Volume 23, Issue 3 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church March 2018

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1 The Parishioner Volume 23, Issue 3 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church March 2018 What Foolishness! This Lent we have been gathering for ecumenical worship with other downtown churches to minister to the needs of the community and to prepare for Easter. I hope you are growing through these Lenten services and reading the Beatitudes daily, Matthew 5:1-12, upon which our Lenten series is based this year. The Beatitudes show us what the Kingdom Life looks like when we are Christ centered in our faith. The first four Beatitudes tell us that God is especially on the side of those who are Poor in Spirit, Those who Mourn, Those who are Meek; those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness. The next four Beatitudes define who is on God s side: The Merciful, The Pure in Heart, The Peacemakers, Those Persecuted for Righteousness Sake. On first glance the Beatitudes look like foolishness. As we are seeking to practice and live our faith this Lent we believe the Beatitudes are the descriptive of God s mind and heart. Blessed are we who in having a passion for the Kingdom Life expressed in the Beatitudes who are and will be blessed with divine joy and know God s favor. What foolishness. But to those who believe this is the essence of our radical hope in the Gospel. During Lent God invites us to take advantage of His abundant mercies and amazing Grace. When we do so by striving to be more disciplined, by attending church, by praying more from the heart, by seeking intentionally to empty our hearts of love of self in order to be filled with Christ Amazingly, not because of what we do but because of what God does in us, resurrection happens in us and in the lives of others. Pope Francis, speaking recently about finding happiness in life said: Happiness is not in having something or becoming somebody. No. Real happiness is to be with the Lord and to live for love. There is profound truth in these words. We were created in love, for love. Real love that is solid, deep and unflinching. God spreads God s arms wide in love for humankind. Remembering a popular children s sermon is sometimes a good way to get the message across. How much does God love us? the children are asked. This much, the worship leader replies as she stretches out her arms. He stretched out His arms over us and died. What foolishness. By now, I presume you are remembering that Easter is on April 1 st this year. Easter is coming. We stake our lives on Jesus death and Resurrection. We don t need to be afraid of life or death; what foolishness. Christ s arms are stretched out over us. Come and see for yourself this Lent and be renewed in the Kingdom Life through the teaching of the Beatitudes. Experience the Resurrection Life and meet the Living Savior. A Fool for Christ, Pastor Al Towberman. The Parishioner 1

2 2018 Community Lenten Services Christ Centered Radical Hope See the below schedule for the remainder of our Downtown Churches in Butler when we together in ecumenical worship. Services begin at 7:00 pm. Everyone in the Community is Invited! March 7 Host Church: Presiding: Preaching: March 14 Host Church: Presiding: Preaching: March 21 Host Church: Presiding: Preaching: Hope in the Midst of Grief Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church 128 North McKean Street Father Harry Bielewicz Pastor Merry Meloy Hope for the Addicted Saint Peter s Anglican Church 218 East Jefferson Street Father Andrew DeFusco Pastor Eric Park Hope in the Midst of Violence Covenant Presbyterian Church 230 East Jefferson Street Rev. John C. R. Silbert Father Andrew DeFusco First Communion Classes Began Sunday February 25 th This year First Communion Class for all 3 rd Grade and older youth who have not yet received the Sacrament of Holy Communion has begun. Classes are held on Sunday mornings 9:00 10:00 AM during the Sunday School Hour in the Conference Room across from the Senior Pastor s Office. Pastor Towberman and Youth Director, Darcie Pomykata are team teaching this year s first communion youth. This is an important time in our children s lives and we look forward to preparing them for their first communion during Holy Week at the Maundy Thursday Service on March 29 th. Please call the Church Office ( ) The Parishioner 2

