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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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Contact Us: Click to send an email
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- Pastor Mark Kreemer Message: What Matters Most?
- Upcoming Events
- Adult Choir Rehearsals
- Jackie's Office Hours
- Adult Sunday School
- Thursday Morning Bible Study
- It's the Season for Mums
- Livestream Link
- Thank You Notes
- God's Kitchen Angels Give Back
- Pepperoni & Pumpkin Rolls
- Historical Road Trip
- Dinner and a Concert
- Trick or Treat
- Church Council Highlights
- Ed Building Q & A
- Organ Repair Donations
- Cemetery Lots for Sale
- Church Directory
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- Send Bridge News to Church Office by the 21st
- Friendship Circle
- September Community Meal Report
- September Clothing Closet Report
- The St. Paul’s Steelband
- Handbell Choir
- Musical Notes
- 26-27 Cathedral Concert Series
- Prayer List Update
- October Birthdays
- October Wedding Anniversaries
- Flowers for the Altar for 2026
- Council Members
- Committee Members
- Serving During the Month of September
- New Assisted Hearing Devices Available
- St. Paul's Phone App
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Dear Friends in Christ,
October is an interesting month in the life of the church. The leaves begin to change, the days grow shorter, and we begin to recognize that summer is truly behind us. At church, we settle back into the rhythms of worship, Bible study, music, fellowship, and service.
This October, the Gospel readings give us another reason to pause and ask an important question: What matters most?
The Revised Common Lectionary takes us through several challenging passages this month. We hear the Ten Commandments, the story of the golden calf, Jesus’ teaching about giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and finally Jesus’ answer when he is asked which commandment is the greatest.
Jesus’ answer is remarkably simple:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
And then he adds:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
There is something wonderfully uncomplicated about those words—and something incredibly difficult.
We live in a world that constantly tells us what should matter most. We are encouraged to measure our lives by what we own, what we accomplish, how successful we appear, how many people agree with us, or how much influence we have. We can easily become so focused on the things competing for our attention that we forget the things that give our lives meaning.
Jesus brings us back to the center.
Love God.
Love your neighbor.
That does not mean that the rest of life is unimportant. Our families matter. Our work matters. Our communities matter. The decisions we make matter. But Jesus reminds us that all of these things find their proper place when they are grounded in love of God and love of neighbor.
I think that is one of the reasons the church is so important.
The church is not simply a place where we come once a week to hear a few Bible verses and sing some hymns. The church is a community where we practice remembering what matters. We gather around Word and Sacrament. We pray for one another. We learn together. We serve our neighbors. We share meals. We welcome people who are looking for a place to belong. And, perhaps most importantly, we remind one another that our lives are rooted in something larger than ourselves.
At St. Paul’s, we have many opportunities to do exactly that this fall. Through worship, Bible study, the Community Meal and Clothing Closet, Kitchen Angels, our music ministries, and the many ways we serve our community, we have opportunities to put Jesus’ words into practice.
None of us will do it perfectly. We will sometimes get distracted. We will sometimes put other things ahead of God and our neighbor. We will sometimes disagree about what faithfulness looks like.
But the good news of the Gospel is that God’s love does not depend upon our getting everything right.
God continues to meet us with grace.
So perhaps October is a good month to ask ourselves a simple question:
What matters most?
And perhaps Jesus’ answer is still the best place to begin.
Love God.
Love your neighbor.
And trust that, in doing so, we are learning to live the life God has given us—not perfectly, but faithfully, together.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
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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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Handbell Choir Rehearsal: Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7 @ 6 PM
Historic Road Trip: Oct. 1st @ 12:45
Reservations for Amish Dinner & Concert Due: October 1st
Ed Building Q & A Session: Oct. 4th @ 11:30
"Garage Sale": Oct. 8th, 9th, & 10th from 9am-3pm
Pumpkin Roll Orders Due: Oct. 11th
An Evening with the Singers: Oct. 16th @ 7 PM
Candy donations for Trick or Treat Due: Oct. 18th
The Canton Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Quintet: Oct. 18th @ 4 PM
Friendship Circle: Oct. 22nd @ 6 PM
Trick or Treat: October 25th from 3-5 PM
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Sunday Adult Bible Study: 11:30
Sunday: Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 8:30 AM
Wednesday: Snip-N-Stitch, 9:00-11:00 AM
Wednesday: Steel Drum Sessions, 6 PM *Beginning Oct. 14th
Thursday Morning Bible Study, 10 AM
Thursday: Chair Yoga, 11:00 AM
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Worship and Music Committee (1st Tuesday of month)
Friendship Circle-in the Lounge (Oct. 22nd this month)
Church Council (2nd Tuesday of month)
Community Meal and Clothes Closet (2nd Friday of month)
Finance Committee (3rd Tuesday of month)
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Join us on Sundays at 8:30 AM in the choir room to make a joyful noise. All are welcome!
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I’m frequently asked when I’m in the office.
My office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am – 1pm.
Office Email: officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org
Office phone: 330.832.7409
Jackie Pritchett, Office Volunteer
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Jeremiah the Prophet
Jeremiah was given an important but very difficult assignment to accomplish - to speak truthfully about the failures of the people of Judah and to remind them of the One in whom they ought to put their trust, the Lord God of all creation. The book is filled with warnings, wisdom, and encouragement for living faithfully today.
Please join us as we gather at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays, top floor Parish Hall for Bible study and fellowship. An elevator is available for easy access.
(Note, there will be no class on October 4th to make time for an informational meeting regarding the education building.)
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Thursday Morning Bible Study
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Thursday Morning Bible Study at 10:00 am
Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings
By: Matthew L. Skinner
The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus and his message as full of tender compassion and urgent warning. This six-part exploration of an enigmatic Gospel takes readers into the themes, topics, and tensions at the heart of Matthew's story about the life and work of Jesus.
Chapters focus on blessing and comfort, judgment and retribution, the meaning of discipleship, Jesus' vision for the Church and world, conflicts and complaints, and how the Gospel of Matthew speaks to believers today.
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Several of our members enjoyed a lovely day shopping for mums.
James 1:17 (NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
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Have you ever wanted a little more information regarding the readings during Sunday Worship?
The Lectionary Notes provide additional and/or background information to the readings of the day.
Lectionary Notes can be found on:
1. Livestream Link of the website
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2. The electronic calendar
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3. In the App under "Connect Tab," then "Sundays"
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To my church family members for sending me Get Well and Speedy Recovery cards a big thank you, it was very much appreciated. And to Jim and Becky Johnson for your visitation and taking care of Marilyn while I was hospitalized.
Jack Norton
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To my dear church family.
Thank you for holding me in your prayers and sending such encouraging cards.
I felt God’s love through all your kindness and I am so grateful for our beautiful church family.
Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you “.
May God bless each of you
Love,
Becky Johnson
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Mission Endowment donated $1000 to Heifer International to purchase livestock so inhabitants can sustain their own livelihoods.
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God's Kitchen Angels Give Back
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God's Kitchen Angels wants the congregation to know where some of their proceeds are sent.
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- $300.00 Make-A-Wish
- $300.00 Sam center
- $300.00 wreaths across America, goes to Rittman military cemetery
- $250.00 clothes closet for socks, underwear, etc.
- $300.00 Veronica for nonperishables for community closet
- $250.00 family living center for paper products
- $686.00 for LRW for girls (2) to stay in school for a year
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Akron Children’s Hospital, Oncology department, recently had a fundraiser. There have been numerous children in the area that use this facility.
God’s Kitchen Angels donated $500.00 to Akron Children’s Oncology Department.
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Left: Julia Bonner, her son Julian, Kurt, his mom Bambi Romar and Sue Ambrosic presenting a check for $500.00 from God's kitchen Angels.
Top Right:
Julian Uribe age 12, 3 years clean of Leukemia
Isaac Robertson age 11, 4 years clean of leukemia
Kurt Romar age 12, still in maintenance
Beckmann Thibodeau age 5, 3 yrs cancer free
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Pepperoni & Pumpkin Rolls
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God's Kitchen Angels were back in action starting off the season with pepperoni rolls.
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God's Kitchen Angels are moving straight from pepperoni to pumpkin rolls. Orders may be dropped off in the offering plate, the office, or you can call/email the Church office:
330.832.7409
Officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org
Orders are due: October 11th
Orders are to be picked up: October 26th
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Robert Toland Wright designed many of the beautiful windows at St Paul’s. He also designed beautiful windows for Grace Lutheran Church in Wadsworth. Peg Gibbs has contacted them, and they have invited us to come tour their church and learn about the windows.
On October 1st at 12:45 pm, we will begin our tour at St. Paul’s learning about the windows Wright designed for our church and then carpool to Grace Lutheran in Wadsworth to learn the history of their windows.
On the way home we will stop at Cherry Road Winery for a drink of wine, beer or soft drinks. The winery sells cheese trays, chips & dips and flatbreads. A food menu will be posted in the winery.
Let us know you are coming by calling the office 330.832.7409 or tell/txt Sue Reid directly.
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An Evening in Amish Country for Dinner and a Sail On- Beach Boys Tribute Concert at the Amish Country Theatre
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Join us as we meet at church at 4:00 pm and carpool to Farmstead Restaurant in Berlin for an Amish buffet dinner with pie for dessert. Following dinner, we will see the 7:00 pm Beach Boys Tribute Concert. This show has come highly recommended!
The cost for Dinner and the show is $70 per person. The deadline for reservations is October 1. Please call Sue Reid at 330-323-6688 for reservations. Payment can be delivered to the church office or given to Sue.
If you would like to enhance your evening with a wine tasting, you can meet at the church at 2:00 pm to carpool to Han’s Place to sample Swiss Heritage wines and met up with our party at 5:00 pm at Farmstead Restaurant.
Feel free to invite a friend to enjoy this evening with us!!
A big thanks to Loren Veigel for planning this event!
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Youth and Parish Ed Committee will be hosting Trick or Treat again on Sunday, October 25th, from 3 to 5pm (Massillon City’s Trick or Treat Time).
We plan to give out candy, small coloring booklets, and have a few games if the weather cooperates.
If you can donate a bag of candy by October 18th, it would be much appreciated. We kindly ask that you donate candy safe for small children.
Candy can be dropped off in the office.
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Church Council Highlights
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Report from September, 2026
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Pastor Mark gave a brief report on those in our church family who are sick or homebound.
The supplies we gathered for the Family Center were delivered by Phyllis Staver and we are grateful for the generosity of the congregation in this outreach.
Dan Farrer informed council that the pastor's health insurance costs will increase by 15% in the new year. Our July and August financial statements improved from past months.
Jim Johnson reported that the air handler shaft in the sanctuary has been successfully repaired. Coon Restoration is on site to repair some stone and masonry issues on the building.
The agenda for the September 13th special congregational meeting regarding organ repair was discussed at some length. We will recommend up to $60,000 for pipe repair to begin as soon as possible, probably by June 2027, and up to $180,000 for the electrical work.
Pastor Mark will assemble a task force to begin a fall campaign for raising funds for organ and building repairs. Brady Rupp has agreed to be the face of the committee in reporting to the congregation, etc.
The informational meetings for the Education Building will be held after worship on Sept 20 and October 4.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathryn Myers, Congregational President
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Education Building Informational Session
On October 4th, our final question and answer session will be held after church to discuss the future of the Education Building. Patty Long has graciously given the Sunday School time slot for this meeting.
There are 4 proposals as to the future of this building and important decisions need to be made. As some proposals involve heating and cooling issues, decisions must be made very soon.
The meeting will explain these proposals, discuss the costs of each, and give you an opportunity to ask questions and express your views. A written survey will also be distributed so that you can express your wishes.
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If you wish to make donations specifically for organ repair, please mark your envelopes as such. If you give electronically, see Dan Farrar for details.
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Church council authorized the sale of our cemetery lots at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens and Sunset Hills Memory Garden.
Rose Hill is charging $1,250, plus a $125 title change fee for their lots.
St Paul’s is offering them for $1,000 plus a $125 title change fee.
Sunset Hills is charging $3,495, plus $300 title change fee for their lots.
St. Paul's is offering $2,700, plus the $300 title change fee.
See Kathryn Myers or Dan Farrar if interested.
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The Church Directory is now available on request.
A printed copy will cost $2.25
An electronic copy (PDF) will be free of charge
You can request either or both formats by contacting the church office
330.832.7409 or officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org
No copies will be issues to non-members.
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Send Bridge News to Church Office
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Report from Kim Oberlin:
Despite a stormy September evening, we enjoyed a great meal provided by Carol Marlow and Judy Fichter. LaShell Williamson led our Bible Study.
Remember ladies, our October meeting will be on Thursday, October 22nd due to our church outing to Wadsworth on October 1st. Sounds like a great time!
All are welcome to join us, share a light meal, Bible study and fellowship.
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September Community Meal Report
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Report by Kim Oberlin:
Our volunteers served 71 guests in September.
As a farewell to summer there were hot dogs, mac-n-cheese, and three bean salad. You can't end a summer meal without ice cream!
Thank you to our volunteers for providing a hot meal to our community.
Our Community Meal takes place on the second Friday of the month from 4:30-6:00 for any who wishes to help with this worthwhile cause. Please label any monetary donations, “Community Meals,” to ensure the funds are in the right place.
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September Clothing Closet Report
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Report by Carol Stoner
We were busy again this month with approximately 70 shoppers, both repeat customers and those who are new to our ministry.
Thank you so much for your continued generous donations.
We are currently in need of fall and winter donations, i.e., boots, coats, sweaters, blankets, sheets, hats, gloves, etc. Housewares and décor are our patrons’ favorites. We provided many school supplies to those in need.
We can use books, audio books, magazines, videos and music.
We are starting to gather prizes for the Christmas games we host at the Community Meal in December. We also provide favors for everyone which include toiletries and candies. These are always a big hit.
Please consider joining us any second Friday of the month to see your contributions in action. We never leave without feeling gratified to provide this needed service. We meet to work most Saturday’s from 12:30 pm to 2:30. If you have time to help us sort and organize items, please let us know. We really appreciate the help.
While considering the Education Building please remember the important part our closet plays in our community. Come see us and the rooms we stock with men’s, women’s, children’s clothing and extras we provide. While we would continue this ministry, space is a concern.
Questions! please contact: Tracie Schmolt or Carol Stoner. Please continue to pray for our partner Cindy Lash as she recovers.
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The St. Paul’s Steelband Classes
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St. Paul's Steelband will start back up October 14th with weekly classes at 6pm. The focus will be on learning. If you've never walked near a steel drum, and want to learn, we have something for you!
Please join us!
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Handbell Choir
The Handbell choir will rehearse 10/7 in preparation to ring on October 11 in worship. Also mark your calendars for rehearsals on 11/11, 11/18, and 12/2 in preparation to ring on December 6 in worship AND for the Candlelight Walk.
We meet at 6 pm. All are welcome, but please, please let Abby know if you plan to ring so she can prepare music for you!
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While our Chancel Choir is on summer break, we are blessed with a variety of talented individuals during Worship. Our final musical blessing came from the talented Chris Hall. Chris is also a member of the Camarada Brass Quintet that plays throughout the year.
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2026-2027 Cathedral Concert Series
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Join us on Friday, October 16th at 7 PM for An Evening with the Singers
The University Singers are the Ohio University School of Music’s flagship mixed choral ensemble, made up of many of the university’s most talented and dedicated singers.
The Northwest Singers are an advanced, auditioned mixed voice ensemble based out of Northwest High School in Canal Fulton, OH, located just minutes away from Massillon. Made up of 10th to 12th-grade students, this premiere choral group focuses on rigorous vocal training, curricular performances, and community mentorship.
Return for a second concert on Sunday, October 18th at 4 PM for the Canton Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Quintet
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The 9/11 Community Commemorative Choir performed on September 20th, 2026.
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Greg Karlin, Maggie Paul, Amy Williams, Riley Hostatler, John, Lorili, Ema, Mason, Jan Hawley, Lynn Williamson, Cindy Lash, Bob & Marlene Rupp, Gary Maurer, Richard Green, Linda Wentling, Rick Theiss, Judy Hall, Karen Daily, Sandra Jelen, Jimmy Southard, Mark Gergley, Becky Johnson, Pam Neil.
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Favorite hymns and verses:
Rev. Lynn Williamson, Oct 27:
Luke 24: 30-31
"When he (Jesus) was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight."
Hymn 382, Christ Is Risen! Alleluia!
Christ is risen! Alleluia! Risen our victorious head!
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10/1 --Robert Mitcheal
10/3-- Monte Geuy
10/3 --Bob Long
10/3 --Michael Reiman
10/7 --Joyce Mitcheal
10/12 --Heather Hall
10/14 --Charles Richards
10/15 --William Davila
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10/17 --Charles Gesen
10/19 --Vivian Getz
10/19 --Jennifer Larson
10/20 --Michael Deerwester
10/22 --Lee DiLoreto
10/24 --John Haake
10/27 --Rev Lynn Williamson
10/29 --Robert Morningstar
10/29 --Kathleen Corban
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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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October Wedding Anniversaries
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Oct 21--Kim & Larry Oberlin
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Kim and Larry Oberlin were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Canton on October 21st in 1978. This photo was taken in the Westbrook Part on the first day of their honeymoon as they departed for a stay in Colonial Williamsburg.
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Flowers for the Altar for 2026
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Contact Carol Stoner if you would like to be added to the schedule.
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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Shane Jackson
Jim Johnson
Lynda Klein
Scott Larson
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Dennis Morgan
Barb Palmer
Sue Reid
Brady Rupp
David Stoner
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Kathryn Myers, Chair
Sue Ambrosic
Amy Burkett
Gayle Jackson
Becky Johnson
Cindy Lash
Deidra Monastra
Rob Pritchett
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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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David Stoner, Chair
Richard Evert
Abigail Haake
Karl Kalk
Greg Klein
Scott Larson
Patty Long
Kathryn Myers
Kim Oberlin
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WELFARE AND SOCIAL ACTION
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Barb Palmer, Chair
Judy Fichter
Lynda Klein
Kathryn Myers
Kim Oberlin
Marilyn Perkowski
JuDee Reed
Carol Stoner
David Stoner
La Shell Williamson
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Sue Reid, Chair
Sue Ambrosic
Peg Gibbs
Becky Johnson
Barb Palmer
Mary Ann Poling
Loren Veigel
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Jim Johnson, Chair
Joe Hepler
John Liebermann
Patty Long
Dennis Morgan
Paul Mutchler
Barb Palmer
John Stanko
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YOUTH AND PARISH EDUCATION
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Serving During the Month of October
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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
10/4--Patty Long
10/11--Dave Stoner
10/18–Karl Kalk
10/25–Veronica Kreemer
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Contact Kathryn Myers
10/4--Jackie Pritchett & Rob Pritchett
10/11--Shane Jackson & Barb Palmer
10/18--Lynda Klein & David Stoner
10/25--Dennis Morgan & Kathryn Myers
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Contact Karl Kalk
10/4--Russ & Mary Ann Poling
10/11--Greg & Linda Klein
10/18--Marilyn Norton
10/25--Pastor Lynn & La Shelle Williamson
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Contact Dick Longworth
Jack & Marsha Fortune
Shane Jackson
John Lieberman
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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, worship bulletins, lectionary notes, The Bridge, send prayer requests, see the church calendar, give electronically, and much more.
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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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