Good News. November Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ, Good News Page 1

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1 Good News Good News Page 1 November 2014 Newsletter of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Saviour 420 North Progress Avenue Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ, As we are thinking about Thanksgiving in this month of November, I want to revisit something I mentioned in a sermon a few Sundays back. It is something the apostle Paul said in the letter to the Philippians. He wrote work out your own salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who is at work in you (Philippians 2:12-13). As Lutherans, we probably struggle with this verse, because it seems to suggest that we assist in some way to bring about our own salvation. Whereas, Luther said that salvation is a gift from God through his Son Jesus Christ, which we receive simply by faith. So, what are we to do with this verse about working out our own salvation? In the sermon from October 19, I mentioned that perhaps we can understand Paul to mean here that we are to respond in thanksgiving to God s gift of salvation. Perhaps, it is not so much our working out our own salvation with fear and trembling as much as it is that we are to be mindful not to show spitefulness and take God s goodness for granted. Perhaps, that is what the fear and trembling part is about. In other words, God in Christ Jesus has died for all people and we are freed from sin and live now in the certain hope of salvation. But, that does not mean we should be idle and carefree, as if to say, It is a done deal. All that remains is to eat, drink, and be merry. No, as redeemed people, we should want to show constant gratitude for all that God has done for us. Yes, we really cannot help but give thanks. In the sermon on October 19, I mentioned that Paul said we need not have to do anything to be made right with God. Paul said that for Christians circumcision, kosher laws, and all the Jewish tradition were null and void. It is God who makes us right with Himself through Christ. Furthermore, we might even say that baptism, prayer, devotion, worship, service, and so forth are not necessary either. By our doing these things, it does not make us right with God. Again, we are made right by God in His Son. However, if we really think about it, would we not want to be baptized, such that we know in that washing the certain truth that we are God s children! And, would we not want to pray to God, for in prayer we hear the very voice of God speaking to us! And, would we not want to read scripture and do devotions through which we receive guidance for living an abundant life in the here and now! And would we not want to worship for in worshipping with our brothers and sisters we catch a glimpse of heaven! And, would we not want to serve our neighbor in love for by doing so we learn what it is to be truly god-like for it was our Lord Jesus who first served and loved us! We don t have to do any of this, but what kind of gratitude are we revealing to God if we decide not to bother. In my opinion, I would be fearful and trembling, not to mention embarrassed and ashamed, to Continued on page 2

2 Good News Page 2 Dear Sisters & Brothers continued from front page stand before God at the end time not having done all I could to show my deepest gratitude for his abundant love and mercy. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. It is not a mandate from Paul that you have to do something to earn salvation. No, it is a reminder from Paul to show thanks to God for all that has been done for you. This Thanksgiving, let us remember that to give thanksgiving is not optional. It is something intimately connected to all of life for we constantly receive good things from God. Thanksgiving is not optional. It is obligatory. Life, if it is nothing else, it is to be lived in constant gratitude. God is good. All the time. In Christ, Pastor Joel Petruschke End of Life Decision Making Program Advance Directives, Power of Attorney & Will Planning Heather Royer, Esq., with Smigel, Anderson & Sacks, speaker Tuesday, November 18, 2014, 7:00 pm An interest in learning how to make a will, a power of attorney (POA) and an advance directives (expressing your final wishes regarding health treatment) has been expressed. This is a subject that everyone plans to take care of someday. It is difficult, but it will provide peace of mind once you do it. Heather Royer, Esq., with Smigel, Anderson & Sacks, will speak about these subjects. It is important to be informed so you can discuss your wishes with your family before an emergency arises. There will also be handouts/information from the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania and the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Pre-registration is not necessary; but, it would be good to have a count so enough handouts are available. RSVP to Diane ( or dianelehrman69@gmail.com) or just come that evening. Parish Staff Joel D. Petruschke, pastor Margaret Quintanar, director of music Janet R. Ditmer, secretary David Shadel, sexton Good News is a monthly publication of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 420 North Progress Avenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17109, , ossec@comcast.net. Pastor: Joel D. Petruschke, Secretary: Janet R. Ditmer. Deadline for submission is the third Monday prior to publication month. If you do not have or internet access, your addressed copy of Good News will be available in your church mailbox the first weekend of each month.

3 Good News Page 3 About Worship This month of November is chock-full of special worship services. We begin with All Saints Sunday on November 2, when we remember the communion of saints that spans time and space. In particular, we will remember our brothers and sisters by name who have entered the church triumphant during the past year. Service times are as usual 8:30 am and 10:45 am, but please note that Daylight Saving Time ends on this day, so you will want to turn your clocks back before you go to bed. On November 9, we celebrate our Share the Word, Share the Harvest event. There will only be one worship service at 10:45 am. This is also our Bring a Friend to Church Sunday, so invite someone to join you for church. And, we will also recognize our veterans on this Sunday. A meal will follow the Sunday service. On November 23, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, which is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. The following Sunday, November 30, begins Advent. Worship on these Sundays is as normally scheduled, 8:30 am and 10:45 am. On November 26, we will have our annual Thanksgiving Eve Service. The service will be at 7:00 pm. Please join us as we give thanks to God for all the blessings we receive from His gracious hands. I mentioned above that Advent begins on November 30, but I need to mention as well that we are going to have a special Joint Advent Service of Lessons and Carols on November 30. In addition to our normal Sunday morning worship schedule, there will be a late afternoon/early evening service sponsored by Good Shepherd, Zion, and Our Saviour. The service will be at Our Saviour. There will be a simple dinner at 4:30 pm followed by worship at 5:30 pm. We hope you will join us as we enjoy singing Advent hymns and hearing scripture in preparation of the birth of Christ. The Lessons for November 2014 November 2 All Saints Sunday The Church is Bigger 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15 Psalm 30 November 9 22nd Sunday after Pentecost Share the Word, Share the Harvest Expanding His Ministry with Word & Mission Romans 1:1-25; 28-32; 2:17-29 Psalm 31:1-5, November 16 23rd Sunday after Pentecost Romans 3:21-31; 5:1-11; 6:1-8; 7:7-25 Psalm 92:1-5 November 23 Christ the King Why is Christ the King? Because with Christ there is no condemnation, Christ has set us free Romans 8:1-39 Psalm 95:1-7 November 30, First Sunday of Advent What the end time will look like Romans 9:1-5; 9:30-10:4; 11:1-16; 11:25-36 Psalm 98

4 Good News Page 4 Prayer Requests If you ve requested prayer for anyone, please review the current list and contact the church office ( or ossec@comcast.net) regarding names that can be removed. Thank you! Marvin Brown Sr. (brother of Dan Fleming), Greg Reichenbach (friend of Diane Lehrman), Betty Nickle, Lista Eger (sister of Miriam McIntyre), The family of Jeanne Bargo (cousin of Candy Evans), Ronald Kunz, Dee Lynch and son Don, and her family (friends of the Digons), Dottie Koppenhaver, Mary Louise Shuler, Jaime Barr, Ken Freed, Wanda & Jerry Fullmer, Eleanor Buss, Ira Evans, Robert Maxwell (friend of Anneke Fleming), Chuck Yocum, The Rev. Pete Kuebler, Deborah Wolf, Mike Cadena, Marian Tosheff, Judy Ross, Erica Brockmann (friend of Janet Ruocco & Linda Schreier), Doris Savage, Sally Twigg (mother of Karen Hoch), Samantha Ingavo, June Reinbold (mother of Jeanette Logan), Vernel Brown (relative of Flemings), Pat DiScorio, Janet Ruocco, Karl Johnson, Stacy Leonard (friend of Karen Hoch), Andrea Faber, Giselle Valle, Bernie Coates, Esther Flores, Elizabeth Neidich, Karen Hoch & Trinity Mummert, David Buck, Robert Barge, Betty Baker, Anna Weirich, Shannon Clawson, Sylvia Zorek, Lisa Kessler family, Sara Schreffler, Marie Mateo (mother of Carol Ranck), Pat Neidich, Bob Sternberger, Eva Prichard, Shirley Logan, Lori Fulmer, Tom & Wendy Snyder, Anthony Martin (brother of Otis Martin), Chris McIntyre Family, & Bishop Dunlop. Pray for missionaries, especially Tonya Starner in Mongolia & Treina Montgomery in Jerusalem. Pray for our military, especially George Schreffler, III & Ian Bowling. Dear Padre What resources can you suggest to help with end-oflife decisions and pre-planning? Signed, Thinking Ahead Dear Thinking Ahead, The place you may want to start is with reading our ELCA s social statement entitled End-of-Life Decisions. You can go to elca.org and type in their search engine social statement end-of-life decisions and it will direct you to the statement. In addition to that information, you may want to attend the End of Life Decision Making Program we will be having here at Our Saviour (please see the announcement in this newsletter), which will focus on estate planning, preparation of a will, advance directives, and power of attorney. And, of course, you certainly want to speak with your immediate family (your spouse and your children), so they know your wishes, if at the time you are not able to speak for yourself. You may also want to speak with a funeral director to do funeral pre-arrangements, as well as contact me, if you would like to discuss your services. I realize that these matters can be difficult to talk about, but they are important and helpful to discuss prior to the time when it becomes necessary to discuss. It can be a great blessing to one s family to know in advance the wishes of their loved one. Thanks for your question. Signed, Padre

