The Trumpet June 2021 Volume 38 Issue 6

Firelands Presbyterian Church

2626 East Harbor Road

Port Clinton, Ohio 43452

419-734-6211

Fax 419-734-5411

www.firelandschurch.org

Pastoral Friends Invite

The Pastoral Friends Committee is forming a “Firelands
Widows’ luncheon group”. All church widows are invited
Rev. David Aber, Pastor
to meet together June 3 11:30 at the Bistro 163. This
Dave Moore, Clerk of Session is a formation luncheon and hopefully will be a monthly
event. RSVP by June 1 to Jo Coon by either texting or
Susan Larcey and Kay McIntosh, Musicians
email. 419-350-8349 or email-jocoon09@gmail.com
Vicki Wheatly, Treasurer

Janine Dress,
Administrative Assistant
Happy Birthday Bistro 163
On Monday, June 7th, Bistro 163 will celebrate its fifth
birthday in operation in Ottawa County with an open
Table of Contents house and party in the restaurant. All are welcome to
stop in any time from 12:00 noon until 3:00 PM, for
Committee News ................................... 2
refreshments and celebration.
Bistro News & Christian Education ........... 3
The celebration will
Pastor’s Page & Events .......................... 4 continue all week, as
Thank You & Monthly Prayer list .............. 5 the restaurant serves
lunch Tuesday through
June Celebrations & Senior Event ............ 6
Saturday from 11:00 –
Session Highlights & June Lectionary ....... 7 2:00. Birthday cake
Calendar .............................................. 8 bread pudding and
daily specials will be
offered every day.
Come for the party,
come for lunch, but do
COME!

