February/March 2010
2010 Congregational Council
|
Gene Wapner Donna Treaster |
President/Personnel Vice-President/Stewardship |
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Allen Mengel |
Treasurer |
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Allison Yoder |
Secretary |
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David Borland |
Personnel/Finance |
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Judy Tunall |
Social Ministry |
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Steven Burk |
Cemetery/Property |
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Terri Limes |
Worship & Music |
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Mark Monroe |
Youth/Stewardship |
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Michael Hartman |
Evangelism |
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Keith Baker |
Property/Finance |
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Christian Ed. |
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David Yoder |
Property/Youth |
The Congregational Council is the official decision-making body of our parish, comprised of twelve active, confirmed members and the pastor (At present, we are reducing the Council from fifteen to twelve members, thus, for this year only, we have an additional member). Each year at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, four persons are elected to a three-year term. The group meets regularly on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Minutes of the meetings are available at the office and are posted in the lobby.
From the Pastor
Martin Luther says of the Wise Men: “Though they saw but a tumbled down shack and a poor young mother with a poor little babe, not like a king at all, meaner than one of their own servants, they did not shrink, but in great, strong faith cast out all misgivings of common sense, and, following simply the word of the prophet and the witness of the star, they accepted him for a king, fell on their knees, worshipped him, and presented their treasures…. If we Christians would join the Wise Men, we must close our eyes to all that glitters before the world and look rather on the despised and foolish things, help the poor, comfort the despised, and aid the neighbor in his need.” (from Martin Luther’s Christmas book)
There are numerous was in which we can follow Luther’s wisdom this Epiphany:
The Recession can be seen by us as at least a “mixed blessing.” Restrictions on our income can help us to focus on the things in life that are most important: God, our family and friends, our community. We can purposefully choose a lifestyle that is less focused on things, and more focused on our relationships with others and our world. We can spend time reading, walking, developing not only a healthier lifestyle for our body, but also for our spirit. The “glittering things” in life often take us away from life’s true purpose, causing us to focus too much on acquisition, on being consumers; we are called, instead, to nurture our spirits, to nurture our relationships, to take care of one another and take care of the world over which we have been made stewards.
Our care of our neighbor, and of the “least” must begin with the “least” in our own backyard. Haitians, devastated by the earthquake last month, need help. Thrivent members are asked to go to Thrivent.com to make donations. Others may go to the Lutheran World Relief or ELCA Disaster Response web sites. You can also make out a check to our church and, in the memo, write “Haiti;” all of these donations will go to the ELCA Disaster Response for Haiti. One hundred percent of all donations made through these sites will be used directly for help (the ELCA is covering the overhead). Food for the Poor is also an excellent place to send donations.
Locally, there are many who have lost jobs in the recession. Our state has also cut back both stipends and services to the poor. Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard is especially in need of money, food and volunteers. The Lumina Center is in need of volunteers. Our Scout program also has a need for leadership. The promise God makes is that where there is need of him, he is especially present. Keeping your eyes open to the needs around us keep us in touch with God’s presence in the world!
Worship in February and March
In February, we move from the Epiphany season into Lent – from the call to discipleship to the call of the cross. Jesus’ life seems to go so quickly. Just a couple of months ago, we were celebrating his birth; now we prepare for his death!
Jesus was only in his early thirties when he died. His ministry only lasted three brief years. We sometimes wonder what would have happened if he had lived longer. Would people – especially the religious leadership - have finally “come around? Would he have had time to write down his thoughts? Would we have been talking about “the early” versus “the late Jesus,” and how his theology had mellowed over time?
Sometimes our lives seem to go as quickly. Part of the purpose of the Liturgical Year is to help us trace this movement in time, and put our hearts in tune with this larger movement. Epiphany is an invitation to an active discipleship; lent invites us to a more contemplative lifestyle. Epiphany invites us to see God’s activity in the world; Lent invites us to experience his hiddenness. Ephiphany invites us to experience his glory; Lent invites us to experience his suffering presence. Epiphany invites us into an exciting journey, walking in Jesus steps; Lent reminds us that each step draws us closer to the cross. Epiphany invites us to celebrate; Lent invites us to repent.
