Volume 21, Issue 9 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church September A Family Reunion

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1 The Parishioner Volume 21, Issue 9 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church September 2016 It was like attending a family reunion. A Family Reunion That is the way many people described the week of our NALC Convocation in Anaheim, California on August Clergy and laity gathered from around the country and Canada for the week long events that included a gathering of the Lutheran Church Women, a Mission Festival, the Dr. Carl E. Braaten and Robert Benne Lectures in Theology, great ministry workshops, many inspiring sermons, and a mission focused business meeting of our national church body. What makes a good family reunion? When a family enjoys being together it shows! When people look forward to seeing those they have not been with for an extended period of time. When there is unity and mutual respect in the family for one another. When people listen to each other s stories and are proud of their family members many accomplishments. When we bear each other s burdens, share concerns and joys. You know when you are attending a good family reunion and you leave having been energized, built up in love and in your own identity as a member of the family. And of course there is good food! Such was the experience of many of us who attended the Convocation of The North American Lutheran Church. We were in unity around the Gospel, in mission for Christ, in service to the world God loves and has come to save. Friends shared in lavish meals they ate bread and drank wine together around Holy Communion. We were built up in holy conversation around the Word of God, and enjoyed being together with one another to be built up for service to Christ and our neighbor through the Lutheran Church. It may be too much to ask but such an experience is some of what I hope Rally Day Weekend September th will be like for us as we gather at St. Mark s as a Church Family to begin a new season of ministry and life together as a congregation. Coming to Church every Sunday for Sunday School and Worship, if we are a healthy Christ-Centered Church, should be like a family reunion where we look forward to coming together to be with brothers and sisters in Christ, in the presence of God and All the Saints. It should build us up, strengthen us in our ability to love our families and ourselves, and empower us to witness our faith, to serve one another and our neighbor. This is what a Discipleship Church looks like and why we are striving to be one! I hope to see you at our Family Reunion on Rally Weekend. In Christ, Pastor Al Towberman The Parishioner 1

2 Greetings from the NALC Convocation, Holy God, Holy Life Elaine Walker It was a pleasure representing St. Mark s at the gathering of Lutherans. We are in the Mid-Northeast Mission District and I got to meet many of the others in our district, both ministers and lay people. It s good to put a face to the ones I hear about. We were able to discuss our concerns and triumphs. It was very helpful. You would have been impressed with the over 400 voices singing praises to our Lord in harmony. It was inspirational and uplifting. I thought I would get tired of sitting for hours at a time, but I found that the sermons and devotions were interesting and informative. I didn t even look at my watch! The first day I spent with the Women of the Church learning what they were doing in each of their congregations and their involvement in missions. We went over operational guidelines and spiritual growth reports. We had a Bible Study on Joshua 24 with good discussions. The afternoon session was a presentation from the Youth Ministry of Gary and Laurie Pecuch on Faith Webbing which gets the whole church involved with the youth. It was an interesting concept. We also talked about NALC disaster response and what we could do as a congregation to help others when needed. I was given lots of food for thought as to what we can do in our mission ministry. There is lots of support available if the congregation wants to avail themselves of it. Day 2 ~~ Bishop Bradosky s theme was Faith is Made Whole in the Community. Again, I saw the support of all the churches working together. Thursday, we had our Festival Eucharist and opening of the Convocation Holy God, Holy Lives. There were 181 Clergy who attended. It was good to see them being fed, just as we are at St. Mark s each Sunday. Our pastors need support and encouragement just as we do. Our afternoon speaker was Melcom Guite, a professor of English and writer who looked like a small Santa Clause and spoke with an English accent. You had to listen closely as he spoke of C.S. Lewis and his writings. Friday, the devotions were led by Steve Bell who sang and played the guitar masterfully. What a delight that was. He put the gospel to music. Dr. Jim Nestingen delivered the Bible Study on 1 st Peter, Chapter 1. He shared with us how holiness starts at home and that it is not an achievement but holiness, is being washed in the Blood of Christ ~ a gift of the Holy Spirit. As various persons were introduced from many countries and other faiths, we noted there were more similarities than differences. There were so many good workshops to attend that it was hard to decide which ones to visit. The one I chose was Why I Don t Believe in the Rapture given by Pastor Mark Braaten. It was very interesting. I even found the budget interesting and I m not one for figures. I was pleased to see the NALC has planned well and was concerned about spending. They should have about 5 6 % of each of our budges to run the missions of the church. Unfortunately, the average giving is only 2 3 % and ours at St. Mark s is only 1 ½ - 2 %. Some churches don t give any. We need to step it up! They know that all the churches are struggling so we are not alone. The theme that seemed to run through the conference was that of discipleship ~ working one on one and growing from there. We need to step outside our doors ministering to those in need. It s not numbers we need to concern ourselves with, but the Great Commission God has given us to make disciples of all nations. The Holy Spirit will lead us on if we are about His business. The next Convocation is August 7, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. I hope some of you can attend! The Parishioner 2