Summer Worship time 9:30 AM

June 2021
Mission Committee
"Strength for the Journey" (Dominican Republic) sent a
thank you note for our recent donation to support their
work teaching reading in the outlying villages of Jamao.
To quote, "We are doing so much to help these children
become literate," and "You are our strength."
One bed has been delivered since last report for "Now I
Lay Me Down to Sleep." Since October 2019, when the
total beds given was 268, we have given 48 more (even
with Covid!), for a total of 316 beds. Thank you, Karen
Vardyan and Karen Shifflet, for all of your organized,
loving work in this mission.
An application has been sent to and approved by
Maumee Valley Presbytery and Synod of the Covenant
for the use of PC(USA) Restricted Unassigned Funds
from General Assembly. The particular fund ($1,700)
applied for is for persons living with
Intellectual/Developmental Disorders. Flat Rock Homes,
Flat Rock, Ohio, a non-profit, is one such Home in
ecumenical mission to serve these persons for over 154
years. It is our hope and prayer that General Assembly
would approve our application for this gift to Flat Rock -
we just have to "wait and see" until October for
notification. Please keep Flat Rock in your prayers as
they endeavor to raise funds to restore their outside
play areas and other badly needed projects that this
grant would help support.
REMINDER: Remember to stop by the "Sharing
Cupboard" now that we are back in our building - all
proceeds are collected through the year to help fund
One Great Hour of Sharing.
Please check out the Mission bulletin board - there are
several flyers regarding Flat Rock Homes and Elder
Abuse Day (June 15), as well as other mission info.
Mission Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 8, at
1:30 p.m.
Worship Committee
Thanks to Susan Larcey for leading the Sometimes
Serendipity Singers in the flash mob version of
“I Danced in the Morning “for the Retirement
Celebration for Pastor Mark and Jill Cooper.
Thanks to Marilyn Umlauf who headed up the colorful
preparations of our sanctuary for Pentecost and to
Janine Dress who coordinated the ordering of the dark
red geraniums in memory and in honor of loved ones.
Page 2
What a powerful way to recognize the birth of the Holy
Spirit in our midst!
The Worship and Music committee will be meeting with
Rev. David Aber to discuss our worship format.
The Serendipity Singers will resume rehearsals soon.
Watch for announcements to follow. The Firelands Folk
group has been requested to play for several community
gatherings so their rehearsal schedule will be posted
soon as well.
As we have noted this past Sunday May 30, 2021, was
the 39th anniversary of the founding of Firelands
Presbyterian Church. Now is the opportunity to form a
committee and begin planning a proper celebration for
our 40th anniversary next year. Let Kay McIntosh know
if you are interested in helping to plan for such an
event.
Project Linus
Quilt Blessing
Was on
Mother’s Day
On Sunday, May 8,
Mother's Day, 172 Linus
quilts were displayed in the
Narthex and during
services were blessed by
Pastor Cooper. They were
then taken to the Akron
Children's Hospital where a
waiting child could receive a quilt for comfort and
security.
The quilters thank the congregation for their support in
making it possible for the Linus Mission to continue
another year."
If you would like to make a donation to this ministry of
Firelands, please write a check to the church and put
Project Linus in the memo line.
June 2021
Bistro 163 Wins Another Award
The Bistro
is in the
Member
Spotlight
for the Port
Clinton
Area
Chamber of
Commerce!
On June
23rd, at the
annual
Chamber
Awards
Banquet,
Bistro 163
will be
honored
with the
2020
Outstandin
g meeting of this group was held in the Church in person
Community
Service Award. For 5 years, the mission of Bistro 163
has been to address hunger in our community in a
unique way. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic and
employment crisis in Ottawa County put a new face on
hunger. Governor DeWine closed businesses on March
16th, and by March 18th, a group of community leaders
(United Way, Sutton Property Leasing, Bistro 163,
Salvation Army, Community Support & Senior
Resources, Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center) met
to come up with a new plan. Bistro 163 was uniquely
qualified and equipped to produce high quality,
nutritious free dinners. To “Feed the Need”.
General Manager Babs Klacik, her staff and a highly
motivated group of volunteers gathered in the
commercial kitchen at the back of the Sutton Center,
Wednesday through Saturday, mid-March through July.
In those 4 ½ months, 22,294 free dinners were served,
take-out style or delivered to homes. All of this was
made possible by generous financial or in-kind support
given by almost 100 organizations and at least 372
individuals. Bistro 163 is grateful to be in this
community, where those with help to give come
together so generously for those in need of help. We
thank our dedicated staff, our loyal volunteers, our
financial supporters, our in-kind donors, our pay-it-
forward diners, and our many friends.
Page 3
The Free Community Dinners at Bistro 163 continue to
be offered on the second and fourth Mondays of each
month. In June, those dinners will be served on June
14th and 28th by our staff and volunteer cooks. 250
free dinners continue to be served every other Monday,
with more than half of them delivered to people in their
homes by our volunteer drivers.
Restarting Christian Education
Christ said.
"“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of
mine and puts them into practice is like a wise
man who built his house on the rock."
How can we understand Christ's words without a strong
Christian Education program?
The Covid-caused shut down of the Church and the
Hospital Cafeteria has made it difficult to gather for
Christian Education and fellowship.
There is still an open invitation to learn more about the
power and Biblical background of the Holy Spirit; the
program is designed to be joined at any time. The May
after many months of Zoom meetings. Anyone
interested in learning more about this amazing gift from
God (and how it can be a source of strength in our lives)
is welcome to join this group. This group meets at 1PM
on the second Wednesday of each month. A free trial
program is available on the Web at -
https://renovare.org/books/the-reservoir
The current plan for re-starting the Christian Education
program is to:
1. Meet with Pastor David Aber to discuss his
perspective on Christian Education.
2. Following that meeting we plan to invite all
interested members to discuss how we might
meet the Christian Education needs of the
Congregation.
3. Finally, we plan to implement a Christian
Education program that meets the needs of our
congregation.
Stay tuned for meeting times.
June 2021 Page 4

Pastor’s Page
The reports of the friendliness of the Firelands
congregation are not exaggerated. Gwen and I were so
warmly welcomed into your fellowship on Pentecost
Sunday. Thank you all for your graciousness and
generosity of spirit that put us at ease.

