Trinity Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 Trinity Lutheran Church Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ 106 W. Penn Street, Bedford, PA ~ ph: (814) Office Hours: Monday-Friday; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm trinitylutheran2@embarqmail.com on the web at: Pastoral Emergencies after Office Hours: Pr Weinhold (410) * Pr Short (814) Parish Announcements ~ December 21, 2014 ~ This Week Sunday (21) Tuesday (23) Wednesday (24) Thursday (25) Friday (26) 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT ~ Morning Eucharists: 8:30 & 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am Annual Congregational Meeting: 9:45 am Family Festival: Events begin at 3:00 pm Faith & Fun ~ After School Ministry w/ Kids: (not gathering this week) Free Community Dinner: 5:30 pm (Bedford United Methodist Church serving) Christmas Eve: 6:00 pm Festival Candlelight Eucharist with Children s Song 8:30 pm Festival Candlelight Eucharist with Bell Choir 11:00 pm Festival Candlelight Eucharist with Brass & Anthem Choir Christmas Day: 10:00 am Eucharist with Readings and Carols Church Office Closed Next Week Sunday (28) Tuesday (30) Wednesday (31) Thursday (1) Friday (2) 1 st SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS ~ ONE Morning Eucharist: 10:00 AM Cantata Choir s Special Music Installation of 2015 Church Council All Parish Holiday Brunch: 11:00 am (following the morning s liturgy) Bedford Community Christmas Church Walk: 6:00 pm (begins at Mt Pisgah AME Zion Church) Free Community Dinner: Not Serving this Week Choirs: Not Rehearsing this Week Vespers: Not Gathering this Week New Year s Day ~ Church Office Closed Church Office Closed

2 The Days of Advent are upon us ~ The Days of Advent are days which anticipate the promised coming of our Lord both as the Christ-Child of Christmas and as the Exalted Son of God when He comes in Glory. Observed since the 6 th century, Advent brings us its annual invitation, through the 4 weeks of this penitential season, to reflect on our response to the Gospel and the Call of Jesus Christ ~ as we are called to be a people of peace, devotion, compassion, and charity ~ and to pray for the strength to make an intentional effort to more-fully reflect this calling. Like a mini-lent, it is a time to pray more fervently, worship more regularly, share more generously, and to live more graciously. Please Join us for this Morning s 245 th Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, December 21; 9:45 am On the agenda are 2 major items: the election of new council members and the presentation of the 2015 Parish Ministry Budget Proposal. We ll also be hearing from our present council members about the many ministries which have been accomplished during the past year and about some plans that are taking shape for the months ahead. Our Council Members would like to take this opportunity to share a word of thanks with our parishioners who have given of themselves and their time to serving on our various Ministry Teams this past year. Your efforts have been greatly appreciated, and it is our honor to serve and share this morning s Coffee Hour in thanksgiving for your dedication and work and work among us! o Worship & Music: Ben Altman, Lori Dunkle, Lois Boyer, Marlene Claycomb, Fred Claycomb, Connie Claycomb, Diane Cogan, Judy Smith o Children & Youth: Josh Leibfreid, Sue Prescott, Mary Jo Casalena, Amanda Casteel, Lucy Kentner, Jennifer Klavuhn, Linda McElroy, Erick Seager, Carissa Shippey, Barb Short, Denise Steele, Amanda Turner, Chris Turner, Laura Vent, Emily Weinhold, Liz Miller o Adult & All Parish: Rosie Leppert, Sandy Zembower, Cyndee Ford, Lisa Hagenbuch, Brenda Jennings, Mary & Ron Johnson, Mary Lorah, Mary Ann Martz, Tanya Replogle, LaDonna Snyder, Linda Vensel, Pat Macchiarolo, Brenda Foor, Beth Hullihen, Jennifer Klavuhn o Outreach: Del Turner, Linda Vensel, Linda