Moravian Church of Sturgeon Bay

Transcription

1 Moravian Church of Sturgeon Bay Core Values We value meaningful worship. We value being a Safe Harbor for the spiritual pilgrims in our community. We value children and youth. We value mission work. We value being Moravian. Watchword 2013 May the Lord bless his people with peace! Psalm 29:11 Televised Services Televised Services Cable Channel 96 or 989 at 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Website Worship on Line Videos of our worship services are available on line at: worshiponline Newsletter Deadline for March/April is February 18, 2013 Worship Opportunities for February During the cold of winter don t miss the opportunity to experience the warmth of the joy and fellowship that comes from being together as a worshipping community. Sunday, February 3 10:30 a.m. Celebration of Holy Communion Meditation: Over the Cliff Scripture: Luke 4:14-30 Sunday, February 10 10:30 a.m. Come and support your leadership as we commission our Joint Board for service in Sermon: We Value Meaningful Worship Freedom Scripture: II Corinthians 3:12-18 Wednesday, February 13 Ash Wednesday/Communion 6:30 p.m. Join us for this service as we enter the Lenten season and receive the ashes as a sign of repentance. Meditation: Take Not Your Spirit Scriptures: Psalm 51:1-17 Matthew 6:16-21 Sunday, February 17 First Sunday of Lent Sermon: 10:30 a.m. The Land of Milk and Honey Scriptures: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Sunday, February 24 Second Sunday of Lent Sermon: 10:30 a.m. When the Lord Brings You Out Scriptures: Genesis 15:1-12, We value being a safe harbor for the spiritual Pilgrim in our community. Historically, we have been and continue to be, a common ground where people from diverse faith traditions can safely be challenged in their discipleship. This is reflected in a passion for the lost and hurting, the care and nurture for God s children through all stages of life, and an abiding commitment to ecumenical relationships to further the Kingdom of God. In the Life of Our Church Family Anniversaries 50+ February 22 Glen & Gertrude Larson

2 Page 2 Baptism On December 30 we welcomed Isla Murphy Schick, daughter of Jason and Kaitlan Schick, born July 23, 2012 in Yuma, Arizona, into our church family by the sacrament of Infant Baptism. Isla is the granddaughter of Robert Schick, Tom and Jill Herlache, and David and Shaun Tauber. First Communion On December 2 we welcomed the following young people into the sacrament of Holy Communion: Henry Feit, Logan Fischer, Lucy Hanson, Spencer Hubbard, Kaitlyn Leonardson, Ben Luders, Kaylee Mills, Logan Retzlaff, Drew Starr, Madison Starr, Maggie Stephens, Claire Tellstrom and Ellen Tellstrom. Our loving sympathy and support to the family and friends of: Phillip (Phil) Roberts who died on November 25, Phil s memorial service was held on November 30, 2012 with the Rev. Dr. Matthew R. Knapp, Sr. officiating. Charles Chuck Sternard who died on January 19. Chuck s memorial service was held on January 26 with the Rev. Dr. Matthew R. Knapp, Sr. officiating. Adult Ed Adult Sunday School The class meets in the Adult Ed. Room at 9:10 a.m. for a discussion of the sermon text for the day each Sunday. Stop in at Coffee Hus, grab a coffee and some goodies and join in the interesting discussions. Men s Tuesday Morning Bible Study The Men s Bible Study group meets for one half hour each Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesday Morning Bible Study begins on Wednesday, at 8:00 a.m. in the Adult Ed. Room. This January Pastor Reeder will be leading a study of Job, James and Revelation; In Search of Wisdom and Vision. You can see the schedule on the Adult Ed. bulletin board just outside the church office. Fellowship Ministries Women s Fellowship Honor Circle February 12 Faith Circle February 12 9:00 a.m. at Nancy Lehmkuhl s Home 1:30 p.m. at Pinecrest Moravian Women s Ministry February 12 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Room Moravian Women s Ministry will begin meeting the second Tuesday evening of every month for a time to connect, share, and grow in our faith and in our relationships. Each month will have a slightly different theme and/or activity, and ladies of all ages are welcome to attend. In January we continued to vision for this ministry, did a devotional on prayer, and shared resources for future study topics. We had such a great time together that we ran out of time for our activity of tying fleece blankets to pass to the Cancer Center! We will pick that up at the next meeting as well as have Jill Kolodziej take us more in-depth on the topic of prayer. Hope to see you in February.

