoner for additional information.
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Good Things on the Way from God's Kitchen Angels
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God's Kitchen Angels will be very busy again soon!
We will start with pepperoni rolls, which will be dispensed on September 21. It will be on a first come first serve basis. Price is yet to be determined.
Then in October we will have our Pumpkin Rolls. Prices will remain the same: $8 a half, $15 for a whole. Order forms will be available soon.
Cookies will be in November. More information to come.
Again, we thank all of you for your continued support!
--Sue Ambrosic and all of her Angels.
Many blessings!
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Report from Becky Johnson:
What a delightful evening of fellowship and fun during this extra special Friendship Circle Meeting.
A wonderful meal served and provided by LaShell Williamson and Judy Fichter.
Bible study was by our own Anneliese Daniels. She shared her life growing up in Germany. As a child she remembers going to a parade. She waved a flag, and all were cheering for a man riding in a tank. Everyone thought he was wonderful in the beginning. The man was Hitler. Later, of course, they saw his true self.
She also shared about the bomb shelter and the curfew. If you were out of your home after 7, you would be shot! She talked about the ship that brought her to America, the trials of being so seasick, and not being able to speak English.
The evening was enjoyed by all who were in attendance.
Remember, all are welcome to join Friendship Circle. We meet the first Thursday of the month at 6 pm in our beautiful lounge.
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Annual Field Trip for Mums
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Report from Becky Johnson:
What an incredibly beautiful day for our mum outing. The scenery was stunning with all the cornfields and big white fluffy clouds. The temperature was perfect. It was a great time for fellowship. An extra bonus this year was that we had some young boys who helped us out by loading all the huge mums in our vehicles.
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Grant for Cathedral Concerts Approved
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We are pleased to announce the Concert Series for this year. Our first concert is September 21.
Our concert series was awarded an ArtSTART Grant in the amount of $3892 for the 2025-2026 season. This amount is a matching funds grant, so the Worship and Music Committee is looking for donations of any amount to help us reach this goal.
Flyers that contain the schedule and a donation form are available at church services.
You can also give electronically on your smart phone by texting the words
STPAUL MASSILLON
to 833-245-7486
This method connects you with our Church's Pushpay system, where you can earmark a gift to the Cathedral Concert fund.
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Chorus for a Cause:
September 21 at 4 pm
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Do you love Broadway Musicals? If you do, be sure to come hear these songs at our first Cathedral Concert:
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- Singing in the Rain
- A Wonderful Guy (from South Pacific)
- There Once Was a Man (from The Pajama Game)
- Sunrise, Sunset (from Fiddler on the Roof)
- Corner of the Sky (from Pippin)
- With You (from Pippin)
- Home (from The Wiz)
- And All That Jazz (from Chicago)
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (from Monty Python's Spamalot)
- Memory (from Cats)
- For Good (from Wicked)
- Do You Want to Build a Snowman (from Frozen)
- Great Adventure (from Kimberly Akimbo)
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Anderson Rambler's Graduation Recital
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Andy honored those who assisted in the recital: Mrs. Julie-Lehman, pianist; Mrs. Denise Milner Howell, voice teacher; Maggie Vollman, mezzo-soprano; Dr. Abigail Haake, pianist.
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Saturday, August 2, we enjoyed the music of our frequent guest soloist and Chancel Choir member, Anderson Rambler. He recently graduated from the Akron School for the Arts at Firestone High School.
Andy has distinguished himself in vocal competitions, earning 1st Place in the Schmidt Vocal Competition (Ohio), 1st Place in both the Classical and American Spiritual categories at Ohio NATS, and 2nd Place at Shining Star CLE. Andy was a member of Firestone’s Symphonic and Madrigal Choirs, which we enjoyed so much in the Advent season. This fall, Andy will attend the Oberlin Conservatory of Music to pursue a degree in Vocal Performance.
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Andy's family provided a lovely reception after the concert.
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Olivia Harrington, Darlene Lewis, Cindy Nash, Michael Jordan, Paul Daily, Rick Thesis, Jerry Sturtz, Judy Hall, Richard Green, Arthur Barnett, and Randy Balder.
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Favorite Bible or hymn verses: Every month we invite those celebrating birthdays to share their favorite verses. Be ready to send in yours!
Carol Butler, September 6:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1
Julia Englehart, September 24:
"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38
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Sept. 2--James Vallance
Sept. 3--Judy Fichter
Sept. 5--Brooke Larson
Sept. 5--Robert Davies
Sept. 6--Jaden Brumfield
Sept. 6--Carol Butler
Sept. 6--Larry Sheets
Sept. 7--Gwen Halco
Sept. 7--Sue Jones
Sept. 8--James Starrett
Sept. 8--Sam Monastra
Sept. 9--Patricia Pratt
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Sept. 10--Brenda Brown
Sept. 11--Parker Moden
Sept. 11--Jennifer Stanko
Sept. 11--Thomas Schmolt
Sept. 12--Ryan Skelly
Sept. 13--Layne Getz
Sept. 14--Samantha Haring
Sept. 15--Jack Lang
Sept. 17--Elliana Monastra
Sept. 20--Haley Myer
Sept. 21--Madison Reiman
Sept. 22--Darlene Lewis
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Sept. 22--Daniel Farrar
Sept. 22--Doug Books
Sept. 23--Wendy Reiman
Sept. 23--Bronwyn Dourm
Sept. 24--Julia Englehart
Sept. 24--Jarrett Deuble
Sept. 24--Ethan Deuble
Sept. 26--Janet Kuller
Sept. 29--Christopher Collard
Sept. 29--Amy Stuck
Sept. 29--Duane Books
Sept. 29--Evan Myers
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Has your birthday or anniversary been missing from the published lists? If so, please contact the office so we can add it to our database. Thank you!