Cantarini, Dan Kerr, Shirlene Knopsnyder, Betsy Littlefield, Mike & Pat Macchiarolo, Mary Ann Martz, Michele Plush, Sara Snyder, Liz Speicher, Peg Turner o Property: Elden Lorah, Fred Shumaker, Dave Betts, Fred Fluke, Jeff Kidd, Wynn Leppert, Bill Martz, Mark Nelson, Don Replogle, Rick Smith o Finance & Stewardship: Janet Raines, Dr. Jerry Gronborg, Linda Vensel, Christie Wakefield, Carol Siegfried, John Beamer, Gordon Bowers, Don Replogle, Wynn Leppert, Wayne Prescott, Jim McElroy o Garden of the Resurrection (ad hoc) : Marlene Claycolmb, Lisa Hagenbuch, Ray & Brenda Jennings, Jim & Linda McElroy, Mark & Faith Nelson, and Judy Slick. 2

3 Trinity s 47 th Annual Family Festival This Afternoon ~ An Afternoon for Families and Friends of the Parish ~ ~ Beginning at 3:00 pm in Trinity Hall ~ Just A Little Christmas A Christmas Pageant shared by the Children of the Parish Led by Children s Ministry Coordinator, Liz Miller Followed by Join the Triumph of the Skies A Christmas Cantata shared by The Parish Cantata Choir under the direction of Composer, Terry Osman Followed by A Traditional Parish Holiday Dinner Prepared by Parish Volunteers and served by Youth of the Parish Please Plan to Join us for the Afternoon! Christmas Liturgies O Come, Let Us Adore Him! Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24 6:00 pm ~ Festival Eucharist, with Children s Song & special Homily for Children 8:30 pm ~ Festival Eucharist, with Trinity s Bell Choir 11:00 pm ~ Festival Eucharist, with Brass & Anthem Choir Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25 10:00 am ~ Eucharist, with Readings and Carols 3

4 A Special Sunday Morning ~ Sunday, December 28 ONE liturgy at 10:00 am, followed by an All-Parish Holiday Brunch On Sunday, December 28, we ll fore-go our traditional 8:30 and 11:00 am schedule, and gather for ONE liturgy at 10:00 am. Our Cantata Choir will share special music and we ll have special prayers with our 2015 Council members as they are installed to their positions of leadership among us. Following worship, Women of Trinity will be serving our annual All-Parish Holiday Brunch. If you are planning to attend the brunch, food donations would be appreciated ~ and there is a sign-up sheet in Trinity Hall. Bedford Community Christmas Church Walk Sunday, December 28; 6:00 pm ~ Beginning at Mt Pisgah AME Zion Church (244 W. John Street) Mt Pisgah will be the first stop on this year s Community Christmas Church Walk. As we move from church to church, we ll share in the reading of the Christmas Story, hear some special music, and sing some of our favorite carols. We ll end with a reception and lite refreshments at St John s U.C.C. (also, along John Street). This is a nice ecumenical opportunity to share the joys of Christmas as a small-town community. Poinsettia Display for Christmas Liturgies & Deliveries Please Place your Orders by Sunday, December 21 Parishioners and friends are invited to sponsor poinsettias in honor or in memory of loved ones. The flowers will adorn the church during the liturgies of the Christmas Season, and will then be delivered to parishioners in special circumstances. Special envelopes are available on the bulletin tables and in Trinity Hall, and should be returned by Sunday, December 21. Please be sure to indicate the name(s) of those in whose memory or honor you are sharing the donation. The Cost is $ Please Volunteer to Help with the Deliveries Marlene Claycomb is coordinating the deliveries, and would very much appreciate the help of 5 or 6 volunteers. If you are willing to lend a hand, please contact Marlene ( ) or register on the sign-up sheet in Trinity Hall. Deliveries can be made at your convenience on Monday/Tuesday, Dec. 29 or 30. Regular Wednesday Evening Schedule on Holiday Break Our Anthem Choir and Bell Choir Rehearsals, and weekly gathering to sing and pray Vespers, are on a little break for the Holidays. We will