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St. Paul's

Evangelical Lutheran Church

127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, OH 44646

330 832-7409

November 2025 Newsletter

 

Contact Us: Click to send an email

Rev. Mark Kreemer, Senior Pastor•Kathryn Myers, Church Council President•Dr. Abigail Haake, Director of Music•Dr. Carol Butler, Newsletter Editor•Tracie Schmolt, Finance Administrator•Jackie Pritchett, Office Volunteer

On the Web

St. Paul's Home Page•Cathedral Concert Series•Online Worship Services
 
gir at the university
 

Contents in This Issue 

  • All Saints Day: Surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses
  • Daylight Savings Time Reminder 
  • Upcoming Events
  • Adult Sunday School Class 
  • Thursday Morning Bible Study      
  • Church Council Highlights 
  • Financial Report
  • Confirmation
  • Music on Reformation Sunday
  • Cathedral Concert: Baldwin Wallace
  • Upcoming Cathedral Concert: November 9 at 4 pm
  • Fellowship Committee: Successful Road Rally and Upcoming Christmas Caroling
  • Parking Lot Has a New Look
  • Landscaping Work Completed
  • Friendship Circle
  • October Community Meal Report
  • Clothes Closet Report: Fall and Winter Needs
  • Scholarship Committee Announcement 
  • Christmas Cookies from the Kitchen Angels
  • Poinsettia Orders Due November 15
  • Christmas Collections Continuing
  • Salvation Army Gift Tags 
  • Firestone Madrigal Singers
  • Community Candlelight Walk
  • Prayer List Update 
  • November Birthdays  
  • November Wedding Anniversaries   
  • Thank You
  • Flowers for the Altar
  • Council Members 
  • Committee Members 
  • Serving During the Month of November
  • New Assisted Hearing Devices Available 
  • St. Paul's Phone App
 

All Saints Day: Surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses

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Dear Friends in Christ

 

November brings with it a change of seasons. The air grows crisp, the days shorten, and leaves fall to the ground like memories gently settling in our hearts. In the rhythm of the church year, November also begins with a celebration that reminds us who we are, and whose we are: All Saints Day.

 

On November 1st, and often the Sunday that follows, Christians around the world pause to remember the saints — not just the famous names in stained glass, but all those ordinary, faithful people who have gone before us in Christ. We remember grandparents whose love shaped our childhood, friends whose laughter still echoes in our minds, mentors who showed us what grace looks like, and church members who now rejoice in the light of God’s eternal presence.

 

All Saints Day reminds us that the church is bigger than what we see on Sunday morning. We are part of a communion — a living, eternal community that stretches across time and space. Those who have died in the faith are not gone from us; they are joined with us in Christ, who conquered death and opened the way to everlasting life.

Hebrews speaks of a “great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on as we continue the race of faith. What a beautiful picture: those whom we love but see no longer are not simply memories — they are companions in the kingdom of God, celebrating each step we take toward love, justice, kindness, and mercy.

 

All Saints Day is a time to give thanks:

  • For lives that pointed us to Jesus
  • For grace stronger than death
  • For the promise that nothing can separate us from the love of God

It’s also a day of hope. In a world where loss and grief are real, this celebration lifts our eyes to the resurrection promise — that our story does not end in the grave. Christ is making all things new.

So as we light candles, name our beloved dead, and sing songs of faith, may we feel that great cloud surrounding us. And may we remember that one day, by God’s grace, we too will join that communion — saints among saints — in the joy of God’s eternal feast.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Mark

 

Upcoming Events 

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. 

Click to see Church Calendar
 

Weekly events

Sunday: Worship 10:00 am

Sunday School after church service, 11:30 am

Wednesday Snip-N-Stitch, 9:00 am

Thursday Bible Studies, 10:00 am

Thursday Chair Yoga following Bible Study, 11:00 am

 

Monthly events 

Tuesday, November 4, Worship and Music Committee (1st Tuesday of month)

Thursday, November 6, 6 pm: Friendship Circle.  (1st Thursday of month)

Tuesday, November 11, 7 pm: Church Council (2nd Tuesday of month)

Friday, November 14, 4:30-6:00 pm: Community Meal and Clothes Closet
(2nd Friday of month)

Tuesday, November 18, 6 pm: Finance Committee (3rd Tuesday of month)

 

Special Events

St. Jacob's Euchre Night: Saturday, November 8, 5:30-9:00

Cathedral Concert featuring OPUS 216: Sunday, November 9, 4 pm 

Christmas Cookie Orders due November 16. Pick up day is November 23.

