June and July 2025
An article taken from Living Lutheran
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pickerington, Ohio
College advising manager, I Know I Can
My husband and I connected with Epiphany Lutheran in 2018, when we first moved to Pickerington. Initially, driving by the church, I remembered staffing a summer camp there through Camp Mowana in Mansfield—I worked with [Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio] for four summers.
I’m involved at Epiphany in many ways. I’m in my third year of leading our Little Lights children’s choir. I’ve been a member of our 11 a.m. service praise team since 2018. I sang in the choir for several years before I started co-teaching Rise & Shine, our junior and senior high Sunday school, and sometimes still get the opportunity to join them. And I fill in with our youth and family ministry as I’m able, and serve on our children, youth and family committee. I’ve also served on internship and nominating committees.
This involvement is important to me, as that’s a big part of building relationships. I try to pour into others as I’ve been poured into throughout my life. Our church community means everything! We’re at our church several days a week. Not only do I love it, but my husband has grown in his faith at Epiphany, and our two daughters—Dellawynn, age 5, and Wrenley, age 2—view church as a second home. Della has even attended our church’s preschool for preschool and pre-K and is graduating in a few weeks. All four of us have grown in numerous ways at Epiphany.
When I was in high school and looking into colleges, I met with many admission counselors. The admission counselor from Valparaiso [Ind.] University made an impression on me, and I knew that I wanted my first job out of college to be as an admission counselor. I attended Valpo, and while there, I had several student employment positions within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After I graduated with a [Bachelor of Arts] in communications and a minor in vocal music in 2012, my first job was as an admission counselor at Ohio Northern University [in Ada]. I worked in admissions for the next 10 1/2 years at several universities; the last I worked for was Ohio State University [in Columbus]. While I loved my position there, I realized I really missed working directly with students.
I learned about I Know I Can, a nonprofit in central Ohio focused on college and career access, and was immediately interested. I began working there as a college advising manager in 2021. Jumping from higher education to a nonprofit was a huge leap of faith, but I don’t regret it!
I love my job because the relationships I build with students are incredible. Students are usually initially hesitant to ask for help and guidance. Most students, after a single meeting with me, come back on their own time to ask for additional advice or have a safe space. I’m frequently told that my office is a favorite place within the building. Today a student toldme that I’m the only adult in the building that she feels close to and can see her for whoshe is.
I also love senior year celebrations. While it’s hard to let go, it’s amazing to see studentsspread their wings. And I love hearing from students after they graduate. Their success stories are inspiring!
I love my job because the relationships I build withstudents are incredible.
The high school I’m placed at is Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS). As a college advising manager, my job is to make sure students have a plan after high school and to help them meet the milestones necessary to reach that plan. Most of my days consist of helping with the college search process, career assessments, assisting with registering and preparing for the ACT/SAT, financial aid presentations, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) assistance, and college and scholarship application assistance. While roughly 80% of CAHS students attend college, the other 20% may need help with resumes, finding jobs or apprenticeships, or connecting with a military recruiter. I help with all of this too.
Some of the most meaningful career experiences I’ve had have been receiving thank-you notes from students.
I live out my faith through my vocation in many ways. First, and most importantly, I try to make sure every student knows they are welcome in my office and that it’s a safe and judgment-free zone. I also assure students that I’d rather have them ask than feel lost. I talk a lot about self-advocacy: students need to learn to ask. The worst they can be told is no. Otherwise, they may miss out on an opportunity. If a student discloses something very difficult and personal, I ask if I can pray for them. Students know they can ask me any question at any time and I’ll do whatever I can to answer or point them in the right direction.
I’ve also been able to host college info and FAFSA workshops at Epiphany to help our community there. And I talk frequently with our junior and senior high youth about their plans for their future. I don’t have much free time—but when I do, I love to play games with friends and family, read, sing or do paint-by-numbers kits.
I pray for the education system. For families. For music to heal those who are hurting. For teachers. For open minds and hearts. For those who are feeling lost.
My children and the youth I work with give me hope. I’m constantly amazed by random and profound insights and reflections they share with me.
To me, grace is the ability to look past flaws and imperfections, getting to the heart of the matter, where hopes and dreams are taking root, and provide gentle guidance and nourishment for humankind to flourish.
I’m a Lutheran because I’m passionate about serving others in their growth and development.
John G. Potter is content editor of Living Lutheran. He lives in St. Paul, Minn.
JUNE VOLUNTEERS
SUPPLY ACOLYTES
June 1 – Casey Simmons June 1–Nolan Muhlenbruch
June 8 – Shawn Hill June 8– Madi Muhlenbruch
June 15 – Pastor Steve Brackett June 15– Jaxon Verba
June 22 – Casey Simmons June 22– Hannah Wharton
June 29 – Pastor Steve Smith June 29-Nolan Muhlenbruch
USHERS ALTAR GUILD
Maynard Agena Judy Gorder
Shannon Muhlenbruch Jeanne Russell
DEACON BREAD BAKER
Bev Weidemann Wanda Glade
Starting June 1 st , worship will be at 9:00 a.m.
COMMUNION June 15 th &June 29 th
FLCW QUILTERS June 3 rd at 1:00 p.m.
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, June 3 rd at 6:00 p.m.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL
June 18, Wednesday, At the Gazebo park
Menu will include: Burgers/hot dogs/baked beans Salad/ice cream/drink
Serving will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Bring a friend or two!
