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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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- A New Chapter in Scripture Reading: Welcoming the NRSVue
- Upcoming Events
- Communication Is Vital for the Life of the Church
- Blood Drive Dates
- Adult Sunday School Class to Break for Summer
- Thursday Morning Bible Study
- Communion Bread Bakers
- Church Council Highlights
- Bake Sale
- Income and Expense Summary
- Capital Fund Update
- Groundbreaking Ceremony for Accessibility Improvements
- Accessible Building Entrances During Construction
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- Highlights from May 18th Congregational Meeting
- Canton Symphony Chorus Performs
- New Assisted Hearing Devices Available
- May Community Meal Report
- Snip-N-Stitch Welcomes Fabric Donations
- Prayer List Update
- June Birthdays
- June Wedding Anniversaries
- Sympathies
- Flowers for the Altar for 2025
- Thank You Notes
- Council Members
- Committee Members
- Serving During the Month of June
- St. Paul's Phone App
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A New Chapter in Scripture Reading: Welcoming the NRSVue
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Dear Friends in Christ,
I am excited to share that St. Paul’s will be making a meaningful update to our worship and study life: beginning in June, we will transition from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) to the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVue) for our Scripture readings and Bible studies.
This change by Augsburg Fortress has not been made lightly, but with great care and thoughtful consideration. The NRSV has long served our church, but the updated NRSVue offers significant improvements that we believe will enrich our engagement with God’s Word.
Why the Change?
Improved Accuracy through Ongoing Scholarship
In the 30 years since the NRSV was first published, scholars have made incredible advances in biblical research. The NRSVue incorporates newly discovered ancient manuscripts and the latest insights in textual criticism. It also benefits from ongoing developments in philology—the study of language history—ensuring that words and meanings are translated more precisely from their original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek sources.
Greater Clarity and Readability
One of the most noticeable differences you may find in the NRSVue is the use of more modern, natural English. This updated edition retains the dignity and beauty of Scripture while making it more accessible and easier to understand for today’s readers. Ambiguous or outdated phrases have been thoughtfully revised to bring clearer meaning to the text, without sacrificing accuracy.
A Spirit of Inclusivity and Respect
The NRSVue thoughtfully uses gender-inclusive language when the original text allows, helping all readers see themselves reflected in Scripture. Sensitive and complex passages have been revisited and clarified with both scholarly integrity and pastoral sensitivity. Importantly, this edition reflects the work of a diverse group of scholars from a range of denominations and backgrounds, enriching the translation with broader perspectives.
What This Means for Our Congregation
You will begin to see the NRSVue in our worship bulletins, Bible studies, and educational materials. We believe this version offers a more faithful, clear, and inclusive expression of the Scriptures—one that speaks powerfully to both heart and mind in our current day.
As always, our goal is to grow deeper in our understanding of God’s Word and to live it out with grace and love. We hope you’ll find that the NRSVue supports and strengthens that journey.
If you have any questions or would like to explore the NRSVue further, we encourage you to speak with me or attend one of our upcoming Bible studies.
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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Sunday: Worship 10:00 am
Sunday: No Sunday School--Summer break, last class June 1
Wednesday: No Chancel Choir--Summer break, last rehearsal May 21
Wednesday: Snip-N-Stitch--Summer Break, last meeting May 28
Thursday: Bible Study 10 am (Bible Study will continue through June)
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Tuesday, June 3, 6:30 pm: Worship and Music Committee (1st Tuesday of month)
Thursday, June 5, 6 pm: Friendship Circle. (1st Thursday of month)
Tuesday, June 10, 7 pm: Church Council (2nd Tuesday of month)
Friday, June 13, 4:30-6:00 pm: Community Meal and Clothes Closet
(2nd Friday of month)
Tuesday, June 17, 6 pm: Finance Committee (3rd Tuesday of month)
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Saturday, June 14, 12:00 noon: Impact Massillon
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Communication Is Vital for the Life of the Church
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To post an item in the Bridge, send information to editor Carol Butler, by the 21st of the previous month.
To post an item in a Sunday bulletin, send information to Pastor Mark by the previous Monday, or to Carol by the previous Wednesday. Bulletins are printed on Thursday.
Copy all communications to our Office Volunteer, Jackie Pritchett, who posts the information on the webpage, on the My Church app, on the sign outside the church, and on the calendar for the custodian. The church office email is officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org.
Changes, deletions, or additions are important to share, so we can make our invitations to participate in our church activities as inclusive as possible.
Jackie is also able to send church-wide or group emails. Her office hours are 9 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
All three contacts are linked in the Contact Us section at the top of every Bridge and linked here for your convenience: Carol Butler, Pastor Mark Kreemer, Jackie Pritchett.
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Save the dates to give the gift of life.
2025 Blood Drives @ St. Paul's:
Saturday, July 26, 2025: 9am-2pm
Monday, August 25, 2025: Noon until 6:00 pm
Click on or copy and paste the link below to schedule an appointment for our next blood drive.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/
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Adult Sunday School Class to Break for Summer
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Beginning June 8, the adult Sunday School class will take some time away from meeting and will reconvene with another series of lessons on September 8. God's blessings to you for a delightful summer.
--Patty Long
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Thursday Morning Bible Study
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The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World
By: Adam Hamilton
The four New Testament Gospels aren't the same story, but they offer the same Resurrection hope. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John devote most of their story detailing Jesus' last week in Jerusalem, all highlighting Jesus' triumphant entry into the city, the suffering and humiliation of the cross, and the empty tomb come Sunday morning, but the stories they tell aren't quite the same.
Each Gospel offers a different lens through which we understand Jesus' Passion. One portrait reveals Jesus to be in control, while another emphasizes his suffering. In one story Jesus offers hope to the thief on the cross, and in another Jesus only receives derision. These different perspectives aren't a reason to dismiss the Gospels; rather they reveal an abundant, diverse, and complementary picture of God's work in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
This Bible study will continue through June.
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We would like to return to using bread for Communion once a month. If you would be interested in baking bread for this very special part of worship, please contact Kathryn Myers. Recipes for this type of bread are available for you.
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Church Council Highlights
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Church Council met on Tuesday, May 13. Pastor reminded Council of the upcoming NEOS Annual Assembly to take place on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. until noon. Lynn and LaShell Williamson, our representatives from St. Paul’s, will attend the on-line meeting along with Pastor Mark. Final preparation is also taking place to participate in Impact Massillon on Saturday, June 14. Scott Larson is providing leadership for the volunteer work crew from St. Paul’s.
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Capital Campaign and Construction
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Regarding the Capital Campaign, Pastor Mark reported that all funds have been received to cover the cost of this next phase of our capital improvement projects! Construction will include a new driveway and entrance to the soon-to-be enclosed portico and two new chairlifts, one leading into the church sanctuary and the other up the stairs into Parish Hall. Also being built are fully accessible restrooms for women and men across from the Gleitzman Lounge. It will be important to clearly communicate to the congregation concerning the areas of the church property under construction, including where and how each building will be most easily accessed. We thank our congregation in advance for patiently enduring these few inconveniences while the construction projects are underway.
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Worship and Music Committee
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Greg Klein reported for the Worship and Music Committee and presented a proposal to Council to approve a recommendation of spending up to $23,000 on a new carillon for the church. The money would come from the Betty Clementz Special Music Endowment Fund. The present carillon has not worked well for a number of years, and it is not possible to fully repair it. Council approved the recommendation, and it will be presented at the congregational meeting on May 18 for final approval.
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It was reported by Kathryn Myers, chair of the Evangelism Committee that $5,196 was raised through the gifts of the congregation during Lent, covering the cost for two wells bringing clean water to communities in need through the Lutheran World Relief fund. An additional $1000 has been raised through a recent bake sale to increase the gifts to World Relief. We are grateful for the generous giving of many and to Tracie Schmolt and others who made the bake sales possible.
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One of the responsibilities of Church Council as specified in the Church Constitution is to “provide an annual review of the membership roster.” (C12.07) This has not been done for several years, and there is a definite need to have a more accurate membership roster. According to the Constitution, there must be evidence of attending services and giving during the year to remain on the active member list. There will be a very careful review of the membership listing in our church data base. Letters will be sent to individuals for whom there is no record of attendance or giving for more than a year. Individuals will be encouraged to let us know whether or not they wish to remain members of St. Paul’s. Each year, accurate statistics regarding church membership must be reported to the ELCA Northeast Ohio Synod.
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The Nominating Committee concluded its work and will present the ballot for elected positions, including Church Council, to the membership at the congregational meeting on May 18. Elected members will then begin their new terms on July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.
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Respectfully shared,
Patty Long
President, Church Council
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As mentioned in the Church Council Highlights, the bake sale on May 11 raised additional funds for World Relief.
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Income and Expense Summary
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Groundbreaking Ceremony for Accessibility Improvements
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Press Release to the local papers:
St. Paul's Lutheran Church to Break Ground on Accessibility-Focused Entrance Project
Massillon, OH — St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Massillon is excited to announce the groundbreaking of a major accessibility improvement project, set to take place on Sunday, May 18, immediately following the worship service.
This important project will create a new main entrance and drop-off area for the sanctuary, designed with inclusivity and ease of access in mind. Key features will include:
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- New handicap-accessible parking spaces
- Electric door assists for easier entry
- Two wheelchair stair lifts
- Two brand-new, multi-stall handicap-accessible restrooms
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“Our church believes in welcoming everyone,” said Pastor Mark Kreemer, Senior Pastor of St Paul’s. “We want to ensure our building is not only spiritually inviting but physically accessible to all members of the community.”
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-August, and the improvements will significantly enhance the experience of worshippers with mobility challenges, as well as families and older adults.
In addition to this building project, St. Paul’s continues to serve the Massillon community through a variety of outreach programs. On the second Friday of every month, the church hosts a free community meal and clothing closet, open to anyone in need. St. Paul’s is also home to the Cathedral Concert Series, which brings world-class musicians to Massillon for free public concerts, enriching the cultural life of the community.
Located in the heart of Massillon at 127 Cherry Rd NE, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church remains committed to its mission of sharing grace, music, and care with all people. This project reflects the church’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and community care.
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The congregation assembled outside for the ceremony.
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Pastor is joined by Jarrett Deuble, who will be doing the landscaping after construction finishes for his Eagle Scout project.
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Accessible Building Entrances During Construction
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Due to construction, the chairlift will be unavailable starting May 25.
Beginning Tuesday May 27, the east side entrance under the archway into the church building will be unavailable for use.
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- Those who park in the lower lot on Sundays are encouraged to use the sidewalk along First Street and access the church through the west side door. Or if you want to enter the Parish Hall, you may use the stairs up from the parking lot and enter through the rear door and exit the front door.
- Those parking in the upper lot and along the street may enter the church building through the east side doors.
- Parish Hall may be accessed through the main door facing Cherry Rd.
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Watch for signs updating access as the construction moves forward.
Updates will also be announced on our website, Facebook, and in the church app.
Thank you for your patience!
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Highlights from May 18th Congregational Meeting
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- Approved the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Operating Budget
- Approved the proposed purchase of new carillon for the church building
- Elected church members to the following:
- Church Council: Jim Johnson, Lynda Klein, Sue Reid, Brady Rupp
- Mission Endowment Fund Committee: Sue Ambrosic and Kark Kalk
- 2026 Northeast Ohio Synod Assembly Representatives: Jennifer & Craig Maurer
- 2026 Nominating Committee: Greg Klein, Scott Larson, John Lieberman, Craig Maurer, Kathryn Myers, David Stoner
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Canton Symphony Chorus Performs
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Our Cathedral Concert series ended with the CSOC, presenting an excerpt from A Sea Symphony and numerous pieces dealing with the same theme, including "Come to the Water," "The Naval Hymn," and "Wade in the Water."
The Chorus would like to thank all the generous donors at the concert for their $1033 contribution. They will put the funds to good use. Past expenditures have included stairs for the risers at Umstaddt Hall, music for stand-alone concerts, and a speaker system for rehearsals. Chorus members raise money working concessions at Rubber Ducks games as well.
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The second half featured three pieces from Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.
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The final number, "This Little Light," ended with rousing solos and a standing ovation from the audience.
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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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May Community Meal Report
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On a sunny and pleasant afternoon, we celebrated the day with hot dogs, baked beans, chips, pickle slices, and dessert for a total of 78 attendees. The dining room was decorated with spring flowers.
If you’re interested in providing desserts for our meals, please deliver them to the church by noon, the Friday of our meal. If you don’t have time or are not a baker, financial donations are welcomed. Our next meal is June 13th. Thank you.
New under garments are needed for our clothes closet. Your donations are much appreciated and can be dropped off at the church at your convenience. Many thanks.
Please continue to pray for our mission, and those in need. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kim or David.
phone links: Kim Oberlin and David Stoner
email links: Kim Oberlin and David Stoner
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Snip-N-Stitch Welcomes Fabric Donations
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Whether you have leftover fabric from a sewing project or you're cleaning out your closets or maybe hitting the summer garage sales, we would welcome any fabric that you might like to donate to Snip-N-Stitch! We can use large pieces of fabric or small remnants.
This small but mighty group has been busy this year making our quilts for Lutheran World Relief. These quilts provide comfort and warmth to communities and families all over the world who are struggling with poverty or need humanitarian assistance after a disaster strikes. LWR offers aid and our quilts to American families as well, most recently due to the catastrophic tornadoes, high winds and flooding in the Southern and Midwestern states.
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Jerry Sturtz, Judy Hall, Richard Green, Tina Cotopolis, Izabella Edwards, Randy Balder, Jessica Cascera, Chad Beyington, Phyllis Wilson, Jackie Whitman, Jessie Shaffer, Michael Jordan, and Bobbee DeGordon.
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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!
Shane Jackson, June 10:
"You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure." Psalm 39:5
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June 2--Mark Waltz
June 3--Lynette Farrar
June 3--Sandra Huth
June 10--Shane Jackson
June 11--Abby Haake
June 12--Jeffrey Akey
June 12--Joseph Hepler
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June 13--Morgan Rupp
June 17--Brock Burkett
June 17--Marissa Cole
June 18--Janice Leone
June 18--Mary Hepler
June 20--Brooke Duplain
June 22--Ed Davila
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June 22-Rachel Deerwester
June 23--Faith Hostetler
June 25--David Stoner
June 25--Emily Reiman
June 30--Madison Moden
June 30--Rob Pritchett
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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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June 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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June 5--Thomas & Marcia Wright
June 7--Robert & Joyce Mitcheal
June 10--Rev. Lynn & LaShell Williamson
June 12--Craig & Jennifer Maurer
June 14--Grant & Lucinda Lash
June 15--Michael & Lisa Skelly
June 22--Daniel & Nancy Lint
June 29--Joel & Rebecca Moden
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Cindy Dew and Grant Lash both went to Whittier School. They met at the age of 10 because their older brothers were good friends. They started dating in high school and married while both were students at Kent. They were married at St. Paul’s by Pastor White on June 14, 1969.
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We extend our sympathy to the family of Chrissy Sturtz, sister of Cindy Lash.
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Condolences to JuDee and Gary Reed on the death of their grandson Michael Myers.
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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.
The flower chart on the Parish Hall bulletin board indicates open dates that are available. You may sign up on that and we will follow through.
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Dear Members and friends,
On behalf of CommQuest Services Inc. we would like to extend our sincere thanks to you for the donation of $400 for the families staying at the Family Living Center. We so appreciate your ongoing support!
The Family Living Center provides not only shelter, but basic needs to the families and single women who find themselves in need of shelter in Stark County. While staying at the Family Living Center, our staff members work with the families to assist them in obtaining stable and safe housing. Without donations like yours, we would be unable to meet those immediate kinds of needs. In some cases, families arrive at the FLC with not much more than the clothes on their back. Your generosity makes an impact right away and with their immediate needs met, they can concentrate on working towards their goal of permanent, safe, stable housing.
Again, thank you for your most generous and continued support of the Family Living Center.
Sincerely,
Amy Dornack, LPCC
Manager of Homeless Services
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Dear St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church,
On behalf of VANTAGE Aging and Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio, thank you for your generous contribution of $500.00 toward our Plates with Purpose campaign. Your financial support helps ensure that seniors in our community receive nutritious meals, wellness checks, and the caring connection they deserve.
Because of your generosity, older adults can count on a warm meal and a friendly visit from our dedicated volunteers and drivers. Your kindness is more than a meal—it's a lifeline. Your support of Plates with Purpose directly impacts the well-being of seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels to maintain their health and independence. Together, we are making sure that every senior has the care they need to age with dignity.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Anna Clendenin
Development Specialist
Thank you SO much for supporting Meals on Wheels!
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Dwight Butler
Gary Collard
Shane Jackson
Cindy Lash
Dennis Morgan
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Kathryn Myers
Barb Palmer
Jackie Pritchett
Carol Stoner
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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
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
Phyllis Staver
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WELFARE AND SOCIAL ACTION
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Cindy Lash, 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
Dave Allman
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 June
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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
June 1—Karl Kalk
June 8—Veronica Kreemer
June 15—Sue Reid
June 22—Kathryn Myers
June 29—Scott Larson
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Contact Patty Long
June 1—Jackie Pritchett &
Carol Stoner
June 8—Dwight Butler &
Cindy Lash
June 15—Patty Long &
Gary Collard
June 22—Shane Jackson & Barb Palmer
June 29—Tracie Schmolt & Greg Klein
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Contact Karl Kalk
June 1—Pastor Lynn & LaShell Williamson
June 8—Dick & Robin Cordes
June 15—Russ & Mary Ann Poling
June 22—Greg & Lynda Klein
June 29—Sue Ambrosic
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Choose My Church by Pushpay from the App Store.
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Find the "My Church" by Pushpay app in the App store on your phone or computer. It is a free download.
Open the app and search for St. Paul's by typing STPLC APP. Then click on the St. Paul's logo.
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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