Madrigal Feast: Sunday, November 30, 4 pm.

 

Daylight Savings Time Reminder 

 

Adult Sunday School Class  

After Sunday Worship: 11:30 am, second floor of Parish Hall

If we live by the Spirit, let us be guided by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)

Our study of the Holy Spirit continues as we consider the fruit of the Spirit. This is the evidence of our lives: that we truly belong to Jesus Christ and are directed and empowered by the Spirit to show. Please join us as we gather at 11:30 each Sunday morning on the top floor of Parish Hall. An elevator is available for easy access.

 

Thursday Morning Bible Study   

Beginning November 6th

10:00 am

Enough Revised Edition: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity

Money has great power in our lives. Used wisely, it is one key to accomplishing our goals, providing for our needs, and fulfilling our life purpose. In recent years, many of us ignored the wisdom of the past when it came to managing and spending our money. Credit card debt soared, savings rates plummeted, and our home equity became something to be tapped into and spent rather than a source of security in retirement. We felt an insatiable desire for more. And we found ourselves spending tomorrow’s money today in order to have what we hoped would satisfy. The result of all of this was not greater happiness and satisfaction, but greater stress and anxiety.

Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom when it comes to prudent financial practices. In these pages are found the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This book could change your life, by changing your relationship with money.

 

Church Council Highlights 

Report from October 14

 
  • Pastor reported that Dave Dourm is at St. Luke's for rehab. 
  • Confirmation will take place on Reformation Sunday, October 26. That will be a day of great rejoicing as we welcome Ethan and Jarrett Deuble!
  • Pastor is at work on planning the midweek Advent services among the area Lutheran churches.
  • Property reported that the upper parking lot is complete and that the company will be striping many of the back lot rows.
  • The boiler is installed for the most part with two items still to be brought in. Once those parts are installed, the new boiler will be ready to warm our cold days. A tentative estimate of $125,00 was given for future needed heating and cooling for the parish building.
  • We will continue to collect items for the Christmas bags through November. 
  • Pastor and Jim Johnson will be meeting with people from St. Mary's to discuss their continued use of our parking lot and also to discuss snow removal and taking care of our newly paved lot.
 

Respectfully shared,

Kathryn Myers
President, Church Council

 

Financial Report

 

Financial Notes: 

There are some tax law changes that effect charitable contributions. Starting in 2026, taxpayers who don’t itemize can deduct up to $1,000 in charitable contributions or up to $2,000 for married couples who file jointly. If you don’t itemize and want to take advantage of this tax break, consider making your 2025 yearend donations in January 2026 instead. 

Meanwhile, taxpayers who itemize on their tax returns and deduct charitable contributions will be subject to a new limit on the amount they can deduct. The maximum amount of cash gifts donors can deduct will remain at 60% of adjusted gross income. However, the deduction will be limited to the amount of charitable contributions that exceed 0.5% of AGI. To avoid the new floor, itemizers may want to make their 2026 contributions in 2025.  

Dan Farrar, Treasurer          

 

Confirmation 

On Sunday, October 26, Reformation Sunday, we celebrated the confirmation of
Ethan and Jerrett Deuble.

They shared their confirmation verses with us:

Ethan Deuble

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

 

Jerrett Deuble

1 Peter 4:10

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

Pastor Mark with his two confirmands. They have met faithfully for three years for catechism in preparation for confirmation.

 

The proud parents celebrate their sons' important day.

 

Music on Reformation Sunday

Camarada Brass enhanced our service, adding power and majesty to our hymns. 

Jeff Huston-Trumpet I
Chris Hall-Trumpet II
Phil Tryon-French Horn
Josh Devore-Trombone
Jonathon Stuck-Tuba

 

The Chancel Choir sang "This My Church Shall Be."