In our liturgy, we note these changes in the seasons of our heart. The musical Setting 3 will give way to a spoken rendition of Setting 1. The Alleluias will be put away until after Easter. Our response to the Offering will change from the celebration of our gifts to the plea: “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God.” The change in tone will take place on Ash Wednesday, when we receive the mark of ashes on our forehead, and remember that we are, after all, just dust.
Sermons in February and March:
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February 7 |
Epiphany 5 |
Luke 5:1-11 |
“FISHing for a Miracle” |
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February 14 |
Transfiguration |
Luke 9:28-36 |
“Ready to See” |
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February 17 |
Ash Wednesday |
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21 |
“Living a Centered Faith” |
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February 21 |
Lent 1 |
Luke 4:1-13 |
“Getting Lost/Getting Found” |
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February 28 |
Lent 2 |
Luke 13:31-35 |
TBA - Guest |
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March 7 |
Lent 3 |
Luke 13:1-9 |
“Signs of the Times” |
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March 14 |
Lent 4 |
Luke 15:1-3,11b-32 |
“The Homecoming” |
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March 21 |
Lent 5 |
John 12:1-8 |
“Washing Jesus’ Feet” |
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March 28 |
Palm Sunday |
Luke 23:1-49 |
TBA |
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Holy
Week Services
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March 31 |
Holy Wednesday |
Service of Preparation |
7:00 p.m. |
|
April 1 |
Maundy Thursday |
Holy Communion |
Noon |
|
|
|
First Communion & Foot Washing |
7:00 p.m. |
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April 2 |
Good Friday |
Tenebrae |
7:00 p.m. |
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April 4 |
Easter |
Sunrise Service |
7:00 a.m. |
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|
|
Communion |
10:15a.m. |
Worship
Sponsors
You can sponsor the bulletin, flowers or communion elements, either in memory of someone you love, or to honor someone special to you. Call the church office for details. We are also still accepting donations for the new hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship. If you would like to sponsor a hymnal, call the office.
Easter
Flowers
Lilies and mums will be placed in the church in memory or honor of loves ones this Easter. Order sheets, as well as a locked box for receiving orders, will be located in the Conference Room. Make checks payable to St. Johns WELCA. Mail orders should be addressed to Women of the ELCA. The cost per flower this year is $7.00. Don’t forget to let us know if you will be picking up your plant. Remaining plants will be delivered to our shut-ins. Deadline for orders is Friday, March 26.
Bulletin and Flower Charts
The Bulletin and Flower Sponsor Charts are posted in the window of the Church Office. Flowers cost $35.00 per week are are billed directly from the florist. Bulletins are $30.00 per week and are payable to the church.
Community
Lenten Opportunities
The Lewistown Ministerial Association will sponsor Community Lenten Luncheons on Wednesdays during Lent. The luncheons will begin with a brief worship service, followed by lunch, ending around 1:00 pm. The luncheons will be held at various churches this year, with the host church providing worship and lunch. The schedule is as follows:
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February 24 |
First Untied |
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March 3 |
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March 10 |
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March 17 |
First Presbyterian Church |
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March 24 |
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church |
The Community Good
Friday Service will be held on April 2, starting with a procession through town
at 11:15 am, beginning and ending at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic
Church. The Stations of the Cross Service
will be held at Noon in
Help Haiti
With the recent earthquake in
On Tuesday evening, February 16, at 7:00 p.m., St. Johns will host a meeting for all those in our community who are interested in going to Haiti to provide some "hands on" relief. No plans have been made yet - we are looking at several non-profits who have an existing track record in Haiti, who could use some help in rebuilding the country. Come and join the conversation!