NOT gather on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 31 (New Year s Eve). We will resume our weekly gatherings after the New Year on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Bell Choir rehearses at 6:00 pm, we sing and pray Vespers at 7:00 pm, and Anthem Choir rehearses at 7:30 pm. Note that our new Bible Study will also be moving from Tuesday to Wednesday evenings, and will begin January 7, at 6:00 pm, as well. We ll be exploring texts and themes which are read at our Sunday Liturgies for a deeper exploration and opportunity to ask questions and share in discussions. Please see either Pr W or Pr S with any questions. 4

5 Children s Ministries Faith & Fun Club Tuesday; 3:15-4:30 pm (Please note: Faith & Fun WILL NOT be held on December 23 & 30) If you have a child in grades K-5, then you won t want him/her miss out on fun and fellowship of Faith & Fun Club, our after-school ministry. Snacks, Bible Stories, Crafts, Games, Activities abound! Don t forget ~ we provide transportation (via Bollman Coach) from Bedford Elementary School to Trinity each week. (Families are asked to make a contribution to help cover this expense.) A Great Big Thank You goes out to Nanette Schnably ~ our weekly shepherd. Nanette has volunteered to meet the Faith & Fun Club kids in the Elementary LGI room and guide them to the bus. Please contact Liz Miller, our Children s Ministries Coordinator, with any questions. Snack Bakers and Donors Parishioners and friends are invited to support our Faith & Fun Club Ministry by sharing some goodies for our weekly snacks. Cupcakes, cookies, special treats, - whatever you like to prepare Please bring enough for about 25 servings. A sign up sheet is in Trinity Hall. Youth Ministries Youth ~ We ll be Serving as Waiters at This Afternoon s Family Festival Dinner Middle School & Sr High Youth will once again volunteer their energy to our parish family as Waiters at this year s Family Festival Dinner Sunday afternoon, December 21. Sue Prescott is coordinating the effort. So please be sure to keep this date committed on your calendar we need EVERYONE S participation. Check with Sue with any questions. Our Next Youth Fellowship Gathering January 4, 2015 from 2:00-3:45pm Join us in the New Year as we come together for our first Youth Nite of 2015!! We have some new games to play, some great food to eat, and just a whole lot of fun to have. Bring a friend or two to share in the New Year s excitement! Pittsburgh Youth Quake ~ Fast Approaching ~ Balances Due January (Friday-Sunday) Our annual trip to Pittsburgh is fast approaching. We will be piling into a 15 passenger van and setting off for another great and memorable weekend together.can t you already hear the music...taste the ironing board breakfast... and see the crowds of other youth coming together? If you have not paid the remainder of your balance, please contact Pastor David or Kathie in the Church office to make arrangements to do so. Adult & All-Parish Ministries Adult Forum ~ Exploring New Testament Epistles Weekly, on Sunday Mornings at 9:45 am ~ Beginning January 11 Our next Adult Forum series kicks off on Sunday, January 11, with a study and discussion of I Timothy. Then, through the following weeks, we ll also explore II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and James. Pr W and Pr S are looking forward to these discussion, and the insights which are shared. Please, make a commitment to growing as a disciple of our Lord Jesus, and join us as we study and reflect on The Word. 5

