St. Paul's

Evangelical Lutheran Church

127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, OH 44646

330 832-7409

November 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. 

Christmas Food Baskets:  Oct. - Dec. 6th

Cathedral Concert: Andrew Sords & Daniel Overly Nov. 1st @ 3 PM

College Scholarship Renewal/Application Nov. 1st - Dec. 2nd

Handbell Choir Rehearsal: Nov. 11th, 18th, and Dec. 2nd @ 6 PM 

Books and Brews: Nov. 5th @ 7 PM

Christmas Cookie Orders Due: Nov. 15th

Red Cross Blood Drive: Nov. 16th noon - 6 PM

Christmas Cookie Pick-up: Nov. 22nd

Decorate the Church: Nov. 28th - 9 AM

Sunday Adult Bible Study: 11:30

Sunday:  Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 8:30 AM 

Wednesday: Snip-N-Stitch, 9:00-11:00 AM

Wednesday: Steel Drum Classes, 6 PM 

Thursday Morning Bible Study, 10 AM

Thursday: Chair Yoga, 11:00 AM

Join us on Sundays at 8:30 AM in the choir room to make a joyful noise. All are welcome!

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

Jeremiah the Prophet

Jeremiah was given an important but very difficult assignment to accomplish - to speak truthfully about the failures of the people of Judah and to remind them of the One in whom they ought to put their trust, the Lord God of all creation. The book is filled with warnings, wisdom, and encouragement for living faithfully today.

Please join us as we gather at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays, top floor Parish Hall for Bible study and fellowship. An elevator is available for easy access.

Thursday Morning Bible Study at 10:00 am

Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings

By: Matthew L. Skinner

The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus and his message as full of tender compassion and urgent warning. This six-part exploration of an enigmatic Gospel takes readers into the themes, topics, and tensions at the heart of Matthew's story about the life and work of Jesus.

Chapters focus on blessing and comfort, judgment and retribution, the meaning of discipleship, Jesus' vision for the Church and world, conflicts and complaints, and how the Gospel of Matthew speaks to believers today.

Books & Brews: November 5, 2026

Grab a copy of A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity by Debie Thomas and meet us for Books & Brews on Thursday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Paradigm Shift Brewing Company. 

Led by Pastor Tina Crog, this book discussion is one of our connection efforts for the Massillon Lutheran Cohort. In the book, author Debie Thomas reflects on faith, doubt, belonging, and what it means to discover a Christianity spacious enough to make room for our questions, our differences, and our whole selves. Through personal stories and theological reflection, she invites readers to consider what it might look like to inhabit faith with greater authenticity and joy.

Come ready for good conversation, good questions, and good food!

Welfare and Social Committee will collect nonperishable food and miscellaneous items for our Community Meal families for Christmas. The items will be distributed at our Community Meal on Friday, December 11th.

Collection began in October and will end December 6th. Please place your donations in the box located at the side entrance of the church.

Oct. 18th – Tea and coffee

Oct. 28th – Peanut butter and jelly

Nov. 1st – Canned soups and pork & beans

Nov. 8th – Cereal and mixes (cake, brownies, muffins)

Nov. 15th – Canned fruits & vegetables

Nov. 22nd – Spaghetti sauce, pasta, instant potatoes

Nov. 29th – Paper products (paper towels, toilet paper)

Dec. 6th – Bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrush

Thank you for your generosity!

Barb Palmer

Robert Toland Wright designed many of the beautiful stained glass windows at St Paul’s.  He also designed beautiful windows for Grace Lutheran Church in Wadsworth. We started our tour at St. Paul’s learning about the windows Wright designed for our church and then carpooled to Grace Lutheran in Wadsworth to learn the history of their church and the beautiful stained glass windows. Our final stop was at Cherry Street Winery where we discussed our trip and enjoyed drinks and food.  It was a good day!

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

2. The electronic calendar

3. In the App under "Connect Tab," then "Sundays"

The Mission Endowment Committee recently approved the purchase of a freezer for ComQuest Family Living Center.  Due to a discount on the freezer, there was money to purchase much needed towels and wash clothes.  A big thanks to Phyllis Staver and Dan Farrar for their bargain hunting skills.  

The need is constant.

The gratification is instant.

Give Blood.

Our next blood drive is Monday, Nov 16, 2026 from noon to 6pm.

Click on or copy and paste the link below to schedule an appointment for our next blood drive.

https://www.redcrossblood.org/

God's Kitchen Angels just wrapped up their pumpkin roll sales.  Don't let these pictures fool you, they work really hard.

God's Kitchen Angels are cruising right into preparing our Christmas cookies.  Orders may be dropped off in the offering plate, the office, or you can call/email the Church office:

330.832.7409

Officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org

Orders are due:  November 15th

Orders are to be picked up:  November 22nd

Join us Saturday morning, November 28th at 9 am to decorate the church for the Christmas Season.  Many hands make little work and we are typically done before 11 am.  You'll be done in plenty of time to watch "the game."

Fellowship Committee

On October 21, 2026, 18 of our members and friends gathered for a fun day in Amish Country.  We started with a group of 7 people enjoying the beautiful weather sitting outside at Han’s Place, sharing wine and appetizers. Next, we were joined by 11 more people at Farmstead Restaurant in Berlin for an Amish buffet.  Our final stop was to watch a Sail-On Beach Boys Tribute Concert.  It was a good day for all.

We had 94 (maybe more-I lost count) trick or treaters stop by St. Paul’s on October 25th. Thanks to all who donated candy. Thanks to Rob for the duck pond prizes and his help keeping things running smooth.  It was a hectic but fun 2 hours.

We recently had some work done.  Good thing this guy isn't afraid of heights!  Thanks to Coon Restoration for allowing Buxton Roofing to use their lift.  Every dollar saved helps out.

Pastor Mark gave a brief report on those in our church family who are sick or homebound. On Friday, he will be holding a memorial service for past member Patricia Enoch.

Thursday Morning Bible Study will begin on October 15th, on the book of Matthew.

November 15th will be set aside as Stewardship Sunday. A committee of Pastor, Sue Ambrosic, Greg Klein, Jim Johnson, Rob Pritchett, and Brady Rupp will be formed to spearhead this campaign.

Jim Johnson is still waiting for the company to contact him about locating the leaks in the Education Building. Once that happens, the work of fixing those leaks can be scheduled.  The two informational meetings about the future of the building were  well attended and many questions were asked. The overwhelming consensus was that we need to repair the existing leaks and then plan to install split units in the future. There was little interest in demolishing the building and much hope that after repairs, we might be able to interest outside groups in using the building.

Outside repairs to the church building such as stonework and flashing are ongoing.

The Candlelight Walk is scheduled for December 6th.

Our long awaited garage sale in the Education Building was held on October 8, 9, 10. A bake sale was also included which was very well received. There were several rooms full of items and larger items such as desks, tables, chairs available upon request. So many people worked very hard to make this sale possible and I want to send out thanks to all involved. There are still many, many items for sale so let me or Barb Palmer know and we will be glad to take you shopping!!!  We are trying to sell some bigger ticket items online so we hope for success there.   All the funds raised will be used for needed repairs in this building. So far our total profits are over $1700.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathryn Myers, Congregational President

It’s time to apply for/renew scholarship applications for the 2027 spring semester.

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

New applicants can request an application starting November 1st by emailing the church office at

OfficeAdmin@stpaulsmassillon.org

DEADLINE to be considered for the scholarship is December  1st, 2026.  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.

If you wish to make donations specifically for organ repair, please mark your envelopes as such. If you give electronically, see Dan Farrar for details.

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.

The Church Directory is now available on request.  

A printed copy will cost $2.25 

An electronic copy (PDF) will be free of charge

You can request either or both formats by contacting the church office

330.832.7409 or officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org

No copies will be issued to non-members.

Please send all contributions for the Newsletter to:

officeadmin@stpaulsmassillon.org.

The deadline is the 21st of each month.

Report by Becky Johnson

October’s Friendship Circle was hosted by Debbie Hannum and Carol Stoner.  We had a delicious lunch of chicken carrots and potatoes with dessert of cupcakes and pumpkin cake.   We enjoyed dressing up and Kim Oberlin led the study on traditions of Halloween. 

Friendship Circle meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6 PM.

All are welcome to join us, share a light meal, Bible study and fellowship.

Report by Carol Stoner

We were busy again this month with approximately 65 shoppers, many repeat and many new to this Ministry.

Thank you so much for your continued generous donations. We are happily stocking the closet with great donations including boys and men’s clothing and shoes, as well as a large supply of women’s coats and great books. We also had a large donation of housewares from a former member.

We are currently in need of fall and winter items, including boots, coats, sweaters, blankets, sheets, and more. Housewares and décor are our patrons’ favorites.

Please consider joining us any second Friday of the month to see your contributions in action. We never leave without feeling gratified in providing a needed service. If you would like to help sort and stock once a week, please call Carol or Tracie for times.

We had 6 students from Central Catholic on a Tuesday morning to help this month.  We provided pizza and cookies for lunch. We have a student volunteer who comes most Friday’s when we are open.

Questions? please contact: Tracie Schmolt or Carol Stoner        

Please continue to pray for our partner Cindy Lash as she recovers.

St. Paul's Steelband continues with weekly classes at 6pm. The focus is on learning.  If you've never walked near a steel drum, and want to learn, we have something for you! 

Please join us!

Handbell Choir

The Handbell choir will rehearse  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!

Reformation Sunday was extra special with the music from:

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

Join our email list!

Join us on November 1st @ 3pm

Pre-concert music by pianist Emma Rambler begins at 2:30 PM

Sords and Overly appear with works by Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, John Williams, and more in their Massillon debut.  Hear the duo as they unite with powerful sonatas and entertaining showpieces.

Fulbright award-winner Daniel Overly has shared the stage with the Cleveland Orchestra and members of the Vienna Philharmonic; Andrew Sords has recently headlined performances in Mexico City, Toronto, Auckland, and Los Angeles.

Hear the duo as they unite with powerful sonatas and entertaining showpieces.

Andrew Sords Website

Daniel Overly Website

An Evening with the Singers performed on October 16th, 2026

Northwest High School

Ohio University

Combined Choirs

Canton Symphony Woodwind Quartet performed on October 18th, 2026

Pre-concert music was provided by Gabriella Kowalski

Favorite hymns and verses: 

Phyllis Staver, Nov. 6:

James 1:2 

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this:

to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself

unspotted from the world."   

Craig Maurer, Nov 12:

Psalm 23:1a, A psalm of David

"The Lord is my Shepherd..."

11/1-- Bryan  Corban

11/2--Darrell Books

11/4--Jennifer Johnson

11/5-- Russell Poling

11/6-- Phyllis Staver

11/8-- Chase Duplain

11/9-- Daniel Hepler

11/11-- Jonathan Litman

11/12-- Miho Kobayashi

11/12-- Craig Maurer

11/14-- Lynda Klein

11/15-- Judith Allman

11/16-- Paul White 

11/18-- Amanda Gray

11/18-- Jack Norton

11/19-- Kim Oberlin

11/20-- Richard Longworth

11/20-- Lindsay Mays

11/22-- Corey Larson

11/23-- D. Richard Getz

11/23-- Dennis Morgan

11/24-- JuDee Reed

11/26-- Debra Stevens

11/27-- 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!

Congratulations!

Nov 7--Jack & Marilyn Norton

Congratulations!  Chuck Richards and Janice Sprankle were married at St. Paul's on October 22nd.

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

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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. 

Cathedral Concerts Facebook Page

St. Paul's Facebook Page

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..