celebrationoffice outreach, Pet Blessing and Care Fair, Season of Creation

It’s that time again! Pet Blessing and Care Fair

Join us Sunday, October 4, from noon to 2 p.m., for our annual Pet Blessing and Care Fair! We are joined once again by our friends from Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups, Lake Humane, Ohio Paws with Purpose, Rescue Village, and the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs. This year, we’re also excited to welcome Dr. Doolittle’s Rehabilitation Center and 4-Legged Scholar.

This event takes place indoors, so plan to come rain or shine! As always, we’ll have treats and goodies for your companion and service animals, people snacks, and a raffle – proceeds to be split between our non-profit rescue groups. We invite contributions for local pet food banks, as well.

Celebration Lutheran Church is at 10621 Auburn Road, Chardon OH. Click here for a shareable flyer!

celebrationoffice polka worship, Worship

Save the date! Chardon Polka Band Worship, Picnic, and Benefit Concert on May 31

The Chardon Polka Band will lead a lively polka-style worship service at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road, Chardon on Sunday, May 31, 2026, beginning with coffee and donuts at 9:30 a.m.

Following the worship service indoors from 10-11 a.m., a free picnic-style lunch will be provided also indoors by members of Celebration from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and the Chardon Polka Band will present a free concert in the sanctuary from 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. Those attending are encouraged to bring children as there will be activities for them.

Monetary donations will be accepted during the worship service and concert to benefit Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance based in Painesville, Ohio. Torchlight fosters the development of youth by providing volunteer mentoring relationships with supportive adults. 

Whether you want to experience polka-style worship, are a fan of the Chardon Polka Band, or want to support Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance and enjoy great music, food, and company, plan on attending this unique event on May 31st. You will be glad you did!

For additional information, please contact Paul at 440-897-0121. Click here for a shareable flyer!

celebrationoffice Beer and Hymns, outreach

Save the date! Beer & Hymns with the Chardon Polka Band

It’s an annual tradition! Beer & Hymns with the Chardon Polka Band here at Celebration Lutheran Church. This year, the fun and festive event takes place on Sunday, March 15, from 3:00 -5:30 p.m.  As always, the event benefits the SubZero Mission organization which provides gloves, hats, coats, boots, sleeping bags, and other warming items to the homeless in northeast Ohio.

Snacks and soft drinks will be provided by Celebration Lutheran Church and attendees age 21 and older are encouraged to bring a beverage of their choice. Attendees are also encouraged to bring monetary donations for SubZero Mission and/or any of the warming items listed above.  Come and enjoy gospel hymns and other assorted music performed as only the Chardon Polka Band can do.

Whether you are a fan of the Chardon Polka Band, passionate about helping the homeless, or looking for an afternoon of great music, food, and company, plan on attending Beer & Hymns at Celebration Lutheran.  You will be glad you did!

For additional information, contact Paul Gochnour at (440) 897-0121. Click here for a shareable flyer (PDF).

celebrationoffice Advent, Spirituality, The Longest Night, Worship

The Longest Night

The seasons of Advent and Christmas can be difficult for many reasons. Some may be feeling alone after the death of a loved one, missing distant friends or family, or grieving the loss of a relationship or job or good health. The outward “happiness” of the season can make it feel sad or painful at times.

On the longest night of the year, we make space for these mixed feelings. We invite you to gather reverently and hopefully before God for “The Longest Night,” a service of healing and hope, to share the Word that shines light into the darkness of despair, grief, and loneliness. This service will take place Sunday, December 21, at 7 p.m., here at Celebration.

There will be time for fellowship and light refreshments after the service. The service will be livestreamed on Celebration’s Facebook page.

celebrationoffice Anniversary, Celebration Members, Worship

Celebrating 55 years of ordained ministry – Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Platz

On Sunday, November 23, we celebrated the 55th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Platz’s groundbreaking ordination. Pastor Platz was the first woman ordained by the Lutheran Church in America, on November 22, 1970!

Bishop Laura Barbins joined us to break open the Word, and Pastor Platz presided over communion. After the service, we enjoyed fellowship and food – and pored over articles and photos Pastor Platz’s family brought to share, documenting Pastor Platz’s long and pioneering career.

You can read a wonderful write-up in the Northeastern Ohio Synod newsletter, Walking Together, and view more photos of the morning in our Facebook post. Thanks be to God for Pastor Platz’s 55 years of ordained ministy!