3 Page 3 Welcome Ministry During our congregation meetings in December, we were blessed to hear from you the ways in which the church could continue to feed our congregation s spiritual vitality. One idea that came about was the need to again become more intentional welcoming new and potential Moravians to our church family. For those of you who don t know, Jeff and Sarah Bradley previously led our Welcome Ministry, which was our way of meeting and connecting with new families, welcoming them as part of our church family and then sharing an important piece of our tradition, Moravian Sugar Cake. If you would like to find out more about this ministry or to get involved, please contact Matt Luders at We will need bakers as well as people who would be willing to welcome. Men s Christian Retreat Epic Tales February 22-24, 2013 Sponsored by the Men s Fellowship of Lake Mills Moravian Church to be held at Mt. Morris Camps and Conference Center. Facilitators are Rev. Kurt Liebenow and Dan Miller. The weekend includes teaching, fellowship, music ministry, fireside chats, time for a walk or quiet time. Cost is $85 due by February 15. For more information see the poster on the fellowship bulletin board. Annual Church Retreat The Annual Congregational Retreat is coming up on April This is an excellent opportunity to get away and become better acquainted with friends and members of the congregation. This event is for all ages and takes place at our beautiful facility at Mt. Morris. This is a non-structured weekend of fun, fellowship, worship, and getting to know our wonderful facility at Mt. Morris. Watch the website and newsletter for registration materials. Diaspora (A spiritual growth program for adults) Diaspora is a three-day weekend training, a short course, in Christianity. There will be nine talks given by laypersons and five talks given by pastors on such topics as grace, faith, study, action and the Christian community. After each talk there will be time for discussion. On a Diaspora weekend the men go to their weekend first, followed the very next weekend by the women. There s lots of singing, lots of prayer, times for worship, and lots of food. The model for these weekends was first presented through the Roman Catholic Church and was known as Cursillo. The Moravian Church was introduced to these weekends in the 1970 s in the Bethlehem, PA area, and the Western District had its first Cursillo weekends in the early 1980 s. When the Western District chose to become more ecumenical it could no longer be known as Cursillo so the community, under the MWCEC (Moravian Western Christian Education Commission) incorporated the name Diaspora which has Moravian roots going back to the early 1700 s. If you are interested in knowing more about these weekends please speak with someone who has attended Diaspora: Paul and Jane Graf (were among the first in the Western District!), Myrna Peil, Carol Hobson, and Lisa Smith. Diaspora Weekends to be held at the Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church: Men s Weekend April (Leader Dennis Sterwald) Women s Weekend April (Leader Rachel Sterwald) Grief Support Group Members and friends of the congregation who carry the burden of grief over the loss of a loved one are invited to come together to support one another. Your burden may be recent, or you may have carried it for years, but we hope you will come and share the journey. The group is led by Kim Knapp. February 14 6:00 p.m. Rev. Knapp s Office

4 Page 4 We value Children and Youth We are committed to congregational life that is open and nurturing to young people, as they are invited into relationship with Christ and equipped for a life of faith. Nazarites (Grades 7-8) 7-8:00 p.m. Winter/Spring 2013 Schedule February 6 February 13 February 20 February 27 Painting Project NO NAZARITES (Ash Wednesday Service) Painting Project YouTube Night II *This Sunday falls at the beginning of most school districts spring break. Parents, please let me know if your family will be gone March 24th. kimknapp@charter.net Sisters Choir (Gr.6-12) Feb :30 a.m./worship May 5 10:30 a.m./worship Music Sunday The Sisters Choir rehearses every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The Choir is made up of young women from 6 th grade through 12th grade and is directed by Miss Kim. The Sisters are looking for some brothers to join them singing this year so guys check in with them on Wednesday and see if you can help. Lambs & R.A.M.s (Grades 1-2; 3-5) 4:30-5:30 p.m. LAMBS & RAMS Winter/Spring 2013 Schedule February 6 February 13 February 20 February 27 Youth Choirs Cherub (Age 3-K) Feb. 24 May 5 Joke Night Board Game Night Sardines Stupid Human Olympics Part 2 10:30 a.m./worship 10:30 a.m./worship Music Sunday * Sunday school begins in the Nursery for the Cherub Choir. ** Sit with families. Kim will get any Cherubs that may be in the nursery. Junior (Gr. 1-5) Feb :30 a.m./worship Mar :30 a.m./worship Palm Sunday * May 5 10:30 a.m./worship Music Sunday Youth Convo Let s Connect at Convo 2013 Who: Youth who completed Grade 9-12 When: June 30-July 6, 2013 Where: Greensboro College, Greensboro, NC Cost: $475; $100 Deposit, $375 due by ; Checks payable to Moravian Youth Convo Convo is a wonderful opportunity to foster meaningful connections with youth from across North America, and more importantly, to foster a meaningful connection to our Lord and Savior. For more information check the convo website at: or contact Pastor Matt.