3 ~ Rally Day Weekend ~ September 10 & 11, 2016 Let s Rally Back to Church & Sunday School! *Sunday morning from 9:00 10:00 am* Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ~Nelson Mandela Sunday School Classes beginning a new year September 11, 9:00 am Where Kids and Families are working to grow strong in the Word! Youth Sunday School Classes Pre-School (Age 2 Kindergarten) Teachers: Darcie Pomykata Shirley Bilowich Grades 1 3 Teachers: Kathy Beunier Tracy Patton Grades 4 6 Teachers: Sherry Montag David Rodgers Grades 7 & Up Teacher: Wendy Holt Adult Sunday School Classes The Seekers Class Teachers: Chris & Spring Deal Family Bible Class Teacher: Heather Michel Good News Bible Class Teacher: Don Cavalero Disciples of Christ Teachers: Vonnie Neigh Leila Protzman The Parishioner 3

4 St. Mark s Staff and Council Officers Sr. Pastor ~ Pastor Towberman awt@stmarksbutler.org Parish Administrator ~ Mary Ellen Tack maryellen.tack@stmarksbutler.org Administrative Assistant ~ Vicki Schiffer vicki.schiffer@stmarksbutler.org Director Children/Youth Ministry ~ Darcie Pomykata youth@stmarksbutler.org Sextons ~ John Lingenfelter / Larry Rettig Aaron Ministers ~ Carol Fleeger / Robert Niggel Director of Music ~ Ralph Christy Jr. Assistant Organist ~ Rebecca Veith Bell Choir Director ~ Rebecca Veith Children/Youth Choir Director ~ Ralph Christy Jr. Children s Hour Director ~ Darcie Pomykata Katie s Kitchen Director ~ Loretta Bachman Council President ~ David Rodgers Council Secretary ~ Karen Grossman Treasurer ~ Sherry Young Financial Secretary ~ Toni Tassey Missionary ~ Judy Perry Blessing of the Back Packs Sunday, September 11 th 10:15 AM As we begin the new school year all Children and Youth of St. Mark s Congregation and from St. Mark s Children s Hour are invited to bring their school backpacks along with their Bible to church on September 11 th, where they will be blessed at the 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship Service. (Mark 10:13-16, Ephesians 6:10-20) SMLC Confirmation Class Schedule September 2016 January 2017 Pastor Al Towberman and Wendy Holt Church ; Pastor Al (H) ; (C) (H) atowberman@zoominternet.net; (church) awt@stmarksbutler.org Wendy Holt: (H) ; (C) Assistants: Bring Refreshments for 15 Youth and assist Pastor T and Wendy *Sermon Notes are taken at Saturday or Sunday Service and turned in at class +Indicates Student Lesson; Classes meet in the Youth Room September 11 September 18 September 25 4:30 5:30 PM Confirmation Class Orientation with Parents, Youth, Pastor T, Wendy in Fellowship Hall *Take Sermon Notes Sunday Morning at Church 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon The First Priority Who s Number 1? +The Ten Commandments Lesson 1, pages 4-8 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon Respect for God s Name +The Ten Commandments Lesson 2, pages 8-11 The Parishioner 4