3 HE IS RISEN We invite you to join us in celebrating Christ s Resurrection Sunday, April 1, :00 am & 10:15 am EASTER SERVICES Saturday Easter Vigil Sunday School Easter Festival Services 6:00 pm 9:00 am 8:00 & 10:15 am From Foolishness To Easter Victory Rev. Dr. Alden W. Towberman Luke 24:5 Why do you look for the living among the dead? PREPARE FOR EASTER The first day of the last week of the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth was a day that seemed to be a celebration of his Kingship and his victory for his people. Most of those who shared in it had no idea what was going to come after the Hosanna shouts and the first-century tickertape parade. Join with Jesus believers to enrich your understanding and your faith on Palm Sunday, Holy Week and at Resurrection Day Services. HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday March 25 8:00 & 10:15 am Palms will be distributed with a Sermon: The Return of the King Holy Wednesday March 28 6:00 pm Lenten Supper procession and Blessing of the Palms 7:00 pm Service of Prayer and Anointing for Healing Maundy Thursday March 29 7:00 pm Holy Communion & First Communion Good Friday March 30 11:30 am Lenten Musical Prelude 12:00 Noon Holy Communion in Christ Chapel 7:00 pm Tenebrae Service in the Sanctuary The Parishioner 3

4 Holy Wednesday March 28, 2018 Lenten Supper at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Our Lenten Supper will be prepared and served by the Parents and Youth of our SMLC First Communion and Confirmation Classes. A Free-Will Offering will be received. +++ Holy Wednesday Lenten Service in the Sanctuary 7:00 pm. This service will be an Anointing and Healing service. Anointing with oil follows a Biblical practice whereby the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives. I experience much joy in anointing people with oil knowing that Jesus is the Great Healer. The interaction with each individual is very meaningful even though it is brief. James 5:14-15 says that prayer, anointing with oil and confession of sin are means by which God can bring healing into our lives. ~ Barbara Bowersox, Aaron Minister Each year during Holy Week we offer a Service of Word and Prayer with Anointing for Healing. Those who wish, are invited to come forward for healing prayers and anointing. Bring a friend who needs God s healing ~ physically, emotionally or spiritual. The Parishioner 4

5 Good Friday Services 12:00 noon ~ AND 7:00 pm Good Friday Sacred Music Prelude 11:30 am ~ 12:00 noon A brief 35-minute service of Holy Communion will be held at 12:00 noon on Good Friday in St. Mark s Christ Chapel. The service is for the Downtown Business Community (those on lunch break) and St. Mark s members who may not be able to attend the evening service. 7:00 pm Good Friday Tenebrae Service will be held in the Sanctuary. Candles will be extinguished and lights dimmed as we hear the story of Christ s crucifixion and death from the Gospel of St. Luke. The Tenebrae Service is one of the oldest and most meaningful services of the Christian Church. Worshipers are reminded of the darkness, which covered the earth when Jesus hung on the cross ~ the evil darkness which covered the hearts of humankind ~ and the gradual expiration and death on the Cross of the Son of God. We will leave the church in silence to return for the Ester Vigil and Easter Morning Festival Service Celebrating Christ s Resurrection. +++ Easter Vigil Saturday, March 31, :00 pm The Easter Vigil is like no other. At the 6:00 pm service in St. Mark s Sanctuary, we will commemorate Jesus death and Resurrection. In the liturgy of the Easter Vigil, we celebrate the Cross of Jesus become the Cross of Glory. The appointed readings from the Scriptures, form the core of salvation history. Through Word, sermon, light, renewal of our Baptismal vows, and the Sacrament of Holy Communion we enter into the mystery of our death and resurrection through Christ s work on the Cross and at the Empty Tomb. The Parishioner 5