JULY VOLUNTEERS
SUPPLY ACOLYTES
July 6 – Casey Simmons July 6–Madi Muhlenbruch
July 13 – Beth Hurt July 13– Jaxon Verba
July 20 – TBD July 20– Hannah Wharton
July 27 – Pastor Kent Mechler July 27– Nolan Muhlenbruch
USHERS ALTAR GUILD
Craig Russell Judy Gorder
Jean Swanson Jeanne Russell
DEACON BREAD BAKER
Jean Swanson Pat Meek
COMMUNION Sunday, July 27 th
FLCW QUILTERS July 1 st at 1:00 p.m.
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, July 2 nd at 6:00 p.m.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL
Wednesday, July 16 th
Menu will include: Pulled pork sandwiches, Potato salad, Bars & drink
Serving will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Bring a friend or two!
FIRST LUTHERAN COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 7, 2025
President Larry Klatt opened the meeting with 11 members present. A motion to approve of the agenda as presented, was made by Mary Anderson and seconded by Bev Weidemann. Motion carried.
Devotions: President Larry Klatt read devotions.
President’s Report: Larry Klatt
Elevator service agreement will be discussed under new business. The Church received a thank you from the Dows Historical Society for the donation to the ‘Crème de la ‘Crème from our Lenten services. They were very appreciative.
Secretary’s Report: Jeanne Russell
The April 2nd minutes were read and a motion to accept the minutes as presented was made by Mary Haugen and seconded by Jean Swanson. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Shelly Howard
Shelly has gotten all the bills paid on the new elevator. Kathy Thelke is going to the convention in June. LP bill has been paid and the Church will be receiving a reimbursement for overpayment. The Grocery store, ‘Crème de la ‘Crème and the Dows Senior Citizens were sent checks from the Lenten suppers and Lenten service offerings. The CD that was due on 5/4/25 was rolled back over along with the interest. The total amount was $88,710.51. A motion to approve of the Treasurer’s report was made by Jean Swanson and
seconded by Mary Haugen.
Deacon’s Report: Members are being visited and receiving communion.
Trustee’s Report: Work will be done on the bushes and the desk in the Pastor’s office needs to be looked at and fixed.
Stewardship: Tammy & Larry Klatt – Nothing new to report
Old Business: Nothing to report
New Business: CD #716763 was due on May 4, 2025 -$87,604.65 – with the interest of $1,105.86 – total of $88,710.51. A motion by David Ziesman and seconded by Troy Srigley to roll the CD with the interest, back over, was approved.
Motion to adjourn: Mary Anderson made the motion and Tammy Klatt seconded it. Meeting adjourned.
We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell
YOU’RE INVITED
Pat Meek will be celebrating her 75 th birthday on Sunday, June 29 th . All are invited to join her and her family at the Dows Convention Center from 11:00-2:00 p.m.
JOIN US FOR OUR Summer Theme Review
Thursday June 5 from 9am-12:15pm RSVP
Dear Ministry Leaders,
Thank you for being a member congregation of Riverside, partnering with us in our continued mission, "To know Jesus Christ and to make Christ known to all." Each summer, we invite ministry leaders to come to our Summer Theme Review, a great morning where we preview the skits and theme verses created by our summer staff that will be shared throughout the summer. It's a great time to celebrate the 65 summer staff that the Lord has led here, enjoy some great Riverside treats, hear an update from our Executive Director, and join us for an early lunch to get to meet our summer team. We'd love to have you!
God bless you and grateful for your partnership in the Gospel,
Chris and the Riverside Team
If you would like to attend this amazing event at Riverside, please let the church office know and I will call in your RSVP!
PRAYER REQUESTS
The family of Larry Bonjour, whose funeral was held on May 10 th , Linda Dow, Sharon Rockow & Linda Muhlenbruch.
DOWS CORN DAYS
It’s hard to believe, but Corn Days will be here before we know it. Again, this year, the area churches will be manning the food stand on Friday night and all-day Saturday. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the narthex with the different shifts that will be needed to make this work. If you are not here on a regular basis but would like to help, please call the church office and we can get you signed up! Thank you!
THRIVENT
This year a couple of our Thrivent members have applied for and received funds thru the Thrivent Action Fund. Along with a $250 gift card to use for events here at the church, we can get Live Generously t-shirts. We have a new supply here at the church, in the narthex, to be exact, so if you would like a free T-shirt, be sure to grab one before they are gone. There are a variety of sizes, and they are blue this year!
COMMUNITY MEALS CONTINUE
As we head into summer, we will continue to serve the FREE community meals on the 3 rd Wednesday of each month. As soon as we get the new flyer printed up, we will send it out and have available here at the church. For now, here is a sneak peek at some of the upcoming menus.
June 18 th will be a picnic in the city park. Menu will include burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, salad, ice cream and a drink.
July 16 th will be pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, bars and a drink.
August 20 th will be beefburgers and all the fixings.
September 17 th menu is yet to be determined.
October 15 th will be Mexican night.
Mark your calendars for a great meal and good fellowship. Serving from 5:30-6:30 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME!
PLEASE NOTE
This newsletter is for June & July so please remember to keep what you need for the next 2 months. I will send out the June council minutes and treasurer’s report after the next meeting.