The author of Hebrews writes in Chapter 12 “Therefore,

since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin
which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the
founder and perfecter of our faith . . . “The phrase, “a
cloud of witnesses'', reminds us of the uncounted and
unknown believers who, having lived their lives of faith
to the end, reside in eternity with the Lord, Father, Son
and Holy Spirit. We are not alone in this present time
because they are close to us, as near as the pillowy
clouds, or as lovely as the lakeside mist. I have my own,
more personal, appreciation of the “cloud of witnesses”.

Reading the 30th Anniversary Program from May 30th,

2012, I saw the list of Firelands pastors. Of the 8 people
listed, I know 5 of them: Reverends McGormley,
Butcher, Rhoads, Meyers and Gay, all living and doing
well. Let’s add to the list our friend, Mark Cooper. There
are these 6 clergy colleagues that I know and 3 that I
do not know, are spiritually in the room with us, which is
a good thing! Each brought her or his gifts, talents,
dreams and love of God into the work of ministry. Each
had a role in shaping who you are as a Christian
congregation. I know that as you prayed for and served
the church with those who came before me, you will
pray for and serve the life of Firelands Presbyterian
Church in the summer of 2021. May God bless us as we
move into this next chapter in the life story of Firelands!

In Christ,

Pastor David

For More information, please check out the brochures on

the gathering table
June 2021 Page 5

Dear Member and Friends of Firelands Presbyterian forgotten. Our hearts have been forever changed by you
Church, and all you have done for us.

I find it somewhat hard to believe, but suddenly here I
am, among the ranks of the retired. I was not in a hurry
to leave FPC, but I had a conviction that it was simply
time. I feel rather strange now, and I have not yet
figured out what to do with myself in this new life era,
but I have a few ideas and I’m sure I’ll figure out how to
make my way.
FPC has left me with nothing but wonderful memories.
I know you have been left in good hands with David
Aber, and I wish you, and him, well as you move
forward into the days ahead. Finally, Jill and I are left
with nothing left to say except “Thank you.” For
everything.
And, of course, “God bless,” now and always.
Very Fondly,

Mark
You all welcomed Jill and I immediately and the feeling
of welcome never left. We will never forget all the very
special people we came to know and love. And then
there was the incredible event you all made possible at Mark Cooper
the Catawba Island Club. The event itself and the
wonderful gifts are much appreciated and will never be

Ongoing Prayer Concerns

For those receiving medical treatment or therapy, or undergoing medical tests:

Alan, Debbie Ballinger, Jenatha Boose, Harold, Kim Hudson, Diane Jordan, Joseph Kakareka, Craig Kaiser,
Stephen Kessler, Angjuli Lele, John McLaughlin, Ele McLaughlin, Christopher Longaker, Simon Mercurio, Michael,
John Prestbo, Sarah, Sue, Jack Schmidt, Jeff Thompson, Justin Waugh, Ann Wagnitz, Debra Wylie.

For those facing the infirmities of age:

Jeanne Black, Phyllis Crisp, Jane Kaiser, Jamie Petty, Betty Rodwancy, and Irene Wilson

For those seeking freedom, security, and hope:

Bobby, Justin, Sara, Val, and CASA Families

For those in the service of our country:

SMGT Jeff Bundy, Steven Coffin, FBI; Brant Crandall, USA; Cole Daniel, USCG; Matthew Devries, USAF;
Stu Gliwa, USMC; Aaron Haynes, USA; Andrew Hogue, USA, Ken Lewis USA Army Chaplain, Ted Livingstine,
USMC; Sanju Shinde, USMC.

For those in mission for our Lord:

The National Presbyterian Church of Mexico, Berea Presbytery.