5 October 2 October 16 October November 6 November 20 December 4 December 11 December 18 *Take Sermon Notes Sunday Morning at Church 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon The Sabbath Commandment +The Ten Commandments Lesson 3, pages :30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon Authority and Protection +The Ten Commandments Lessons 4 & 5 pages Friday Saturday Overnight Confirmation Retreat at The Church with Pastor T and Darcie All Saints Day Retreat - Dietrich Bonhoeffer Movie/Haunted House The NALC and Our CORE VASLUES Friday 6:00 PM through Saturday morning 10:00 AM *Take Sermon Notes Sunday Morning at Church 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon Fidelity +The Ten Commandments Lesson 6, pages :30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon Responsibility +The Ten Commandments Lesson 7, pages *Take Sermon Notes Sunday Morning at Church 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon Integrity +The Ten Commandments Lesson 8, pages Confirmation Class Christmas Caroling Sunday 2:00 4:00 PM 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon Contentment and Consequences +The Ten Commandments, Lessons 9 &10, pages 36-4 Christmas Break Confirmation Class Resumes, January 8, 2017 Confirmation will be Celebrated On Pentecost, June 4, 2017 The Parishioner 5

6 Christian Education News Here we are once again having completed yet another circle around the sun and arriving at the start of a new education year. Once again we find ourselves filling our fall calendars, taking account of all the added activities, and trying to figure out how best to divide up the hours of our days. This past week in church our guest Pastor asked this question, What are your priorities? In a web search about the idea of priorities I found these lines, German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe grasped the importance of priorities. He said, Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least. (lifehopeandtruth.com/change/christian-conversion/christian-priorities/) As parents, and frankly as adults, it is often hard to discern where our time is best spent. We are constantly faced with more choices and opportunities than we have time in our days. If you are like me, choosing to hibernate away from the busyness of life is the choice I would like to make, but being a hermit has only selfish benefits and the well-being of our children and ourselves calls us to participate in the world around us. When filling in your calendars for this 4 th quarter season of 2016 I ask you to consider this statement, Long term thinking has long term rewards (author unknown). Are you thinking long term for your kids and yourselves, will the things that fill your days have long term rewards? Consider joining us in church and/or Sunday School for this new education year here at St. Mark s. Make attendance one of those priorities that matter most, so that, He Himself [Christ] will come to have first place in everything, (Colossians 1:18). Give yourselves the gift of long term rewards with Christ. We look forward to seeing you this fall. Joyfully thanking God for each of you, Wendy Holt, Christian-Ed Chairperson St. Mark s Senior Luncheon Do you know someone that is blessed with 80 years of age or more? The Women of the Church are hosting a luncheon for members of St. Mark s Lutheran Church who are 80 years of age and older. Seniors (and a guest) are cordially invited to attend the St. Mark s Senior Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall of St. Mark s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, September 20 th at 12:00 PM. We are so happy to have you as part of our Church Family! For more information contact Carri Smith at (724) HOPE TO SEE YOU ON SEPTEMBER 20 TH! The Parishioner 6

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9 St. Mark s Youth Camp Rooted In Christ Making memories that last Daily lessons and activities And Small group discussions Campfires And Worship Outdoor Sermons with friends Learning to be Rooted in Christ Friendly Volleyball Competition We are looking forward to next year s Youth Camp! See you there! The Parishioner 9

10 BEGINNING OUR 45 th SCHOOL YEAR CHILDREN S HOUR St. Mark s Lutheran Church 201 W. Jefferson St., Butler, PA **Orientation meeting for parents: Wednesday, September 7 6:00 p.m.** First day of class is September 14 th. Children s Hour meets every Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. for children ages 2 yrs. through Kindergarten, from September through May. Children s Hour is a teaching ministry of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Our purpose is to help each child come to know they are a gift of God. Here, the kids learn about Jesus, have fun and develop social interactive skills in a safe, loving, caring Christian environment with traditional family values. All persons and all faiths are welcome!! *35.00 fee for the year! TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL DARCIE POMYKATA or THE CHURCH OFFICE: Notes From The Perch The Sanctuary Choir began rehearsals on Wednesday evening, August 31, 6:30-8:00 pm. and will continue every Wednesday thereafter. The choir is open to anyone from 7 th grade through the senior years. We are in need of voices in all ranges, particularly men, to augment our already well-established choir. Our first Sunday to sing will be Rally Day, September 11 th. CALLING ALL YOUTH!!! The Youth Choir rehearsals will begin on Sunday, September 18 th, immediately following the 10:15 am worship. Rehearsals will continue every Sunday thereafter. The choir is open to 2 nd grade through 12 th grade and will sing once a month. The choir s first scheduled Sunday to sing is October 16 th. For information for either Choir, please contact Mr. Ralph, Director of Music at The Parishioner 10