The
Health Care Debate
During the last couple of months, much has been said about a proposed National Health Care System. Unfortunately, both in the media and in town hall meetings, there has been more heat generated than light on the subject. The New York Times, not long ago, noted that both political parties have not told the whole truth concerning what is being proposed, with some politicians spreading out-right lies. It is unfortunate, since this is such an important question for our country. I don’t usually like to weigh in on such matters – we have each been given brains to use, and should come to our own decisions regarding the matter. But with so much misinformation being promulgated, especially through this medium of the internet, and because our faith does, in fact, have much to say about health care, I offer two resources that should be of help. Both are accessible through this web site.
The first is a social statement of the ELCA, passed in 2003, before the current debate. A non-partisan Christian statement, “Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor” talks about many aspects of health care, as well as public policy. It was passed by a 935 to 34 majority, reflecting the great consensus the church felt at that time regarding this matter.
The other is a more recent guide by PICO and Sojourners faith community that looks at the present debate in terms of what is actually being suggested in the legislation being considered by Congress, including some of the pros and cons of various portions of the bills. Sponsored by a number of faith communities, “A Biblical Promise of Health and Healing” looks at the current reality, past efforts toward reform, and analyzes the current proposals. I commend it to you. As Christians, we are to be truth-tellers. That means that we are to seek the truth, not being swayed by propaganda and hysteria, and then tell the whole truth – good and bad. I hope you will read these two articles, share them with others, and make your voice known on this important national debate.
The Parish Nurse Program, according to its Mission
Statement, is “…a ministry of
- Information relating to health care and services
- Referral
to qualified providers
- Contact
with providers and community services
- Advocacy
for health needs
- Preventative
care information and services
- Development
of support systems and support groups
- Addressing
issues concerning faith and health
Recently, the Parish Nurse Program, along with Thrivent for Lutherans, sponsored an informative event on End-of-Life Issues. The presentations included a representative from a nursing home, one from the insurance industry, a lawyer, and a funeral director and pastor. Issues discussed included home help, nursing and extended care facilities, nursing care insurance, legal issues such as wills, living wills and powers of attorney, preplanning funerals, and pastoral care issues. Forms for Living Wills, along with other helpful materials, are available at these links:
Lutheran
Marriage Encounter
Western PA Lutheran Marriage Encounter has scheduled a weekend for March
19-21 at the Toftrees Golf Resort and
Youth
Happenings
A Mission Trip is being planned again for this summer. Nothing is finalized yet, but we're sure it will be amazing! Keep watching this space for details (well, you can move on for now, just come back again in a few weeks...it's o.k...you can go now...Please!).
Souper Bowl of Caring
More than twenty years ago, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple
prayer from a single youth group: “Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football
game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat.” Since that day, more than sixty million dollars
has been raised for local charities across the country through the Souper Bowl
of Caring. It has become a powerful
movement that is transforming Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest
youth-led weekend of giving and serving.
Through this mission, young people learn what it’s like to make a
positive difference in the world – as they collect food, raise money and
volunteer to work in charities that provide shelter to the homeless, food to
the hungry and compassion to those in need.
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, the community food pantry housed at St. Marks
Episcopal Church, is our local charity of choice. Baskets for monetary donations and boxes for
non-perishable food donations will be placed throughout the church on Sunday,
February 7. At 3:00 pm that day the
youth of
Every Sunday we have a special worship hour especially for kids Grades K-6 during our 10:15 am worship service! After the children's message, the children can leave the Sanctuary with an assigned adult and go to the chapel for instruction time, music and crafts. On Communion Sundays, the children will return to the Sanctuary in time for communion. On other Sundays, parents can pick them up in the Sunday School wing.
Congratulations to Chad Hershberger, Executive Director of the Camp, and his wife, Sarah, on the birth of their first child – a daughter, Claire Margaret – on December 29, 2009!