5 Good News Page 5 All Saints We remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who have died since last All Saints Sunday: Albert Schaffhauser November 16, 2013 Elizabeth C. Betsy Faber December 20, 2013 Adam F. Kelly February 20, 2014 Julie Lynn Hoepfer February 25, 2014 William A. Bill Terrill March 24, 2014 Barbara Klenk March 29, 2014 John Delaware April 13, 2014 Walter D. Bartell June 15, 2014 Rosina Neumayer July 22, 2014 Jeanne E. Bargo September 21, 2014 Daniel P. Kreischer October 17, 2014 Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, Christmas is rapidly approaching, and it is time to start thinking about the music for the Christmas Eve services. At other churches where I have played, volunteers and I have provided a half hour of appropriate music before Christmas Eve services to help church-goers make the transition from the rush of holiday preparations to the serenity of worship and, more importantly, to give to God our offering of music on the anniversary of that first Christmas Eve when He gave to us that most important gift of His Son. I would like to continue this tradition at Our Saviour Lutheran before the 4 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm worship services, but I need your help. Are you learning to play a musical instrument in school and would like to play a Christmas carol? Do you play the guitar, and would you like to offer an appropriate Christmas song? Perhaps you and your family would like to sing a favorite hymn. Perhaps you have a favorite poem or story related to the birth of our Lord that you would like to read to the congregation. Or maybe you would like to dance like King David before the altar of the Lord. If you would like to participate in any or all of these musical offerings (3:30 pm, 6:30 pm, or 8:30 pm), please contact me at (717) or speak to me when you see me at church. Everyone is welcome to participate. Yours in Christ, Margaret Quintanar

6 Good News Page 6 A Word on Stewardship I begin this stewardship article with some definitions of the word harvest. The word can be defined as follows: 1) the time of year when grain, fruit, etc. are gathered in, 2) a season s crop, 3) the gathering in of a crop, 4) the outcome of any effort (Webster s New World Dictionary Compact School and Office Addition, 1967). The month of November makes us think of the harvest. Our country, of course, celebrates the holiday of Thanksgiving, during which we give thanks for the harvest of blessings we have known as a nation. Our Saviour celebrates Share the Word, Share the Harvest, during which we acknowledge the harvest of blessings we have received from the grace of God. And, we also celebrate the festival of All Saints on November 1. All Saints is the time when we remember specifically our brothers and sisters who have died in the faith over the past year. So, it is a somber time in the life of the church for this reason. But, All Saints is more than that. All Saints is the time when the church celebrates the communion of all the saints in heaven above and on earth below. All Saints celebrates the communion of saints that spans time and space. In essence, All Saints celebrates God s great harvest of faithful believers. Yes, God, too, has gathered a harvest. We, you and me, and all believers of the gospel of Jesus Christ we are God s harvest. We probably don t often think that about how we ourselves are part of a harvest, but we are. Remember the many Bible passages that speak of this harvest? There is the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15), the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29), and the Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). We are God s harvest. And, just as an abundant harvest brings us great joy, so does an abundant harvest bring God great joy. Spreading the gospel is one way to increase the harvest of God, such that we tell others about the hope that is in us. And, in planting that seed, the Spirit may work to bring others to faith. But, a second way to increase the harvest is for us to grow personally in our relationship with God. Perhaps that involves strengthening our prayer and devotional life, or growing in our service to God and neighbor, or increasing our charity and benevolence. My prayer for each one of us is that the grace God has sown abundantly in you and me will produce abundantly, such that what God reaps will be pleasing in His sight. Amen.

