This month we look at anniversaries of pastors serving at one Ohio District congregation for a certain amount of time. We also consider some important events in the Ohio District happening in April according to the District Newsletter and E-Source.
Anniversaries of Pastors’ service at one Ohio District congregation:
25 Years of service beginning in 1996
Rev. Robert Green - Bethlehem, Parma, OH
Rev. Jack Kozak - Hope, Akron, OH
Rev. Andrew Norris - Christ, Cincinnati, OH
Rev. Mark Raddatz - Emmanuel, Lancaster, OH
10 Years of service, beginning in 2011
Rev. Berhanu Arsse - Ebenezer Ethiopian, Whitehall, OH
Rev. Mark Carlson - Emmanuel, Kettering, OH
Rev. Christopher Eldridge - Prince of Peace, Columbus, OH
Rev. Steven Girard - St. Mark, Brunswick, OH
Rev. Eric Tritten - Gloria Dei, Hudson, OH
5 Years of service, beginning in 2016
Rev. Robert Becker - Redeemer, Convoy, OH
Rev. John Benham - Royal Redeemer, Liberty Township, OH
Rev. Edward Engelbrecht - Emmanuel, Columbus, OH
Rev. Gregory Enterline - Grace, Cincinnati, OH
Rev. Mark Hartsough - New Hope, Newark, OH
Rev. Michael Henn - Valley, Chagrin Falls, OH
Rev. Charles Kramer - St. John, Napoleon, OH
Rev. Mark Matzke - St. Mark, Chesterland, OH
Rev. Benjamin Meyer - Hope, Sunbury, OH
Rev. Troy Neujahr - St. Peter, Shaker Heights, OH
Rev. Paul Pater - Shepherd of the Ridge, North Ridgeville, OH
Rev. David Schinbeckler - Redeemer, Austintown, OH
Rev. Joel Sutton - St. Timothy, Huber Heights, OH
Rev. John Urvan - Peace, Chardon, OH
THESE DAYS IN HISTORY
These stories were gleaned from the Ohio District newsletter and E-Source materials.
50 Years Ago - 1971
Members of five Lutheran congregations in Lakewood, OH joined together in a joyful service of thanksgiving to recognize the merger of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (SELC - Slovak Lutherans) with the LCMS. The evening service at Pentecost Lutheran Church featured a mass choir from Pentecost, (SELC), Pilgrim (LCMS), St. Paul (LCMS), Ss. Peter and Paul (SCLC), and Gethsemane (LCMS). Rev. Arthur Ziegler, Ohio District President, preached the sermon. A coffee fellowship hour followed.
The Ohio District delegates to the 1971 Synodical Convention in Milwaukee, WI were announced. The theme of the Convention is “Sent to Reconcile.” One of the delegates attending this convention was Rev. Walther Marcis, who still serves at St. John-Nottingham!
40 Years Ago - 1981
The CTCR in its report for the 1981 Convention notes that the LCMS should break its relationship with the American Lutheran Church (ALC). However, the Ohio District at its 1980 Convention asked Synod to reaffirm pulpit and altar fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the ALC.
Rev. Richard Gahl, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Lancaster, PA, accepted the call to become the Executive Director of the Ohio District, replacing Dr. O. W. Toelke who retired. He will work with Rev. Arthur Ziegler, Ohio District President.
Plans are still set for the new hymnal, Lutheran Worship, to be introduced to Lutheran congregations. The cover of the hymnal will be a distinctive royal blue.
25 Years Ago - 1996
Several volunteers for PROMPT (Puerto Rico and Ohio in Mission Partnership Together) shared their experiences in helping with the Vacation Bible School in Puerto Rico. Mrs. Jessica Vail, Grace – Thompson, OH shared the joy of being in Christ’s mission.
Lutheran West High School, Rocky River, OH received the “Christus Victor” Award in recognition of several quality initiatives, including strong staff development, a high-quality curriculum, and commitment to sharing the Gospel.
10 years Ago - 2011
The Synodical program “Ablaze” shared several dynamic ways for members to share their faith, including using e-mails.
Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne will hold a theological discussion on “Speaking the Truth in a Post-Modern World.” All pastors are welcomed to attend.
The District E-Source mentioned an article for congregations to consider called “Your Largest Contributor Potentially - The Role of Endowments in Funding Ministry.”
The District will hold a “Treasurer’s Workshop” to explain to church treasurers such topics as employment issues, housing allowance, the tax-exempt status and more important considerations, other topics regarding this issue, the tax-exempt issues and more.
5 Years Ago - 2016
Rev. Dr. Kevin Wilson, Ohio District MMF-Southern Region, shared “Conversations about Faith & Life” (CFL), which encourages and equips Christians to respond to God’s grace by living out their vocations.
The Missouri Synod established two new financial helps for church workers. One is called “Soldiers of the Cross” to lend a hand to those workers who face a financial crisis and also “Veterans of the Cross” to help those retired people with financial problems.