11 Dear Parishioners of St. Mark s Lutheran Church ~ We would like to thank you for your contribution to the City of Butler. We understand the budgeting challenges that many organizations face. With your help the City of Butler strives to keep our resources at a high quality of life for all. We are grateful for your willingness to keep Butler a wonderful community! Sincerely, Thomas P. Donaldson Mayor, City of Butler Thank you to all who filled school bags this year. The ladies of 3T delivered 130 bags to Glade Run Lutheran Services and Dunbar Community Center for students! Dear Friends, Thank you for donating totes filled with school supplies. Your generous support enables the vital ministry of Glade Run Lutheran Services to continue. Charles Lockwood Dear St. Mark s family ~ My family wishes to thank everyone for all the prayers that were raised for our dear Aunt Joanne. She was a true gift of God. She surely appreciated everyone who sent cards, called or went to see her. Thanks to Pastor Towberman for coming to give communion and prayers in her last hours. And for the beautiful service to send her off. Thank you to Karen Krenitsky for the wonderful music she played during Joanne s service and to St. Mark s Choir for singing at the service. I m sure Aunt Joanne was with you in spirit. The lovely rose in tribute to Joanne was greatly appreciated. And thank you to the hands who cooked and who served our delicious luncheon. At a time like this it is such a comfort to know we have a church family who cared for our Aunt Joanne as much as we did. In God s love, The family of (Aunt) Joanne Lewis Melissa Somerville Bell Ringers Needed St. Mark s Bell Choir will resume Handbell rehearsals Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary. The group is open to 7 th graders and up. No experience is necessary new members are welcome. We would love you to join us! *See Rebecca Veith or contact the Church Office for more information and jump in!! Eve Bible Study Eve Bible Study will be meeting on Tuesday, September 20 th at 3:00 pm in the Church Lounge. The study will continue in the book Mark, Follow Me. The study that afternoon is Palm Sunday. The Parishioner 11

12 Community ANNUAL YARD SALE!! 248 New Castle Rd., Butler September 10 th 9:00 AM -??? ALL proceeds benefit Katie s Kitchen and the work they do for the community! We NEED your treasures (please no clothing)!! If you have items that you would like to donate to the sale, you can drop them off (the week of Sept 5 th ) at Spectrum Insurance ~ 248 New Castle Rd. in Butler or call Linda at to arrange for your items to be picked up. Every penny that is earned from the yard sale goes to help others in our community. When a need is identified, we help by buying what is needed or a gift card, etc. We do not hand out cash at any time. We are able to do these things because of YOU your generosity!! THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING KATIE S KITCHEN!! Butler County: Butler VA: 325 New Castle Rd. Butler, PA Friday, September 30, 2016 Noon 4 pm Serving Homeless Veterans, Service Members, their families, Community Members, and families in need. FREE: Medical screenings, clothes, shoes, hygiene products, a light meal, haircuts, entertainment, and multiple organizations with resource information and referrals will be available. Transportation to the event from designated pick up areas! *For more information, please contact: Christie Beaver, VA Butler Healthcare ~ Allyson Rose, Butler County Human Services ~ Roy Remone, Mental Health Association ~ COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT TO OUR LOCAL VETERANS AND SERVICE MEMBERS! The Parishioner 12

13 Some Important Gems of Wisdom from Dr. Carl E. Braaten Presented at Lectures In Theology of the NALC Who Is Jesus? Lectures on the Person of Christ In all other religions people are seeking for God. Christianity is the only Religion Where In Christ, God is seeking for us. Who is Jesus for Us Today? This is Dietrich Bonhoeffer s appropriate Response to those who said all religions worship the same God: -He is the only Christ (Savior of the World) or He is not the Christ at all. -He is the only Savior, or He is no Savior at all. -He is the only True God, or He is not God at all. All religions have some Truth? That is not what the Gospel says. In Jesus Alone is The Living Love of God; No other religion has such a story to tell to the world. Who is Jesus? Is Jesus Really God? Who do we say He is? We need to give a clear Answer to that Question There is a crisis in the Church today brought about by those who have marginalized the Scripture, the Creeds of the Church, and the dogma of The Church Universal to suit their own purposes. 4F Braised Steak Dinner Fun, Food, Family, Friends Saturday, October 1 st 4:30 6:00 PM Fellowship Hall All Proceeds go for the Good of the Church! RSVP by Thursday, September 29 th $10 ~ Adult / $3 ~ Child Dinner / $2 ~ Hot Dog or Peanut Butter & Jelly Number of Dinners: Adults Children Hot Dog or PB& J NAME: The Parishioner 13