Would you like to take a survey about camping and Camp Mount Luther? Go to their website, www.campmountluther.org, and click on the “2009 Survey” on their homepage to give them your opinions of the use of the camp!
The Barnabas Brothers are proud sponsors of the Oak Cabin at Camp Mount Luther. If you would like to help keep up the cabin and get it ready for the camp season (including a free overnight at the cabin!), contact Pastor Roth or the Barnabas Brothers!
Scouting
Our Scout Troops are a wonderful way to have fun, learn about the outdoors, and build character and long-term friendships. You can help, too - our Scout Troops are looking for more helpers and board members! Call the church office for more information. Go to our “Youth” page for more information on scouting!
Explorer
Girls
We have an Explorer Girls program, targeting girls in
Lewistown. Similar to Girl Scouts, but
with a religious content, this program has been reaching out primarily to
unchurched girls to help them grow in their understanding of themselves as
God’s children, help them develop their talents and provide life-skill
training. This summer, several went to
camp wearing
PA Youth
Ranch
We thank Theresa Snyder and Jon Farley, along with the rest
of their staff, for the wonder ministry they did this year at the PA Youth
Camp! It was an exciting couple of weeks
for local kids as they learned to care for animals, and got out into nature at
the
Reaching
Kids for Christ
Our Evangelism Committee is working on other ways to reach
out to children in our area. We have
recently become partners with the
Summer Kickoff Carnival
Again, this year,
Christian
Education
Sunday School is in
full swing, but it's not too late to join! We have classes for kids of all
ages, nursery through adult. It's never too late to learn, or to grow in the
Spirit! Classes are held every Sunday morning, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.,
September through May. Our last Sunday this year will be Pentecost Sunday, May
23. Confirmation will be May 23. Graduates will be recognized the following
Sunday, May 30.
Congregational
Picnic
Our Congregational
Picnic will be at
It may be a little early to think about, but remember that Rally Day is September 12. This will also be our last day for our combined 9:00 a.m. service for the summer! At the conclusion of our worship, children and their parents will be invited to go to their classrooms, where their Sunday School teachers will welcome them and answer any questions about the new year, curriculum, etc. Youth are invited to the Fellowship Hall after they go to their class, to see a display by our Youth Committee, highlighting the year’s Youth activities. Adults are also invited to the Fellowship Hall, to see what will be offered in our Adult Classes next fall. Then, all are invited to stay for refreshments and fellowship!
New
Bibles?
The Sunday School is in need of new Bibles, geared to the ages of our pupils. If you would like to sponsor one or more Bibles, please contact the church office. For a list of other items needed by the Sunday School, go to our “Memorials and Gifts” page.
New in our Library
We've been doing some upgrading of our library, in the areas of reference material
for serious Bible Study, devotional materials, and more general Christian
reading. New are several books about St. Francis of
Tape Ministry
Our “tape ministry” is no longer on tape! It is now on CDs, since cassette tapes are no
longer being made. We have made a large
investment, not only in recording equipment, but also in duplication and CD
players, but we feel the quality of the sound is greatly improved. If you would like to receive a CD of the
worship service, please contact Pegge Mixer or the church office. CD players are also available from the
church.
The Barnabas Brothers
The Barnabas Brothers serves the congregation and community by assisting in
various projects to help others, and providing men fellowship, programs of interest
to men, and a hearty breakfast one Saturday a month! On January 16, we were privileged to receive
a presentation on eagles by Ms. Jane Carolus from her trip to
The next Hoagie Sale is scheduled for Friday, February 26. Cost of the hoagies is $4.00. Order sheets are located throughout the church, and must be phoned in to Steve Burk by February 22; they may be picked up in the Fellowship Hall on February 26 before 9:00 am.
The next scheduled meeting is February 20, and will start our Lenten weekly breakfasts, featuring veterans of the military. All men are invited to join us for breakfast, fellowship, and these informative presentations.
WELCA 2010 Calendar
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March 20 |
Serve Barnabas Brothers Lenten Breakfast |
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March 27 |
WELCA Lenten Breakfast Served by Barnabas Brothers |
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May 6-7 |
Spring Rummage Sale |
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August 10 |
Salad Bar Picnic |
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October 3 |
World Wide Communion & Blanket Sunday |
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November 4-5 |
Fall Rummage Sale |
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November 14 |
Thankoffering Service |
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December 6 |
Christmas Tureen |
Circle
Meetings
|
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First Wednesday of the Month (Crafts) |
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Will resume in the Spring |
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Fourth Monday of the month |
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Piecemakers |
Second and fourth Mondays of the month (Quilting) |
Parish Nursing
Angel
Food Ministry
The Angel Food Ministry
now has 235 families participating!
Please continue to get the word out regarding this ministry, which
provides a discounted package of quality foods (a $60 value for only $30), and
supports our local food pantry, “Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard.” Each month the menu is different, consisting
of both fresh and frozen items, including meats, fruits vegetables, eggs and
desserts. Everyone is eligible,
regardless of income! It’s both a blessing and a bargain, to assist with
balancing budgets and to combat rising fuel bills. This ministry also helps to support Mother
Hubbard’s Cupboard, our community Food Pantry.
Fliers are available from the
Church Office or from bulletin racks in the nave. Orders are placed at the Brooklyn Fire Hall
on Thursday from 4:00-6:00 pm, and at
Order and
Distribution Dates:
|
Order Date |
Distribution Date |
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February 11,12 |
February 20 |
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March 11,12 |
March 20 |
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April 8,9 |
April 17 |
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May 6,7 |
May 22 |
2010 Meat Canning Project
This year’s canning
dates are Monday through Thursday, February 15-18. We continue to face new challenges for the
canning project. This year’s canning
will take place at the rear of the old
Groups or individuals
are welcome. Four-hour shifts work best,
but whatever time you can give is appreciated.
There are jobs for everyone!
Money is also needed to buy the meat, for fuel for the canner, cartons
to box the cans, and for the cans themselves.
Also aprons, hats, gloves, etc. must be purchased. Contributions can be made to: Central PA World Hunger Association,
Shut-In Visitation
We call on members in nursing homes in the area, and on shut-ins on a monthly basis, through our "Friendly Visitor" program! Many of our shut-ins already have a visitor - if you know any one who would like a regular visit from one of our members, please call the office. We can also use folks who would like to make phone calls to our shut-ins once or twice a day, just to make sure they are o.k., for our Telephone Assurance program.
The Pennebaker Trust
In her will, Mrs. Irene Pennebaker established the Irene Pennebaker Trust,
for the care of members who worship or worshipped at
Called to
Ministry
Sometimes we worry that we get “busy for busy-ness sake,” that is, we mistake busyness for doing the Lord’s work. These ministries, however, have each come from the perception of particular needs in our community. Like other ministries of our congregation, they have arisen from the desire to be faithful disciples, along with the realization that when our Lord gives us gifts, he means for them to be used in the service of helping others. We thank all those folks whose hearts reach out to others, because the Spirit of Christ is alive and active in them.
Most ministries begin with a burden in someone’s heart. Shared with others, that burden may turn into
a ministry of the congregation. The
congregation may affirm that ministry, bringing its resources to encourage and
build the ministry, as well as providing accountability and the wisdom of
many. If you see a need in the community
that needs addressed, often the congregation is a good place to take that need
– a place where a “seed” can be planted and grown into ministry!
Have you Considered the Ministry?
Have you thought about a career either in the ministry or in
teaching? Not sure what vocation you
would like to pursue? The Fund for
Theological Education is a leading national advocate for excellence and
diversity in Christian ministry. Their work supports the next generation of
leaders among pastors and scholars. They provide fellowships and a network of
support to gifted young people for both undergraduate and graduate work, from
all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds—encouraging those with gifts
for leadership to consider vocations in ministry and teaching and nurturing
them in their exploration and study. For
more information, go to http://thefund.org/ on
the web!