 

Veronica Kreemer sang a beautiful Tom Trenny arrangement of "For Everyone Born," accompanied by Dr. Abigail Haake on piano and Carol Butler on cello.

 

Cathedral Concert: Baldwin Wallace

Over 110 people were able to enjoy the magnificent concert from the Baldwin Wallace Men's Chorus on afternoon of October 26. 

The spirited conductor Devon Steve expertly brought the best out of his chorus.

 

Pianist Michelle Massouh Makhlouf is recognized by the director, the chorus, and the congregation.

To view the concert on our Youtube channel, click the button below. The program is also online.

Concert Video
 

Upcoming Cathedral Concert: November 9 at 4 pm

OPUS 216: "Classically Trained, Unbound by Genre"

Information about OPUS 216 from their website: 

Founded in 2012 by violinist Ariel Clayton Karas, OPUS 216 has appeared in every major venue in northeast Ohio, from special events at the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, to public and private events at Quicken Loans Arena, Progressive Field, Holden Arboretum, Cleveland History Center, Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and special events for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, among others.

Trained at top-tier conservatories like the world-renowned Cleveland Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard and others, our musicians make Cleveland their home for its vibrancy, professional development opportunities, arts and culture. When they aren’t performing events with OPUS 216, ensemble musicians perform nationally and internationally, from Lincoln Center in New York City, to subbing with major orchestras, such as the Chicago Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, and others. Ensemble musicians have performed onstage across the country with everyone from John Legend to Michael Buble, Brian Wilson, Andrea Bocelli, and more.

Equally versed in classical and non-classical styles, OPUS 216 has created a niche experience for high-level performances that can cover any genre, from classical to French café jazz, Top 40, hip hop, South American jazz, Irish fiddle, original music, and improvisation.

The combo was very well received at last year's concert.

 

Fellowship Committee: Successful Road Rally and
Upcoming Christmas Caroling

Report from the Fellowship Committee:

What a fun time we had on the “Road Rally” on October 18th.  Our theme was the Ohio & Erie Canalway celebrating the 200 anniversary of the beginning of canal.   We ended up at Lock 15 Brewery.

Make plans to join us as we visit our members and friends who are unable to attend services on December 6 for Christmas caroling.  We will meet at the church at 2:00 pm and divide into groups. After caroling, we will return to the church for a chicken dinner and share stories about caroling to these special members. Sign up in the lounge so we can make sure we have enough food.

The beautiful Ohio & Erie Canalway.

 

Jennifer and Craig Maurer pose with Carol Marlow at the Gold Star Mother statue at the Veterans' Memorial Park in Clinton. 

 

Parking Lot Has a New Look

The resurfacing adds even more beauty to our church.

Be mindful of the arrows, though. The traffic pattern is slightly different.

 

Landscaping Work Completed

Many volunteers showed up to help with the landscaping.

 

Thanks again to Jarrett Deuble, whose Eagle Project was to landscape the new east entrance to the sanctuary.

 

The lighting enhances the new entryway.

 

Friendship Circle

Report from Kim Oberlin:

Our October Friendship Circle had a festive Halloween vibe with a visit from none other than Hildebrand the witch! Carol Stoner and Deb Hannum were our hostesses for the evening. The food and desserts were yummy, and they even had little gifts for us!

Our guest speaker, Norm Mast from Ohio Hospice, gave a very informative talk about hospice care.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, November 6th at 6:00.  As always . . . all ladies are welcome!

 

October Community Meal Report  

In October, our volunteers served 90 people!

 

They had Swiss steak with gravy and mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and homemade applesauce provided by Eric and Carla Myers.

 

Thank you to everyone who donates to this cause every month; it is so desperately needed in our community. We truly appreciate you, one and all.

 

The Community Meal/Clothes Closet is open to everyone in the community on the second Friday of every month.

 

Please reach out to Kim with questions.

 

Blessings and Peace,

 

phone link: Kim Oberlin 

email link: Kim Oberlin 

 

Clothes Closet Report: Fall and Winter Needs 

  • This month we had approximately 60 shoppers.
  • Many of our sections are now completely depleted. We are in dire need of warm bedding items.
  • We continue to need men's and boy's  winter coats, boots, shoes, sweatpants and sweatshirts. 
  • The Clothes Closet has been very busy as people are preparing for winter weather.  We need winter coats for men, women, and children.

We were blessed with 7 students from Central Catholic High School. Their work ethic was amazing as they worked 3 nonstop hours sorting and hanging up clothes. Students are always good helpers, and we welcome all helpers at the Clothes Closet.

 

Your donations are so crucial to this outreach ministry, and we thank you greatly for your generosity. 

 

Please call Cindy Lash, Tracie Schmolt, or Carol Stoner for additional information.

 

Scholarship Committee Announcement

It's time to apply for or renew scholarship applications for the 2026 spring semester. 

All renewal applications are sent via email to the recipients from the previous semester.

New applicants can request an application starting November 1 by emailing Lynda Klein at gllklein@sssnet.com for the application.

 

DEADLINE to be considered for the scholarship is November 30, 2025.  Scholarship recipients will then be voted upon by the Scholarship Committee. Recipients will be notified and rewards will be sent via postal mail to the address on the application within the month of December.

 

Christmas Cookies from the Kitchen Angels

 

God’s Kitchen Angels are making homemade cut-out Christmas cookies.  They are $10/dozen and must be ordered by November 16th, 2025. 

 

Pick-up date is November 23rd, 2025.

Cookie Order Form
 

The crew above is shown when they were starting the pumpkin rolls, which were delivered on October 26. Now onto the cookies!

 

Poinsettia Orders Due November 15

 

Order and payment may be placed in the offering plate or mailed or delivered to the church office.

 

This order form is to be used for all orders with payment attached.

Poinsettia Order Form
 

Christmas Collections Continuing

 

Salvation Army Gift Tags

Message from Barb Palmer:

The Welfare and Social Action Committee will be distributing gift tags for the Salvation Army “Christmas Assistance” program. Tags will be available beginning on Sunday, November 23. Unwrapped gifts will be collected at the church on December 7.

All gifts are set up in the Salvation Army, and parents come in to pick what they want from each category. Even if a tag has a special wanted item, that item will be set out for everyone to choose from, so you basically can buy anything you want.

This can’t be any easier… get a tag, buy a toy, turn it in unwrapped! Parents get to enjoy the feeling of picking out items for their children, children get Christmas gifts, and the gift giver feels so good helping children. It’s a WIN WIN WIN!

 

Firestone Madrigal Singers

On Sunday, November 30, the Firestone CLC Madrigal Singers will visit our morning service. Then, later that afternoon, starting at 4:00, they will present a full entertainment. We will share a light meal of charcuterie and dessert in the Parish Hall. 

$20 for adults, $10 for children 10 and under. 

 

The Madrigal Singers from last year's church service.

 

Community Candlelight Walk

Mark your calendars for the Community Candlelight Walk:
December 7, 5-7 pm.
There will be continuous music from our adult choir, bell choir, and vocal and instrumental soloists.

 

Prayer List Update 

Cindy Lash, Judy Hall, Kathy Watts, Bonnie & Dave Dourm, Nancy Lint, Tom Fry, Carol Sargent, Kenneth & Jean Dexter, Anna Langenfeld, Matthew Cottle, Arthur Barrett, Olivia Harrington, Darlene Lewis, Cindy Nash, Karen & Paul Daily, Rick Theiss, Richard Green.

 

November Birthdays 

Favorite Bible or hymn verses: Every month we invite those celebrating birthdays to share their favorite verses. Be ready to send in yours.

Nov 1--Bryan Corban

Nov 2--Darrell Books

Nov 4--Jennifer Johnson

Nov 5--Russell Poling

Nov 6--Phyllis Staver

Nov 8--Chase Duplain

Nov 9--Daniel Hepler

Nov 11--Jonathan Litman

Nov 12--Miho Kobayashi

 

Nov 12--Mary Martin

Nov 12--Craig Maurer

Nov 14--Lynda Klein

Nov 15--Judith Allman

Nov 16--Paul White

Nov 18--Amanda Gray

Nov 18--Jack Norton

Nov 19--Kim Oberlin

Nov 20--Richard Longworth

Nov 20--Lindsay Mays

Nov 22--Corey Larson

Nov 23--D. Richard Getz

Nov 23--Dennis Morgan

Nov 24--JuDee Reed

Nov 26--Debra Stevens

Nov 27--Mathew Blaine

 

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!