Sharon Kandel PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker in Ethiopia/Sudan

To add or delete someone from this list, please contact Janine Dress in the church office.
June 2021 Page 6

June Celebrations

Pat Sharp 7 Dani Jagucki 20 Caroline Notestine 26 John and Karen Vardyan 15

Anne O'Malley 10 Joan Brydon 22 John Moore 27 Bill and Marilyn Umlauf 18

Dave Wahlers 10 Betty Layton 22 James Stouffer 27 John and Joan Moore 19

Joan Moore 12 Karen Shifflet 24 Jim Dubbert 29 John and Susan Rogers 20

John McIntosh 13 Jean Witkowski 24 Karen Dietz 29 Karen and Nick Shifflet 26

Is your birthday or anniversary missing or incorrect? Contact

Maxine Wilson 16 Connie Brand 26 the office so we can make the changes to the list!
June 2021 Page 7

June Lectionary

First reading and Alternate* First Second reading Gospel

Psalm reading and
Psalm

June 6, 2021 1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12- Genesis 3:8-15 2 Corinthians 4:13- Mark 3:20-35
Proper 5 (10) 15), 16-20, Psalm 130 5:1
Second Sunday after (11:14-15)
Pentecost Psalm 138

June 13, 2021 1 Samuel 15:34 - 16:13 Ezekiel 17:22-24 2 Corinthians 5:6- Mark 4:26-34
Proper 6 (11) Psalm 20 Psalm 92:1-4, 10, (11-13), 14-17
Third Sunday after Pentecost 12-15

June 20, 2021 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, Job 38:1-11 2 Corinthians 6:1- Mark 4:35-41
Proper 7 (12) 19-23), 32-49 13
Fourth Sunday after Psalm 9:9-20 or Psalm 107:1-3, 23-
Pentecost 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 32
18:10-16
Psalm 133

June 27, 2021 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 Wisdom of 2 Corinthians 8:7- Mark 5:21-43
Proper 8 (13) Solomon 1:13-15, 15
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Psalm 130 2:23-24 or
Lamentations
3:22-33
Psalm 30

Highlights of Stated Session Meeting on 5/11/2021

1. Session approved the Treasurer’s Report.

2. Bill Sharp, the Personnel Committee Chair, informs us that Pastor David Aber will be beginning a 4-month
contract with us beginning 5/17/21 (Mark’s last day with us will be Sunday May 16th).

3. Bill Sharp and Vicki Wheatley are working on the programming for a series of “preparing church budgets”
sessions. These will be 20 min sessions held during our June, July and August Session meetings.

4. Ginny McCook and Jean Witkowski are working on a joint Session/Deacon meeting. This is tentatively
scheduled for Saturday Oct 9th.
June 2021 Page 8

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5
3 -5 Dulcimer 10:30-1:30 11:30 10:30-1:30
Group Office Open Widow’s Office Open
I:30 Pastoral Luncheon
Friends

6 7 8 9 10 11 12
9:30 followed by 10:30-1:30 Office 1:30 Mission 10:30-1:30 10:30-1:30
fellowship. Open Committee Office Open Office Open
6:30 -8 Knitwits 3-5 Dulcimer 1-3 Reservoir
Group Group
7 Session

13 14 15 16 17 18 19
9:30 Worship Office Closed Elder Abuse 10:30-1:30 10:30-1:30
followed by 4-6 Bistro 163 Awareness Day Office Open Office Open
fellowship Community 11-12 Healing
3-5 Dulcimer
Meal- Hearts w/
Group Stein Hospice
6:30 -8 Knitwits
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
9:30 Worship 10:30-1:30 Office 3-5 Dulcimer 10:30-1:30 10:30-1:30
followed by Open Group Office Open Office Open
fellowship. 6:30 -8 Knitwits

27 28 29 30
9:30 Worship 10:30-1:30 Office 3-5 Dulcimer 10:30-1:30
followed by Open Group Office Open
fellowship 5:45 – 6:30 Fresh
Bread
4-6 Bistro 163
Community
Meal-
6:30 -8 Knitwits