St. Paul's

Evangelical Lutheran Church

127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, OH 44646

330 832-7409

July 2026 Newsletter

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. 

Fireworks on the West Lawn:  July 3rd @ dusk

Church Picnic: August 2nd 

Annual Congregational Meeting:  August 16th

Wednesday: Steelband practice, 6:00- 6:45 pm

Thursday:  Summer Read, 10 am beginning July 9th

Thursday: Chair Yoga, 11:00 am

Thursday Mornings at 10 am Starting July 9th

Over the past several months, many people have asked an important question: What is a faithful Christian response to the times in which we live? Others have wondered how we can speak with family members, friends, neighbors, and fellow Christians who may see the world very differently than we do.

This summer, I invite those who are interested to read the book The Separation of Church and Hate together. The book explores the intersection of faith, politics, culture, and Christian witness in today’s world. It raises challenging questions about how followers of Jesus are called to live with both conviction and compassion.

This conversation will not be for everyone, and that is perfectly okay. The goal is not political agreement, nor is it to debate winners and losers. Rather, the hope is to create space for thoughtful reflection, respectful conversation, and faithful listening.

As Christians, we are called to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). That means we can hold differing opinions while still treating one another with dignity, grace, and respect. Our congregation will continue to be a place where questions may be asked honestly and where people are valued as brothers and sisters in Christ, even when perspectives differ.

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

2026 Blood Drives 12-6 pm
Monday, August 24, 2026       

Click on the link below to schedule an appointment for our next blood drive.

St. Paul's Makes an Impact!

It was a beautiful day to make an impact on 9th Street.  A big shout out to those who volunteered their time and hard work.  Special thanks to a special group of nice young men, the Massillon Football Team, for helping out with the heavy lifting.

Thank you to the Mazzocca Family from Mazzocca's Greenhouse, for donating annual and perennial flowers for our church grounds again this year.

Blessings to you and your beautiful business!

Join us July 3rd, on the West Lawn at dusk to watch Massillon's fireworks!

Bring your family, friends, neighbors, strangers, a lawn chair or blanket.

We will provide snacks and drinks.

Pastor Mark updated council on members who are ill, have had surgery, or are in nursing homes.

Impact Massillon will be held on June 13 with Scott Larsen and John Stanko coordinating for St. Paul's.

Pastor Mark informed us that Bishop Barbins was reelected at the recent synod assembly.

The new heating and cooling system installation in the Parish Hall has begun. We are hoping for completion  before the end of June. 

Jim Johnson reported on some serious outside building repairs that will need timely consideration. There are issues with stonework, mortar cracks, as well as roofing. A shaft repair is needed in the air handler. Sanctuary air conditioning units were also addressed.

The church picnic will be held on August 2 and promises to be a good time for everyone. Mark your calendars!!!!

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on August 16, so I hope you will all plan on attending. There will be several important issues to be discussed including the organ repair

Respectfully submitted,

Kathryn Myers

With joy and gratitude, we continue to celebrate the completion of our new entrance and bathrooms. For the past nine months, these improvements have already been a blessing—offering a warm welcome and greater accessibility to all who enter. Thank you for the generosity and faith that made this possible.

Yet our work of caring for God’s house continues.

As we look ahead, several significant needs have emerged:

Parish Hall Window Wells Repair – Estimated cost: $169,000
Addressing these issues is essential to protect the integrity of the building and prevent further damage.

Completion of the Heating & Cooling Conversion (Parish Hall) – Estimated cost: $150,000
Finishing this project will ensure a comfortable, efficient, and usable space for ministry year-round.

Organ Maintenance and Restoration – Estimated cost: $100,000–$200,000
Our organ plays a vital role in worship, and necessary maintenance will preserve its voice for future generations.

These are substantial projects, but they are also opportunities—opportunities to care for the spaces where ministry happens, where lives are touched, and where the Gospel is proclaimed.

Through your continued generosity, we can preserve and strengthen this place of welcome, safety, and worship. Together, we are ensuring that our church remains a living witness to God’s grace for generations to come.

Thank you for your faithfulness and your partnership in this shared ministry.

St Paul's received a donation of shares of stock.  This generous donation was received without paperwork.

If the donor would like this donation to be included in their year-end giving statement, please contact Dan Farrar or Tracie Schmolt.

Church council authorized the sale of our cemetery lots at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. 

Rose Hill is charging $1,250, plus a $125 title change fee for these lots.  

St Paul’s is offering them for $1,000 plus a $125 title change fee. 

See Kathryn Myers or Dan Farrar if interested.

August 2nd Following Worship

Join us August 2nd,  for our annual picnic following the 10am Worship Service. 