6 Bible Study is Changing-Up Our 1 st New Session ~ Wednesday, January 7; 6:00 pm One of the most traditional Christian Disciplines is reading and studying the Scriptures. It is the key to spiritual maturation and growth, for it is in The Word that we encounter our life-giving God. We re moving our mid-week Bible Study time to Wednesdays, beginning 1/7/2015, to better accommodate those who are currently attending and to (hopefully) open the door to some newcomers to join us. We ll focus our attention on the riches of the Gospel Text from the recent Sunday Lectionary Readings, and see how it is illuminated by the accompanying Old Testament, Psalm, and Epistle Readings. There s a sign-up sheet in Trinity Hall, for those who are planning to join us Outreach Ministries Bedford Food Outreach ~ December s Special Ministry Highlight and Appeal AND ~ Our Sharing in the Allegheny Synod s 25,000 Can Challenge Our local food pantry has served an average of 515 households (a total of 1,238 people) each month throughout 2014, making a HUGE impact on the needs of those in our community. Our financial gifts, shared during the month of December, will be used by Bedford Food Outreach to purchase bulk foods at incredible savings. Each dollar we share will also count as 2 Cans toward the Allegheny Synod s 25,000 Can Challenge, which is encouraging congregations of the synod to be support of local ministries which address hunger across the region. Please share your gift for this Ministry by using a special envelope. If you enclose a check, please make it payable to Trinity Lutheran Church. Thanks, in advance, for your continued and generous support! Free Community Dinner Served at Trinity ~ Every Tuesday ~ from 5:30-6:15 pm Trinity hosts this weekly ministry which has been feeding almost 100 friends and neighbors each week. Neighboring congregations also share in the ministry with us, giving witness to our common Christian devotion to the needs of the hungry. THANKS! for all the support that s been shared over the past 5+ years ~ especially your financial gifts, serving efforts, and food donations! Other Notes Thanks for Directing Your 2014 Thriven Choice Dollars to Trinity! Thrivent Choice Dollars, amounting to $2,932, were directed to Trinity by the following parishioners and friends: Meredith Barron, Alyssa Bittner-Gibbs, Gordon Bowers, Greg Clapper, Barb Debski, Dan Dull, Lori Dunkle, Arlene Fluke, Frank Homoki, Mark Kerr, Robert Lehman, Ed & Audrey McCreary, Jim & Linda McElroy, Pat Oaks, Maryann Pascoe, Royce & Janet Raines, Don Replogle, Pr & Barb Short, Robert Short, Rick Smith, Chris Turner, and Del Turner. These gifts were used to support our Youth s Retreat to Pittsburgh and Summer Camp Week at Sequanot, our CD Ministry to Homebound Parishioners and Friends, and our Free Community Dinner Ministry, which serves those in need in our area. THANKS, again! 6

7 Children s Winter Clothing Ministry Update ~ We Provided for 33 Kids This Year! Thanks to this year s shoppers! ~ Mary Ann Martz (coordinator), Lois Boyer, Linda Cantarini, Amanda Casteel, Lisa Cessna, Olivia Cessna, Marlene Claycomb, Wendy Cox, Jeanette Croner, Arlene Fluke, Sarah Garcia, Dr Jerry Gronborg & Will Prescott, Lisa Hagenbuch, Fran Leibfreid, Betsy Littlefield, Rosie Leppert, Mary Lorah, Judy Smith, Sara Snyder, Candace Secrest, Barb Short & Emmi Hagenbuch, Kelsey Short, Ann Smith, LaDonna Snyder, Kristen Statler, Denise Steele & Alyssa Burkett, Deb Stellfox, Linda Vensel, Emily Weinhold & Leah Davidson, Sandy Zembower & Hannah Wakefield. Special Offerings Totaled $1, ~ Thanks to everyone who shared so generously with November s Special Ministry Appeal, which provided the resources for this ministry. Please Share a Word of Thanks with Parishioners and Friends who Helped with the Parish Christmas Decorations ~ We really Appreciate your Efforts! Dan & Lois Boyer (who also served a delicious lunch), Joe, Mary Jo, Robyn & Emily Casalena, Fred, Lori, Troy & Tyler Dunkle, Kay Fisher, Lisa, Emmi & Cam Hagenbuch, Jeff Kidd, Wynn & Rosie Leppert, Elden & Mary Lorah, Bill & MaryAnn Martz, Rick & Judy Smith, LaDonna Snyder, Sara Snyder, Pr & Emily Weinhold, and Pr & Barb Short. Church Council & Ministry Teams 2014 Officers: President: Jerry Gronborg Vice-President: Fred