 

November Wedding Anniversaries 

We celebrate with this couple and congratulate them on another milestone in their lives together!

 

Nov 7--Jack & Marilyn Norton

 

Thank You Note 

Dear friends of St. Paul's,

I want to sincerely thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and cards during my hospital stay. It meant a lot to me. I am also very appreciative for the visits from Pastor Mark. Thank you, St. Paul's.

Sincerely,
Dick Cordes

 

Flowers for the Altar for 2025  

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.

 

Council Members 

Kathryn Myers, president

Greg Klein, vice-president

Dan Farrar, treasurer

Jackie Pritchett, secretary

Dwight Butler

Gary Collard

Shane Jackson

Jim Johnson

Lynda Klein

 

Dennis Morgan

Barb Palmer

Sue Reid

Brady Rupp

 

 

Committee Members  

EVANGELISM 

Kathryn Myers, Chair

Amy Burkett,

Sue Ambrosic

Gayle Jackson

Becky Johnson

Cindy Lash

Deidra Monastra

FINANCE

Dan Farrar, Chair

Shane Jackson

Greg Klein

John Liebermann

Patty Long

Brady Rupp

Tracie Schmolt

John Stanko

WORSHIP AND MUSIC

Greg Klein, Chair

Carol Butler

Dwight Butler

Abigail Haake

Karl Kalk

Patty Long

Kathryn Myers

Kim Oberlin

STAFF SUPPORT

Greg Klein, Chair

Jennifer Nelson Maurer

Jackie Pritchett

Elizabeth Schehl

WELFARE AND SOCIAL ACTION

Barb Palmer, Chair

Christine Bates

Judy Fichter

Lynda Klein

Deidra Monastra

Kathryn Myers

Kim Oberlin

JuDee Reed

David Stoner

LaShell Williamson

PARISH

FELLOWSHIP

Sue Reid, Chair

Sue Ambrosic

Gary Collard

Becky Johnson

Loren Veigel

 

MISSION ENDOWMENT

Craig Maurer, Chair

Sue Ambrosic

Karl Kalk

Lynda Klein

Phyllis Staver

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Jim Johnson, Chair

Joe Hepler

John Liebermann

Dennis Morgan, Liaison for Chair

Paul Mutchler

John Stanko

SCHOLARSHIP

Lynda Klein, Chair  

Amy Burkett

John Liebermann

Lisa Skelly

YOUTH AND PARISH EDUCATION

Jackie Pritchett, Chair

Scott Larson

Deidra Monastra

Sue Reid

 

Serving During the Month of November 

If you are interested in serving for a future month, click on the contact person's email link.

ASSISTING MINISTER

Contact Karl Kalk

 

11/2 Veronica Kreemer

11/9 Sue Reid

11/16 Kathryn Myers

11/23 Scott Larson

11/30 David Stoner

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS

Contact Kathryn Myers

 

11/2 Brady Rupp & Sue Reid

11/9 Dwight Butler & Jim Johnson

11/16 Jackie Pritchett & Gary Collard

11/23 Shane Jackson & Barb Palmer

11/30 Lynda Klein & Greg Klein

GREETERS

Contact Karl Kalk

 

11/2 Sue Ambrosic

11/9 Gary Collard

11/16 Rob Pritchett

11/23 Craig Maurer

11/30 Jack & Marilyn Norton

SACRISTANS

Contact Kathryn Myers

 

Barb Palmer and Brooke Duplain

 

 

LAY LECTOR

Contact Karl Kalk

 

Patricia Long

USHERS

Contact Dick Longworth

 

Chuck Gesen

Dick Longworth

Chuck Richards

Mike Skelly

 

New Assisted Hearing Devices Available 

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. 

 

St. Paul's Phone App

Choose My Church by Pushpay from the App Store.

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. 

St. Paul's

Evangelical Lutheran Church

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.

The Reverend Mark Kreemer officiating.

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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