6 Serving Christ Together Ministers: St. Mark s Staff and Council Officers The People of St. Mark s Senior Pastor Pastor Towberman awt@stmarksbutler.org Parish Administrator Mary Ellen Tack maryellen.tack@stmarksbutler.org Administrative Assistant Vicki Schiffer vicki.schiffer@stmarksbutler.org Dir. Children/Youth Ministry Darcie Pomykata youth@stmarksbutler.org Sextons John Lingenfelter / Larry Rettig Aaron Ministers Bob Niggel/Wm. Oehlschlager Director of Music Ralph Christy Jr. Interim Organist Assistant Organist Bell Choir Director Children s Hour Director Katie s Kitchen Director Council President Council Vice President Council Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Joanne Lozier Rebecca Veith Rebecca Veith Darcie Pomykata Loretta Bachman Elaine Walker Gretchen Pink April Quinn Sherry Young Toni Tassey Eve Bible Study Eve Bible Study will have its meeting on Tuesday, March 27 th at 3:00 pm in the Church Lounge. The study will be The Fruit of the Holy Spirit from the study book Come, Holy Spirit. For more information, please contact Anne or ap1ferg@zoominternet.net. Wondering what to give your loved ones on special occasions or seasons? How about purchasing a Large Print Bible for the Pews at SMLC? There are forms available at the office window and in front of the Cry Room in the sanctuary. There are also forms to send in a sympathy card if purchasing one as a memorial. March 4 March 18 March 25 April 1 St. Mark s Lutheran Church Confirmation Class March Schedule Teachers: Pastor Al Towberman, Wendy Holt, Chris Deal Sermon notes are taken the first Sunday of the month unless otherwise indicated 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday afternoon class +Jesus Passion, lesson 4, pages Homework, answer all written questions on pages Memorize the first 18 Books of the New Testament (Matthew Philemon) 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday afternoon class +Resurrection, lesson 6, pages Homework, answer all written questions on pages 25 &27 +Memorize the first 25 Books of the New Testament (Matthew John 3) 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday afternoon class +The Book of Acts and the Holy Spirit +Mission, lesson 7, pages Homework, answer all written questions on pages 29 & 31 +Memorize all 27 Books of the New Testament (Matthew Revelation) EASTER SUNDAY NO CLASS The Parishioner 6

7 Thank you to all the youth and Youth Director, Darcie Pomykata participated in serving the Lord and St. Mark s on Youth Sunday on February 11 th. We are so proud of all St. Mark s Youth Jacob Pomykata did a fantastic job bringing God s Word to us! Thank you, St. Mark s Youth, for taking part in leadership for Youth Sunday! You all did a fantastic job! Wear Green for St. Patrick s Day Saturday, March 17 th! The Parishioner 7

8 Ministry Highlights: 3T Quilting Ministry Our 3T Quilting Ministry has continued to be a blessing to the community and St. Mark s Lutheran Church. They come together to quilt on the first Monday of each 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall, along with the other part of 3T, who clip coupons to send to our soldiers and their families overseas. They have been able to mail out hundreds of coupons in which the families appreciate when they shop. Last year, 2017, 113 quilts, 99 lap robes,14 throws with scripture, and 96 school bags, have been donated to bless the ill, elderly, and fire victims. If you would like to join in this ministry, please contact Virginia Rettig: We welcome into Christ s Kingdom through Holy Baptism, Daniel Keith Bookamer, son of Jonathan and Aimee Bookamer, pictured below with Pastor Towberman. *Our next Baptismal Sunday is March 11 th when we return to Daylight Savings Time. As we move into Lent, join us as we commit to praying for our City of Butler. Combine the NALC Daily Devotion for personal growth with a commitment along with our local churches, as we Seek GOD for the CITY Lenten Devotional Booklets Copies of the Lenten devotionals are available at our SMLC Information Center, The Wittenberg Door, located by the elevator entrance to the Sanctuary. The Parishioner 8