7 Good News Page 7 Council Update Council met immediately following the Congregational Meeting on September 21, to elect the Council Officers. Council re-elected the current Executive Council Officers: Diane Lehrman, President; John Zimmerman, Vice- President; Jim Lubrecht, Treasurer; and Nancy Pinko, Secretary. Brad Neil and Sue Grubic were elected to a second term on Council. Appointed council members, Drew Ames, Bob Lisse, and Joy Warnick were elected to their first term. We thank Eleanor Buss and Janet Ruocco for their service on Church Council. Council is in the process of developing a three/ five/ten year vision to help us focus on our current equipment and facility s projected replacement needs. We are trying to find the purchase date for these items and would appreciate your help in obtaining this information. The motion sensor security camera and monitor for the front entrance has arrived and will be installed soon. The monitor will allow Pastor and Jan to view and speak to the person at the front entrance without having to walk to the door and open it to a stranger. The monitor is portable and will be available for member usage during meetings, etc. We will provide instructions after the camera is installed. We are beginning the budget review process. All Committee Chairs are asked to submit their 2015 budget requests to Jim Lubrecht. Please itemize expenses for major projects, such as Nawakwa, the Beach trip, flowers, bulletins, dinners, eggmaking, GermanFest, etc. Children s Christmas Gifts for Manna Food Pantry We received a request to again purchase gifts for the children of the Manna Food Pantry recipients. Council responded that we would collect thirty gifts for the children. A tree will be provided that will have tags with either a boy or girl gift and the age range of the child. Gifts or gift cards need to be brought to our church before November 30. If you purchase a gift card, please give it directly to Pastor Joel. We greatly appreciate your help. Last year s response was overwhelming. Stewardship News The Stewardship Committee is in the process of reviewing the map and comparing it to our directory. Please notify the office of any changes to your address or phone number. Our goal is to connect our members by location, who might be available to take a sermon to our shut-in members in their local area. A Big Thank-You to our Silent Heroes One thing I have learned as Council President, IS ---- there is soooo much that goes on behind the scenes that no one knows about and they want it to remain that way---- you can t imagine what a real yearly budget would look like if all of the items we need were included--- things that you might think are little things, but added together would greatly increase our bottom line. To all of you, who, in some way be it the time you spend behind the scenes or the items you provide, I want you to know that I know and am very grateful. We truly are a community of God s people working for the common good. Bless you!! Diane Continued on page 8

8 Good News Page 8 The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania Advent Day Apart December 6 The Wittel Farm We don t like to wait for anything and especially Christmas. With all its secular attraction, this holiday is often a focus on over-indulgence and too often neglected is the best gift of all one worth our waiting. You are invited to the Wittel Farm on Saturday, December 6, for a day apart from the busyness of life for the prayer and contemplation as we journey toward the celebration of Christmas. Please register by November 28. Registration Fee: $15 Advent Family Retreat December Nawakwa Home & Expectation How does your family prepare for Christmas? Join with other families to explore and share traditions of waiting in hopefulness. Appropriate for all ages. And there will be cookies!! $80 for the first adult, $40 for additional family members. Age 4 and under are free. Please register by November 28. Register by contacting The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania ( or Enjoy the Beautiful Music of: The Praise Him Singers Singing inspirational songs of the faith Under the direction of: Keyboard Artist & Artistic Director Jeffrey Cogan With Guest Tenor Soloist Kenneth Bateman Presented on the two evenings of: Tuesday, November 18 Charlton United Methodist Church 5920 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, Thursday, November 20 Mechanicsburg Brethren In Christ Church 1050 South York Street, Mechanicsburg, Admission and parking are free a free will offering will be taken Concert time is 7:00 pm Doors open, and piano prelude begins at 6:30 pm For more information: or thepraisehimsingers.com Council Update continued from page 7 Adult Choir The Adult Choir has been rehearsing for several weeks and is again providing beautiful music to the late service. What a joy it was to hear last week s anthem. It was so beautiful, I almost clapped. For a stanch Lutheran that means it was excellent. Thank you to Margaret s direction and to the choir members for lending their voices. It was music to my ears.