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September Wedding Anniversaries
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We celebrate with these couples and congratulate them on another milestone in their lives together!
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Sept. 21--D. Richard & Vivian Getz
Sept. 11--Harry & Sue Morgan
Sept. 4--Daniel & Sandra Bennett
Sept. 7--Mark & Veronica Kreemer
Sept. 13--Matthew & Tracie Brumfield
Sept. 16--Sam & Deidra Monastra
Sept. 27--Brandon & Marissa Cole
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On August 8, John Butler, father of member Dwight Butler, passed away in Lebanon, Ohio, at the age of 96. We send comfort to his family.
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We extend our condolences to the family of Dorothy Ellen Morton, Pastor Mark's aunt, who passed away August 9.
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Long-time member of St. Paul's, John Tasseff, passed away on August 13. Our sympathies to the family as they honor his memory. John was a beloved member of St. Paul’s for many years. He and his wife Shirley were married at the church.
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Flowers for the Altar for 2025
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Please text Sue Ambrosic at 330-844-7648 if you would like to have the Altar or Throne flowers for 2025.
The cost of Altar flowers is $40 per Sunday; the Throne flowers are $28. Please contact Patty Carmola if you have any questions at 330-832-9405. You will be billed directly by Carmola's Flowers in Massillon.
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Dwight Butler
Gary Collard
Shane Jackson
Jim Johnson
Lynda Klein
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Dennis Morgan
Barb Palmer
Sue Reid
Brady Rupp
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Kathryn Myers, Chair
Amy Burkett,
Sue Ambrosic
Gayle Jackson
Becky Johnson
Cindy Lash
Deidra Monastra
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Dan Farrar, Chair
Shane Jackson
Greg Klein
John Liebermann
Patty Long
Brady Rupp
Tracie Schmolt
John Stanko
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Greg Klein, Chair
Carol Butler
Dwight Butler
Abigail Haake
Karl Kalk
Patty Long
Kathryn Myers
Kim Oberlin
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WELFARE AND SOCIAL ACTION
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Barb Palmer, Chair
Christine Bates
Judy Fichter
Lynda Klein
Deidra Monastra
Kathryn Myers
Kim Oberlin
JuDee Reed
David Stoner
LaShell Williamson
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Jim Johnson, Chair
Joe Hepler
John Liebermann
Dennis Morgan, Liaison for Chair
Paul Mutchler
John Stanko
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YOUTH AND PARISH EDUCATION
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Serving During the Month of September
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If you are interested in serving for a future month, click on the contact person's email link.
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Contact Karl Kalk
9/7--Karl Kalk
9/14--Sue Reid
9/21--Veronica Kreemer
9/28--Kathryn Myers
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Contact Kathryn Myers
9/7--Lynda Klein &Greg Klein
9/14--Dennis Morgan & Kathryn Myers
9/21--Brady Rupp & Sue Reid
9/28--Dwight Butler & Jim Johnson
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Contact Karl Kalk
9/7--Gary Collard
9/14--Rob Pritchett
9/21--Craig Maurer
9/28--Marilyn Norton
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Contact Dick Longworth
Dave Dourm
Phil Halco
Russ Poling
Tracie Schmolt
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New Assisted Hearing Devices Available
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Four assisted listening devices are available at the sound system table in the back of the sanctuary at the beginning of worship. Please see Jim Johnson or John Stanko if you need assistance with these devices.
You can also use your smartphone to access the system. Go to your app store and download the WaveCAST app. Then connect to the sanctuary Wi-Fi:
Network: sound media
Password: Sound127
Once connected to the Wi-Fi, open the WaveCAST app and tap on St. Paul’s to access the worship service. If you need help, please see Jim or John.
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Choose My Church by Pushpay from the App Store.
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To take advantage of all the app’s features, you must create an account. Get notifications and reminders of upcoming events, access our live stream worship and worship bulletins, send prayer requests, see the church calendar, and give electronically.
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St. Paul's
Evangelical Lutheran Church
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We are a community of believers called together to be the Body of Christ for the sake of our families, community and our world. We invite you to join us for worship on Sunday mornings as we celebrate God’s redeeming and freeing grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
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The Reverend Mark Kreemer officiating.
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Thank you to all who have submitted photos for this newsletter. To see more photos, follow the Facebook pages listed below.
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Cathedral Concerts Facebook Page
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St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church
127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, OH 44646
330 832-7409
Office Hours: T, W, F 9am-1pm
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ELCA Vision: A world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation..
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