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10 Thank you for your participation in the Glade Run Lutheran Services Christmas Angel Program. Many thanks for your continued prayers and contributions. Charles T. Lockwood, M. Div., Ed. D. President / CEO The Concordia Alleluia Chorale Presents Their Easter Cantata Behold The Lamb Tuesday, March 27 7:00 pm Thank you to the congregation of St. Mark s who has supported me with their prayers or presence in my late-in-life fading acting ventures. Some of St. Mark s even gave me, a much appreciated, Academy Award and told me it came from Hollywood. Gratefully, Pastor Ralph Storm Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Cabot Haven One Entrance 2A Featuring Pastor Ralph Storm Jewish Shopkeeper Saint Mark s Homebound Ministers take the Holy Communion to those of our church family who are not able to attend worship services. Coordinators of the Home Communion Ministers Team are George Bonnett and Diana Hall. If you are not presently among those receiving communion at home and would like to be included this Easter please call our coordinators (names and phone) and they will gladly see that you have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament and a visit from our eight Homebound Communion Ministers. Picture of Homebound Communion Ministers (George Bonnett,Bill and Barbara Pflueger, Bob and Vera Niggel, Bill Oehlshlager, Diana Hall, April Quinn. Not pictured: Karen Cooper and Danielle Wiles) The Parishioner 10

11 Set your clocks ahead Sunday, March 11 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Saintly Seniors (90 + years young) March Birthdays 4 Lent 3 John Twerdok (03/13) Floyd Wagner (03/19) Dorothy Shakley (03/28) 5 9:00 3T 6 7 9:30 Children s Hour 1 5:00 Katie s Kitchen :00 Worship / HC 10 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 First Communion 10:15 Children s Church 4:30 Confirmation 11 Lent 4 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 First Communion 10:15 Children s Church 1:00 Youth Snowtubing 18 Lent 5 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 First Communion 10:15 Children s Church 4:30 Confirmation 25 Palm Sunday 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 First Communion 10:15 Children s Church 4:30 Confirmation Floyd Wagner 26 7:00 Bell Choir 13 John Twerdok 7:00 Bell Choir 7:00 Church Council 20 7:00 Bell Choir 27 Dorothy Shakely 3:00 Eve Bible Study 7:00 Bell Choir 5:30 Sanctuary Choir 7:00 Worship Service: St. Paul Roman Catholic Church 14 9:30 Children s Hour 1:00 Prayer Shawl 5:30 Sanctuary Choir 7:00 Worship Service: St. Peter s Anglican Church 21 9:30 Children s Hour 5:30 Worship/Music 5:30 Sanctuary Choir 7:00 Worship Service: Covenant Presbyterian 28 9:30 Children s Hour 5:30 Sanctuary Choir 7:00 Worship / 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 6:30 Bible Bowl Pract. 15 *Parishioner articles due 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 22 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 6:30 Bible Bowl Pract. 29 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 7:00 Maundy Thursday Worship 11:00 Sisters in Mac s Cafe Noon: Good Friday Service 7:00 Tenebrae Service 6:00 Worship / HC 17 6:00 Worship / HC 24 9:30 First Communion Class Retreat 6:00 Worship / HC 31 6:00 Worship / HC Palm Sunday is the final Sunday in the Lenten Season, signifying the beginning of Holy Week. Holy Week is the week leading up the Easter and is held in remembrance of Jesus time in Jerusalem before he died and was resurrected. Because the palms are blessed, we don t throw them away. The palms are held till the next year, where they are burned to make the ashes for Ash Wednesday. The Parishioner 11

12 St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church 201 West Jefferson Street Butler, Pennsylvania Phone: Fax: Website: NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 92 BUTLER, PA CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED St. Paul Roman Catholic Church Covenant Presbyterian Church Lenten Series: Christ Centered Radical Hope March 7, 2018 ~ Community Lenten Service: March 14, 2018 ~ Community Lenten Service: March 17, 2018 ~ St. Patrick s Day St. Peter s Anglican Church March 21, 2018 ~ Community Lenten Service: March 25, 2018 ~ Palm Sunday March 28, 2018 ~ Lenten Meal / Holy Wednesday Healing Service March 29, 2018 ~ Maundy Thursday/First Communion March 30, 2018 ~ Good Friday Noon Service March 30, 2018 ~ Tenebrae Service March 31, 2018 ~Easter Vigil April 1, 2018 ~ RESURRECTION SUNDAY! Parish Hours: 8:00 AM -- 5: 00 PM Monday - Friday WORSHIP SERVICES Saturday: 6:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 & 10:15 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM The Parishioner 12