14 Song Soloist Sundae September 25, :00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Saint Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church 201 West Jefferson Street, Butler PA stmarksbutler.org featuring a Hymn Sing of many favorite church songs highlighting Hand Bell Soloist extraordinaire Sue Garton following with an Ice Cream Sundae Reception A Free Will Offering will be taken and the Church is Handicapped Accessible. The Parishioner 14

15 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday The Church and Office will be closed in observation of Labor Day. The office will resume regular Office Hours on Tuesday, September 6 th. Regular Office Hours are Mon-Fri 8:00 am 5:00 pm th Sunday After Pentecost 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church 11 Rally Day 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Blessing of the Backpacks 10:15 Children s Church 4:30 Confirmation th Sunday After Pentecost 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church 11:15 Youth Choir 4:30 Confirmation 4:30 Jr. Youth 6:00 Sr. Youth 25 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church 11:15 Youth Choir 3:00 Handbell Concert & Hymn Sing Sue Garton 4:30 Confirmation 12 *Cornerstone articles due 5:00 Church Closed 19 *Cornerstone articles due 5:00 Church Closed 26 *Cornerstone articles due 5:00 Church Closed 6:30 Bell Choir 13 9:30 Ruth Circle 6:30 Bell Choir 7:00 Church Council 20 12:30 Christian Senior Luncheon 6:30 Bell Choir 27 3:00 Eve Bible Study 6:30 Bell Choir 6:00 Children s Hour Parent Orientation 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 14 9:30 Children s Hour 1:00 Prayer Shawl 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 21 9:30 Children s Hour 5:30 Worship / Music 7:00 Sanctuary Choir 28 9:30 Children s Hour 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 1 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 6:00 Finance Comm. 8 *Sausage Orders due* 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 6:00 Finance Comm. 15 *Parishioner articles due 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 6:00 Finance Comm. 22 First Day of Fall 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 29 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 2 5:00 Church Closed 9 5:00 Church Closed 16 5:00 Church Closed 23 5:00 Church Closed 30 5:00 Church Closed The First Labor Day Contrary to the present practice, the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882 in NYC, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union and was celebrated again the next year. However, it was in 1884 when the first Monday in Sept. came to be selected as the holiday. Other organizations were urged to celebrate the Workingmen s Holiday on that date. The idea spread and has continued on since :00 Worship / HC 10 9:00 Katie s Kitchen Benefit 248 New Castle Rd. Butler 6:00 Worship / HC 17 6:00 Worship / HC 24 6:00 Worship / HC Come and enjoy the Handbell Concert and Hymn Sing with Sue Garton! Sunday, September 25 3:00 pm The Parishioner 15

16 September 5, 2016 ~ Church and Office closed for Labor Day September 6, 2016 ~ Handbell Choir resumes September 7, 2016 ~ Children s Hour Parent Orientation September 10, 2016 ~ Community Yard Sale for Katie s Kitchen September 10 & 11, 2016 ~ Rally Weekend / Back to Church Sunday September 11, 2016 ~ Confirmation begins September 11, 2016 ~ Blessing of the Backpacks September 14, 2016 ~ Children s Hour Begins September 18, 2016 ~ Youth Choir resumes September 18, 2016 ~ Youth Group Kick-Off September 20, 2016 ~ Christian Senior Luncheon September 25, 2016 ~ Handbell Concert / Hymn Sing w/sue Garton A Congregation of the North American Lutheran Church 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 Parish Hours: 8:00 AM -- 5: 00 PM Monday - Friday CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED WORSHIP SERVICES Saturday: 6:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 & 10:15 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM The Parishioner 16