9 Good News Page 9 In memoriam Daniel P. Kreischer, son of Daniel & Katharina Kunz Kreischer, died on Friday, October 17, A service was held Saturday, October 25, at Our Saviour, with the Reverends Nace Howell & Joel Petruschke officiating. It s a boy! Hayden Bradley Brittelli was born Monday, October 20, 2014, weighing 8 lbs., 13 ozs., and measuring 21-inches long. He is the son of Kallie Brittelli, the grandson of Tara Brittelli, the great-grandson of Linda Schreier, and the great-grandnephew of Janet Ruocco. Congratulations! Save the Date! Children and youth of all ages from Our Saviour, Good Shepherd, and Zion Lutheran Churches are invited to gather for an afternoon of bowling on Sunday, November 16, at 3:00 pm. Details will follow. Watch the bulletin! Boar s Head & Yule Log Festival Ridgeway Community Church Church of the Brethren 525 N. Progress Avenue, Harrisburg, Saturday & Sunday, December 6 & 7, 6:00 pm Free tickets available Sunday, November 2-30, at or communications@ridgwaycob.org Share the Word, Share the Harvest Bring a Friend to Church Sunday, November 9, :45 am One service only Luncheon follows service In honor of Veterans Day, we will recognize those who have served or are serving in the military. Please contact Jan (ossec@comcast.net or ) with military service information to be included in the bulletin or use the form included in your bulletin. A covered dish luncheon will follow the worship service. Please refer to the signup sheets located in the narthex. Altrusa of South Central Pennsylvania presents Our First Fall Charity Tea Event Where: Our Saviour Lutheran Church 420 North Progress Avenue Harrisburg, Pennsylvania When: Saturday, November 15, :00 pm-4:00 pm Donation: Adults $20, Children $10 (limited to 125) Classical Music w Door prizes Sales Tables w Photo Booth Please call Anneke Fleming ( ) for more information. Deadline: November 5, 2014

10 Good News Page 10 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Key: fh=fellowship hall; k=kitchen; n=narthex Lesser festivals are listed in small capital letters. Birthdays are listed in bold. 1 All Saints Day 2 8:30 am Word & Sacrament 9:30 am Church School 9:30 am First Sunday Social 10:45 am Word & Sacrament All Saints Sunday Kathleen Sheetz 3 6:00 pm Welcome Committee 4 Election Day 5 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal Troy Schreffler 6 6:00 pm Private / Lower Paxton Aquatic Club 7:00 pm Bible Study 7 George Getz 8 9:00 am Setup for Share the Word, Share the Harvest (fh/n) Michael Pitassi 9 Second Sunday Food Offering 9:30 am Church School 10:45 am Share the Word, Share the Harvest / Bring a Friend to Church One Service Only Following worship Luncheon (fh) Lectionary 32 / Pentecost Veterans Day Diane Gill Otis Martin Maxwell Reilly 12 7:00 pm Council 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal Megan Neil pm Private / Altrusa Setup (fellowship hall, kitchen, narthex) Eva Lang 15 1:00-5:00 pm Private / Altrusa (fellowship hall, kitchen, narthex) 16 Deadline for December Good News 8:30 am Word & Sacrament 9:30 am Chuch School 10:45 am Word & Sacrament 3:00 pm Bowling :00 pm End of Life Program 19 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 20 7:00 pm Bible Study :30 am-12:30 pm Private / Susquehanna Township High School Swim Team (fh, k, n) Lectionary 33 / Pentecost 23 Patsy Baumann John Ames Bernhard Kunz 23 8:30 am Word & Sacrament 9:30 am Church School 10:45 am Word & Sacrament Christ the King Paige Fowler 26 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Eve Service 7:00 pm Private / Setup (k, fh) Caleb Halfond 27 Church Office Closed 2:00-8:00 pm Private (k, fh) Thanksgiving Day 28 Linda Freed 29 Tiffany Crosby 30 8:30 am Word & Prayer 9:30 am Church School 10:45 am Word & Prayer Joint Advent Lessons & Carols Service: 4:30 pm Dinner (fh) 5:30 pm Service 1 Advent

11 Good News Page 11 Good News The Evangelical Lutheran CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR 420 North Progress Avenue Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Phone: Web Site: Worship 8:30 am & 10:45 am Mission Statement Our Saviour Lutheran Church, a caring congregation dedicated to the word of Christ, welcomes all people to worship and grow with us as we share His love and salvation with our neighbors, our children and ourselves. Holy Eucharist is celebrated the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month Church School 9:30 am Church Office 2:00-5:00 pm Monday through Thursday Phone: ossec@comcast.net Web Site: