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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 2026 Newsletter
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Contact Us: Click to send an email
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- Pastor Mark Kreemer Message: A Season of Change
- Upcoming Events
- Adult Choir Rehearsals
- Jackie's Office Hours
- Adult Sunday School
- Easter Lilies in August
- Livestream Link
- Thank You Notes
- Snip-N-Stitch
- Pepperoni Rolls
- Historical Road Trip
- Church Council Highlights
- Cemetery Lots for Sale
- Church Picnic
- Send Bridge News to Church Office by the 21st
- Friendship Circle
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- Mission Endowment-Paper Products
- August Community Meal Report
- August Clothing Closet Report
- The St. Paul’s Steelband
- Handbell Choir
- Musical Notes
- 26-27 Cathedral Concert Series
- Prayer List Update
- September Birthdays
- September 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,
It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to an end.
The days are still warm, but there is something different in the air. The evenings are getting shorter. School buses are back on the roads. Vacations and summer trips are becoming memories. Before long, the leaves will begin to change, and we will find ourselves pulling sweaters and jackets out of the closet.
There is something about this time of year that reminds us that life is always changing.
We sometimes resist change. We get comfortable with the way things are, and we wish we could hold on to certain seasons of life just a little longer. We might wish summer would never end, or that our children would stay young, or that life could remain exactly as it was when everything seemed simpler.
But the seasons remind us that change is not necessarily something to fear. Change is part of God's creation.
The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is “a time for every matter under heaven.” There is a time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to keep and a time to let go.
September is a time of transition. And perhaps that makes it a good time to ask: Where is God leading us next?
As a congregation, we are experiencing our own seasons of change. We continue to grow and adapt, welcoming new people, discovering new ministries, and finding new ways to serve our community. Some things remain familiar, while other things look very different than they did a few years ago.
Through all of those changes, however, one thing remains constant: God's faithfulness.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth.”
Notice that God doesn't say, “Forget everything that came before.” Our past matters. We carry with us the faith, wisdom, traditions, and memories of those who came before us. But God also reminds us not to become so focused on yesterday that we fail to see what God is doing today.
As we enter a new season, I hope we can do just that.
I hope we will look around St. Paul's and see not only what we have been, but what God is calling us to become. I hope we will welcome the changes that bring new people into our congregation. I hope we will continue to find ways to share God's love with our neighbors. And I hope we will remember that ministry is never about simply maintaining what we have—it is about joining God in what God is doing in the world.
So as summer fades into fall, take a moment to notice the change.
Enjoy the last warm evenings. Give thanks for the memories of summer. Watch for the first signs of autumn.
And when you do, remember that the God who was with us through the summer will be with us in the fall as well.
The seasons change. Life changes. We change. But God's love remains.
May God bless you and your family as we enter this new season together. I look forward to seeing you at St. Paul's this fall as we continue the journey together.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Kreemer
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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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Alzheimer's Association-Supporting Independence: Sept. 21st @ 1 PM
Handbell Choir Rehearsal: Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7 @ 6 PM
Pepperoni Rolls for Sale After Worship: September 27th
Historic Road Trip: Oct. 1st @ 12:45
Reservations for Amish Dinner & Concert Due: October 1st
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Sunday Adult Bible Study: 11:30
Sunday: Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 8:30 am *Beginning Sept. 13th
Wednesday: Snip-N-Stitch, 9:00-11:00 am
*Thursday Morning Bible Study will be on break for September
Thursday: Chair Yoga, 11:00 am
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Worship and Music Committee (1st Tuesday of month)
Friendship Circle-in the Lounge (1st Thursday of the 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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Sunday Mornings at 8:30 am - All are welcome!
New for Fall 2026!
Our adult rehearsals are moving from Wednesday evenings to Sunday mornings.
Beginning September 13th, join us at 8:30 AM in the choir room to make a joyful noise.
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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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Beginning September 6, the Adult Sunday School class will once again meet for fellowship and Bible study after the morning worship service. The focus for September and the coming months will be a close look at Jeremiah, an Old Testament prophet whose story and that of those who heard his message have much to teach us. Ancient words? Yes. With relevance for us today? Absolutely.
Whether you have regularly attended Sunday School or are thinking about making it a regular part of your Sunday morning at St. Paul’s, know you will receive a blessing from the study of God’s Word. That’s a promise.
The group meets in Parish Hall, second floor, after morning worship from approximately 11:30 - 12:10. An elevator is available for easy access.
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Song of Songs 2:12 (NRSVUE)
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
A special thanks to Barb Palmer for her dedication to the flowerbeds. Her regular weeding and care are much appreciated.
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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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Special Thanks to St. Paul's Congregation from Sydney Johnson for her scholarship. Keep Sydney in your prayers for a smooth transition and successful first semester in college.
The Salvation Army thanks St. Paul's for a recent monetary donation.
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You’re invited to join Snip-N-Stitch each Wednesday from 9:00-11:00am. We are always looking for volunteers to help us make quilts for Lutheran World Relief.
Volunteers are needed to:
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- Trace squares on material
- Cutout squares
- Sew squares together
- Making backs by sewing material together and sewing the hems after being pinned
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(Sewing squares together and making backs can be done at home.)
We have 2 sewing machines available in our cupboards in the Dining Room as well as lots of material. We use the tack and tie method to sew the quilts together. You can be a part of this meaningful ministry. . No experience is needed, just a willingness to help others.
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God's Kitchen Angels are back in action and are starting off the season with pepperoni rolls. Pepperoni rolls will be available to purchase on September 27th following worship.
There are no preorders, so this is a first come, first serve opportunity.
Cost: 6 rolls for $10
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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 Dragonfly Winery in Canal Fulton for a drink of wine, beer or soft drinks. You can also order appetizers, flat breads or sandwiches.
Let us know you are coming by calling the office 330.832.7409 or tell/txt Sue Reid directly.
Note: Friendship Circle will be participating in this trip in lieu of their October meeting.
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Church Council Highlights
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Report from August , 2026
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Pastor Mark gave a brief report on those in our church family who are sick or homebound.
Ideas were discussed about stricter enforcement of the doors not opening until 4:00 for the monthly community meal.
We had a report from Jim Johnson concerning the many repair and maintenance issues for our buildings. The elevator is fixed, the parts for the air handler have been ordered, and the AC unit in the sanctuary has been repaired but will now require coolant. Council authorized $3000 for this.
There was a lengthy discussion of what to do with the Education Building. We have several options, all of which are expensive. We will make a survey available to the congregation to get their thoughts on what should be done. We will also have a few informational sessions after worship to inform every one of the current problems, potential future problems, and the possible solutions
We have 2 cemetery plots at Sunset Hills which we will sell for $2700 plus a $300 title transfer fee. Interested parties should see Dan Farrar or myself. This is a savings of $795 for anyone interested.
Abby will have a presentation of the organ repairs needed for the congregational meeting on August 16th.
The agenda for the upcoming congregational meeting was discussed.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathryn Myers, Council President
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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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Another Church Picnic is in the books. The food was plentiful and delicious, and the entertainment was excellent. Special thanks to our grill masters, Dave Stoner and Dennis Morgan and our talented percussionist, Ellie Manes.
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Send Bridge News to Church Office
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Report from Kim Oberlin:
Summer wasn’t over yet for our ladies at the August Friendship Circle! Our hostesses served up a summer picnic type dinner and Janet Kuller provided our Bible Study. As always, it’s just great to get together with our ladies!
All ladies are welcome to join us on the first Thursday of each month, April thru December at 6:00 for a light dinner, fellowship and Bible study…. Always happy to welcome new faces!
Note: October 1st, Friendship Circle will be participating in the Historic Road Trip in lieu of the meeting.
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The Mission Endowment Committee has been hard at work. They collected paper supplies for ComQuest Family Services during the month of August. In addition, they awarded the following:
$2500 to the Comquest Family Service Center to purchase a new freezer
$1000 to Heifer International to purchase livestock so inhabitants can sustain their own livelihoods
$5000 to ELCA-Lutheran World Relief to purchase sanitary products for girls so their studies aren't interrupted throughout the school year.
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August Community Meal Report
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Report by Kim Oberlin:
We had a great evening in spite of the weather, and served 86 guests. Dinner consisted of chicken Alfredo with broccoli, salad, and rolls. For dessert we scooped up ice cream sundaes with all the fixings to celebrate the end of summer.
A special thanks to our volunteers!
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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August Clothing Closet Report
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We were busy again this month with approximately 80 shoppers, many of who were new to our ministry.
Pictured is our new bookcase. Thanks to John Stanko for his "assembly skills." This helped clean up the area and allowed us to expand our materials. Books, magazines, Audio books, gratefully accepted.
Thank you God's Kitchen Angels, for your generous monetary donation. We purchase supplies and needed items that aren't typically donated for those in need.
We are always thankful for the wonderful array of donations. The patrons of the closet thank you as well. Looking for another way to help those in need? A portion of your monetary weekly donations can also be given to the clothing closet to purchase items for hard to fit shoppers and special events. Please, notify Dan Farrar or Tracie Schmolt of the portion you would like to give.
Remember, items left over from garage sales are welcome. Shoppers love the variety of items.
Questions? Please contact Carol Stoner or Tracie Schmolt
Please pray for our partner Cindy Lash as she recovers.
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The St. Paul’s Steelband Break
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St. Paul's Steelband will be taking a break in September. Plans are to start back up in October with weekly classes.
For now, lessons are by appointment and trial lessons are free!
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Handbell Choir
The Handbell choir will rehearse 9/23, 9/30, and 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.
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Loren Veigel, piano duels with Abby Haake, organ
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Camarada Brass Quintet
Jeff Huston-Trumpet I
Chris Hall Trumpet II
Phil Tryon-French Horn
Josh Defore-Trombone
Jonathon Stuck-Tuba
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Samantha (“Sammy Kay”) Smith is the Events Director at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, Ohio where she manages the Events Team that plans and coordinates the public, private, and internal events, including Deck the Hall, Ohio Mart, and many weddings and corporate celebrations. Sammy Kay holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies from Ohio University. A voice student of Paula Morgan, Sammy Kay has been part of the St. Paul’s music program since 2011 and has served as our soprano section leader since 2018.
Teresa Houston's (mezzo-soprano) life has included five decades of singing and playing clarinet throughout northeast Ohio churches and musical theatre productions. This summer is especially packed with performances in the Canton Concert Band and Canal Fulton Community Band. Home-grown in Canton, she and her husband, Merle Smith, are grateful for every opportunity to share their God-given gifts with the greater community. She is seen here blending her voice with our own chorister, Sammy Kay Smith.
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Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Blaha is a rising 8th grader at Wadsworth Middle School. She is involved in her school band, jazz band, choirs, and theater programs. Outside of school, Lizzie is a performer with The Wadsworth Footlighters and ETC Heid’s School of Musical Arts.
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Left: Teresa Houston & Richard Evert, Clarinet, Emily Roh, Vocal
Right: Catherine Cuvelier, Vocal
Teresa Houston's life, has included five decades of singing and playing clarinet throughout northeast Ohio churches and musical theatre productions. This summer is especially packed with performances in the Canton Concert Band and Canal Fulton Community Band. Home-grown in Canton, she and her husband, Merle Smith, are grateful for every opportunity to share their God-given gifts with the greater community.
Richard Evert, from Sturgis, MI, plays clarinet and the family of saxophones. He attended the University of Michigan for two years and traveled to Russia with the University Symphonic Band under the Presidents Cultural Exchange Program. Following this, he played in the United States Air Force Band in Washington D.C. Richard has received degrees in Music Education and Clarinet Performance from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He worked for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for 15 years. As a teacher, Richard has taught preschoolers through college students. He has appeared as a soloist with concert bands, jazz bands, polka bands, chamber ensembles as well as in church settings. For the last six years, Richard has traveled the 50 states while RVing full time. He plays in the Canal Fulton Community Band and enjoys reading in his spare time.
Emily Roh is a classically trained vocalist and music educator with a degree in Music Education from the University of Utah. She has nearly 30 years of performance experience, including solo, choral, and theatrical work. Her favorite performance credits include four seasons of A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre in Utah, as well as appearing as Paulette in Legally Blonde at Players Guild Theatre in Canton.
Before relocating to Ohio in 2023, Emily spent a decade teaching middle school choir and theatre. She currently runs a thriving private voice studio, serves as a teaching artist and music director with New Direction Performing Arts Academy, and is in her second season as a music director at Players Guild Theatre. This fall, she will also begin working as a music instructor at Weaver Child Development Center.
Emily lives in Canton with her husband, John, and their son, Dashell.
Kathryn Cuvelier is a 16 year old student at Tusky Valley High School who enjoys acting and singing. She is a member of the Tusky Valley Speech Team and was a national qualifier this past year. Kathryn has a strong interest in theatre and loves participating in vocal performances. She is grateful for the opportunity to share her gifts through music and is a student in the vocal studio of Emily Roh.
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2026-2027 Cathedral Concert Series
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Maggie Paul, Amy Williams, Riley Hostatler, John, Lorili, Ema, Jan Hawley, Lynn Williamson, Cindy Lash, Bob & Marlene Rupp, Gary Maurer, Richard Green, Abbie Deuble, Linda Wentling, Eric & Rick Theiss, Judy Hall, Anna Langenfeld, Karen Daily, Sandra Jelen, Mark Gergley.
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Favorite hymns and verses:
Judy Fichter, Sept 3:
Matthew 5:16
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Julia Englehart, Sept 24
Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
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Sept 2--James Vallance
Sept 3--Judy Fichter
Sept 5--Brooke Larson
Sept 5--Robert Davies
Sept 6--Larry Sheets
Sept 7--Gwen Halco
Sept 8--James Starrett
Sept 8--Sam Monastra
Sept 9--Patricia Pratt
Sept 11--Thomas Schmolt
Sept 11--Jennifer Stanko
Sept 12--Ryan Skelly
Sept 13--Layne Getz
Sept 14--Samantha Haring
Sept 17--Elliana Monastra
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Sept 21--Madison Reiman
Sept 22--Darlene Lewis
Sept 22--Daniel Farrar
Sept 22--Doug Books
Sept 23--Bronwyn Dourm
Sept 23--Wendy Reiman
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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Sept 21--D. Richard & Vivian Getz
Sept 11--Harry & Sue Morgan
Sept 4--Daniel & Sandra Bennett
Sept 7--Mark & Veronica Kreemer
Sept 16--Sam & Deidra Monastra
Sept 27--Brandon & Marissa Cole
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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
Phyllis Staver
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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
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
9/6--Veronica Kreemer
9/13--Kathryn Myers
9/20--Scott Larson
9/27--Sue Reid
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Contact Kathryn Myers
9/6--Sue Reid & Kathryn Myers
9/13--Dennis Morgan & David Stoner
9/20--Brady Rupp & Lynda Klein
9/27--Scott Larson & Jim Johnson
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Contact Karl Kalk
9/6--Sue Ambrosic
9/13--Gary Collard
9/20--Rob Pritchett
9/27--Craig Maurer
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Contact Kathryn Myers
Sept 6--Kathryn Myers
Remainder of Sept
Lynda Klein
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Contact Dick Longworth
Mark Waltz
Russ Poling
Phil Halco
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, 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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