Shumaker Secretary: Rosie Leppert Treasurer: Linda Vensel 2014 Ministry Team Coordinators: Worship Ministries: Lori Dunkle & Ben Altman Children & Youth Ministries: Sue Prescott & Josh Leibfreid Adult & All-Parish Ministries: Rosie Leppert & Sandy Zembower Outreach Ministries: Linda Vensel Property Ministries: Elden Lorah & Fred Shumaker Finance & Stewardship Ministries: Jerry Gronborg, Janet Raines, & Linda Vensel Upcoming Meetings: December 21 (Sunday) ~ Annual Congregational Meeting (9:45 am) January 7 (Wednesday) ~ Parish Musicians (5:00 pm) January 11 (Sunday) ~ Annual Council Orientation & Planning Event (1-4:30 pm) Worship Attendance & Offerings May our Worship and Tithes be an out-pouring of our gratitude in response to our Lord s gracious gifts of Life and Salvation. This Past Week ~ through December 19 Attendance: 233 Tithes & Offerings: $5, Year to Date: $272, Thank You for your Tithes and Offerings which support Trinity s Ministries! 7

8 Please contact the Church Office to have family and/or friends included in the Parish Prayer List and in the prayers at the weekend liturgies. Parishioners and friends of the parish who would appreciate pastoral visitation and/or prayer while hospitalized are asked to alert Pr Weinhold or Pr Short through the Church Office. Please Pray for The Church... All Servants of the Church, especially Bp Michael Rhyne, Pr Weinhold & Pr Short, our Liturgical Deacons, and all who labor for the Gospel. Parishioners and friends who serve on our Church Council and Ministry Teams. Please Pray for Our Nation and the World... Those who lead and govern the Nations of the World, and our own local and state leaders. The Men and Women serving in the Military, and their families The Work of the Bedford Food Outreach, and all organizations who share in the work of feeding the hungry. Volunteers who Ring the Bell for Salvation Army and those who share for the sake of those in need. Please Pray for Our Parishioners, Family Members & Friends in Special Circumstances... Ann Bittner, Amanda Casteel, Barb Debski, Charlotte Diehl, Roger & Juda Markle, Wayne & Jane Miller, Laura Morse, Jerry Peck, Pug Rose, Rose Sciranko, Raye & Mert Speicher, Del Turner, Joyce Wise, Jim & Sandy Zembower (12/21) ~ Don Motto (Ed & Audrey McCreary s brother-in-law), Carolyn McCartney (Faith Nelson s cousin) (12/14) ~ John Harman (Peg Roadman s friend), Ed Keller & Judy Lankey (Dot Keller s son & daughter) (12/7) ~ Lorn & Jenny Horner (Linda Cantarini s friends), Barbara Black (Betty Estep Frailey s sister), Bob Burkett & George Gayman (Peg Roadman s friends) Rest Eternal Grant Them, O Lord Ann Masterson (12/18 former parishioner s wife), Pat Mueller (12/13), Millie Lilly (Elden Lorah s sister), Fred Perrin (12/11 Janet Raines friend), Karen Mock (12/9 Lois Boyer s friend), Cora Wright (12/8 Michelle Wright s (Growing Years Day Care) mother), Florence Toop Wertz (11/29 Dave s & Bill s mother), Lloyd Casteel (11/25 Susan s father), Doug Hockenberry (11/25 FCD) Lila Whetstone (11/19 Shirlene Knopsnyder s mother), Mabel Burkett (Alyssa Burkett s great grandmother), Bob Lippert (11/7 Chuck & Gretchen Fleischer s brother-in-law), Lucy Pittman (11/4 Rose Diehl s mother), Robert Whetstone (10/31 Shirley Knopsnyder s brother), Beth Miller (10/27) To The Glory of God Flowers ~ In memory of Richard D. Smith by Donna Zubak and family Bulletins ~ In honor of all our loved ones by Mike & Melinda Feaster Sanctuary Lamp ~ In honor of Rhys s second birthday by Aunt Jen, Uncle Jason, and Parker Missionary ~ In memory of son, David, by Frank & Alice Bittner Parishioners and Friends are invited to sponsor our weekly flowers, bulletins, the sanctuary lamp, and our Missionary to Africa as memorials and honorariums to family members or friends, or to commemorate a special day or event. Sign up sheets are in Trinity Hall. Please contact the Church Office if you need assistance. 8