We will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs with an ice cream bar as a special treat.

Please bring a covered dish.  If your last name starts with

  A-F – bring a side dish

  G-N – bring a dessert

  O-Z – bring a salad or appetizer

We will have special music from Ellie playing the steel drum.

After you have plenty to eat, you can join in on the fun outside. 

There will be games on the lawn including a corn hole tournament with prizes.

Note: The Fellowship Committee will be in the kitchen to accept food before church.

Please send all contributions for the Newsletter to:

officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org.

The deadline is the 21st of each month.

Report from Kim Oberlin:

The ladies had a great time this past month. Joyce and Carol were our hostesses, who prepared a yummy dinner and dessert. LaShell led our Bible study….. ask her about the taffy pull!! 

We’d love to see more of our lady friends at our next get together.

We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm, in the lounge,  from April-December.

Report by Barb Palmer

On June 11, Welfare and Social Committee members David Stoner,  Kim Oberlin, La Shell Williamson, Judy Fichter, Lynda Klein, along with Mike and Lisa Skelly, and Julia Englehart held an ice cream social and played games with the residents at The Inn at University Village.

So much fun!! About 30 residents attended. We had lots of ice cream and toppings and played 
several games with solo cups (no, not beer pong!). The Activities Director said there were residents playing games that never get involved. Our group was enthusiastic and  made sure that everyone was included. I’m not sure who enjoyed themselves more; the residents or us. The residents and staff were very grateful that we came to hang out  with them.  

We plan on repeating this at another nursing home in August. Let me know if you would like to join in the fun.

A big, heartfelt thank you for those that helped make this happen!

We were busy again this month with shoppers asking for summer weight clothing and shoes.  We had many requests for shorts. 

Puzzles, games, and home goods are always appreciated. We had donations from garage sales and the shoppers are so fond of housewares and gadgets that the owners no longer want. If you know of friends of relatives having garage sales, please ask them to consider giving items not sold to our St Paul's. Clothes Closet. 

The summer has returned the sweltering temperatures to the closet. Donated fans would be very appreciated by the workers and shoppers.

Thank you for your generosity. You make so many folks happy with the great variety of items you so lovingly share. 

Feel free to contact us for information about our ministry,  

Carol Stoner, Tracie Schmolt or Cindy Lash   

Are you needing some island vibes this summer?

Come join the St Paul's Steelband as we learn about the music and culture of Trinidad!

We meet on Wednesdays from 6-7pm in the education building. No music experience is required and all age groups are welcome.

Nervous about your first rehearsal or just curious but can't come to class?  See Eleanor before or after service to set up a free demo lesson!

We are excited to give you a preview of the 26-27 Cathedral Concert Series.  Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details.

CONCERTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO ALL. YOUR FREEWILL OFFERING IS GRACIOUSLY RECEIVED.

Favorite hymns and verses: 

Jackie Pritchett, July 22:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—" (Ephesians 2:8)

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!

Congratulations!

 Scott & Debra Hannum, Jul 1

Patricia & Bob Long, Jul 8

James & Barbara Starrett, Jul 10

Jonathon & Amy Stuck, Jul 12

Paul & Susan White, Jul 13

Brady & Morgan Rupp, Jul 13

Michael & Wendy Reiman, Jul 16

Paul & Linda Mutchler, Jul 18

Joseph & M.E. Hepler, Jul 19

David & Amy Burkett, Jul 22

David & Bronwyn Dourm, Jul 25

Jim & Debra Stevens, Jul 26

Jason & Abbie Deuble, Jul 29

Larry & Marie Stoner, Jul 31

Jim & Barb Starrett

Jim & Barb Starrett are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

They were married at St. Paul's by Pastor Maurice White on July 10th, 1976.

We have many youth and young adults that are very active in a variety of areas, and we want to spotlight them.  If you know of someone you'd like to feature, or someone who recently graduated, please submit the information to the church office:  Officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org

Congratulations to Hailey Carano!

Hailey recently graduated from Tuslaw High School where she was active in sports.  She is eager to venture into the workplace and has her eyes set on the field of real-estate. 

Please keep Hailey in your prayers as she begins this next awesome adventure.

Note:  Committee Members will be updated after the July Council meeting

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

The Annual Congregational Meeting will take Place August 16th, 2026 following Worship.  Please plan to participate in this meeting.

If you have reports to submit on behalf of your committee, please submit to the Church Office by August 2nd, 2026.

Officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org

Templates were previously sent via email to all committee chairs.  If you did not receive yours, or would like another copy, please do not hesitate to ask Jackie Pritchett.

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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

ELCA Vision: A world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation..