celebrationoffice outreach, Pet Blessing and Care Fair

It’s true: we’ve gone to the dogs…

…and a few cats!

We had a wonderful time at our second annual Pet Blessing and Care Fair, with five rescue or service animal groups in attendance, and a stream of dogs (and those few cats) coming into the sanctuary to receive a blessing from Pastor Marilyn. Visitors got to take home a bag of goodies – including real dog treats donated by Kevin Is Always Mixing (Chardon), toys from Pet Supplies Plus, a Saint Francis prayer card and medallion, an “in case of fire” window sticker on which home owners can alert fire departments about pets in their home, and pet toys made by members of Celebration Lutheran Church.

In all, we blessed between 30 and 35 animal companions. And the event even made the front page of the News-Herald!

Recognizing that pet blessings also bring sadness for people who are missing recently- or even long-departed animal companions, we created a Pet Memorial gallery you can view on our Facebook page.

celebrationoffice Care of Creation, Holy Hikes, outreach, Spirituality, Worship

What is a Holy Hike?

Holy Hikes-Northeast Ohio, a ministry sponsored by Celebration Lutheran Church, is part of a nation-wide eco-ministry dedicated to rebuilding communion between all of God’s creation through liturgical hikes in area parks. On each hike, we pause at three different stations to hear scripture, pray together, and share Holy Communion. Think of it as “church in the woods!” In between each station, we enjoy one another’s company and learn a bit about the ecosystems around us. The hikes are typically an hour long, covering approximately two miles. If dogs are permitted in the park, they are welcome on our hike, as long as they are on leash!

Chardon, Ohio is surrounded by several beautiful systems of county parks and is a relatively short drive from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The hike location for each month is posted on Facebook – the Holy Hikes-Northeast Ohio page, and Celebration’s page. We hike year-round, canceling only for heavy rain, lightning, or for temperatures under 20 degrees!

Join us this Saturday (one of the few hikes that does NOT take place on the last Saturday of the month!) at the North entrance of Girdled Road Reservation (12840 Girdled Road, Painesville).

celebrationoffice Christian education, outreach, Spirituality, Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School, August 9 and 10

Celebration Lutheran Church will hold a “mini” Vacation Bible School, August 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Operation Restoration: Mending God’s World” is appropriate for children in kindergarten through 7th grade, and will be a fun mix of faith, science-and-nature lessons, music, and making stuff! Lunch will be provided. Participants must register in advance; here is the link: https://forms.gle/HRhT2UQxfssdujEf7

celebrationoffice outreach

Mental Health First Aid Training

On Saturday, June 24, from 9am-4pm, we will host a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, led by Mental Health First Aid Ohio. MHFA teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gives participants the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. This training is FREE, but registration is required; please use this link (https://form.jotform.com/MHFACollaborative/62423-celebration-lutheran) to register. Lunch and refreshments will be provided by Celebration, 10621 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024. Please share this information with your friends! You can download a flier here.

celebrationoffice outreach, polka worship, Worship

Save these dates!

Watch this space for more information, but save these dates!

July 16 will be our annual Polka Worship service, featuring the Chardon Polka Band. Weather permitting, this service will be held outdoors on the church grounds. Lunch will be provided by Celebration Lutheran Church. Gathering with coffee and donuts begins at 9:30 a.m. Worship will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch and a concert!

This fall, we will celebrate Celebration’s 30th anniversary! Bishop Laura Barbins, former pastor of Celebration, will join us to preside over worship, and we will of course enjoy a festive feast afterward. Date TBD!