Speaking of Christian
Vocation:
Project Connect is web of
connections among many and various parts of the church in the East—seminaries,
colleges, camps, campus ministries, pastors, lay leaders, congregations, social
ministry organizations, volunteer organizations like Lutheran Volunteer Corps
and Lutheran Student Movement, and, particularly, young adults—that works
together toward a single important goal: to involve young adults in programs
and projects and retreats and discussions about how God is calling them to build
a life, providing programs of vocational discernment for college-age adults
that take our understanding of who God is and what God calls us to be and do
seriously.
Identify programs include various
discernment events, college courses about vocation, and a variety of
opportunities for people in the network to identify young adults who might be
interested in this project.
Nurture programs focus on deepening the
discernment by making connections with outdoor ministry programs, with colleges
and campus ministries, with Lutheran Volunteer Corps, with seminaries.
Sustain programs dig deeper still by
offering opportunities for immersion experiences in congregational settings and
mini-grants that will explore fresh ideas in congregational ministry.
For more
information, go to their web site, http://projectconnect.org/
The ELCA on the Net!
Videos about the ELCA are now available on the Net! The number of videos about the ELCA continues to grow! You can “Open the Door to Luther,” view an introduction to the New Testament, learn about Islam or “prayer scrapbooking,” walk through the Luther lands, listen to messages on important topics from Presiding Bishop Mark Hansen, experience the ELCA Youth Gathering in San Antonio, and much more! Just go to youtube.com or video.google.com and type “ELCA” to see what is available!
Charitable Giving Opportunities
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 includes a variety
of charitable giving incentives, most notably a version of the long-awaited
“IRA Charitable Rollover.” Individuals 70½ years old or older may make a
qualified charitable distribution outright to charity in an amount up to
$100,000 per year directly from an Individual Retirement Arrangement
(“IRA”). Under prior law, these distributions would be taxable to the IRA
owner, but under the Act, the distribution will be excluded from the donor’s
taxable income. The IRA Charitable Rollover is only available in 2006 and
2007. Another benefit of the IRA Charitable Rollover is that the charitable
distribution may be used by the IRA owner to satisfy a portion or all of their
annual minimum distribution requirements. For more information, or to
learn about giving through you will, charitable gift annuities, or other giving
vehicles, contact the ELCA Foundation office at 1-800-638-3522, ext.
2970. Also available are the publications, “Why Do I Need a Will?” “What Will
Your Legacy Be?” “Will and Trust Workbook.”
For Memorial Gifts and Endowments to
igive.com
Many of us do on-line shopping for many items. Over 700 vendors will donate to a favorite charity of those who order from them, if they subscribe to (a href="http://www.igive.com"> igive.com. Some participating vendors include Amazon, ATT, Alibris, Barnes & Noble, e-bay, Babies R Us, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy. They’ll give you on-line coupons to save even more, one cent each time you use your “Search” function, and $5.00 to your charity when you make your first purchase! You need only to go to the web-site (www.igive.com) and fill in a form – there is no cost to join. You should then get a “pop-up” when you order from a participating vendor. It costs you nothing and helps us out!
Benevolence Funds
We have several
funds to which people in the congregation may donate to help those in need, and
a special fund that was started by a member of our congregation to help a
special group of people. The Pennebaker
Trust is a fund, not owned by the congregation, used to help older members
of the congregation (see article above).
Helping Hands is a benevolence Fund for members of the
congregation in need. Local
Benevolence is a more general fund used to help people in our community in
need; disbursements may be targeted toward individuals (ex. heating fuel, gas,
food) or community groups (Habitat,
Schedules
Communion Assistants & Crucifers
Acolytes
Lectors
Junior Church
Ushers
Altar Committees
Money Counters
Money Depositors
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