5 Page 5 We Value Mission Work Recognizing our common call to ministry, we strive to live our faith sacrificially in our community and in the world in a manner that bears witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Lives woven together For just a little over one year, beginning in 2011, a number of dedicated women of a variety of ages and knitting or crocheting abilities wove together a ministry of outreach and fellowship. 124 scarves and 2 hats were created and sent to Staten Island, NY. Thank you, again, to all those who contributed to this ministry. The purpose was to support an ongoing ministry of the SI congregations. The ministry that received the rainbow of creations is a once a month meal that is served from Vanderbilt Moravian. A host of volunteers provide a hot meal; give away books, and create a welcoming environment for those who attend. The scarves will be distributed at one of the upcoming meals. Folks that have created the scarves continue to gather on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the fellowship room across from the office. If you are a beginner or a seasoned knitter or crocheter please join us. If you cannot join us every week or would like to work from home please contact us so we can inform you as to the plan for the new creations. $1, was also sent to the Central Board of Elders of the Moravian Congregations on Staten Island from our December 16 th Joyful Noise Offering. Jamaica 2013 It is official! Pastor Phyllis Smith-Seymour has confirmed the dates of June 15-22, 2013 to receive a team of young people and adults at Camp Hope in Jamaica. This is a long standing relationship that has grown over many years. Sister Phyllis will be coordinating the details of our accommodations and activities while we are with her and other Moravians from the surrounding communities. It is such a blessing to share with her in her ministry and the people that she serves. To date, 10 young people and 2 adults comprise the team. There is a need for more adults. If you would like to share in this partnership, please contact me. The next meeting of the team will be Wednesday, February 6 at 8:00 p.m. in the fellowship room across from the office. Loaves & Fishes Youth Volunteers The community meal provided through Loaves & Fishes continues to serve three meals per month, the 1 st, 3 rd, & 4 th Friday of the month. Jan Evers, the volunteer coordinator, invites young people who are in 6 th grade and older to help assist at the 3 rd meal of the month. The time frame is from 5:15-7:15 p.m. Currently, our Discipleship youth are volunteering, but other young people are welcome to assist with this ministry. Please call me if you are interested. Jill Kolodziej jillannk@charter.net Honduran Mission - Our continuing relationship with Kruta, Honduras. Thank you for your help! Our plan for 2013, is installation of water collection systems in Koko Tingni, the small village near Kruta. This new work will cost about $27,000 we have about $5,000 raised so far. See Pastor Reeder or Rick Nelson if you desire more information. We hope to have this project completed by June, 2013.

6 Page 6 Administration Photos from our 150 th Anniversary Celebration Last fall we were very blessed to have Kasey Hock take a congregational picture after church on the day we celebrated our 150 th Anniversary. The photos are incredible. You can access them on line at: Moravian-Church-150- Year/ _XDmXB2#! i= &k=pg8hdzz 4 x 6 $ x 7 $ x 10 $7.00 You can contact Kasey if you are interested in a printed copy. We are so grateful for her efforts and this wonderful commemoration of our church family New Phone Number, or Address? Please remember to include your church office in your notification of any changes. Thank you. Joint Board Report The budget for 2013 was approved. Trustees A review was made of the year-end financial statement. An allocation from the Hunger Fund was made to Loaves and Fishes. Elders Plans for reforming the Welcoming Ministry were discussed. Summary of Congregation Meetings Two congregation discussion meetings were held in November and December; producing some interesting results. We had more than a dozen round table discussion followed by presentations of ideas to the entire gathering. Each round table presented their ideas on how to best provide for our church family and what we do well vs. where we can improve. All these ideas where transcribed to wall posters and then each person was given five post-it dots and asked to vote on the five things they value most. The ideas that got the most votes are listed below. In 2013 we will explore how each of these areas of our church life can be improved and will be soliciting input and help from everyone. Our thanks to John and Tracy Vreeke for the wonderful soup and artisanal bread suppers. Small group activities Evangelism Intergenerational activities Prayer chain Diaspora Welcome committee (new members and visitors) Christian education committee Gemeinschaft (year-long commitment to read Bible and study) Adopt a senior Family retreat Book group Care ministry cards get well and sympathy Encourage prayer and meditation Include did you know in bulletin More mission opportunities Promote Mt. Morris and opportunities at Senior High other Moravian facilities Sunday morning Bible study participants Women s conference Youth Jamaica

7 Page 7 House Parties Throughout the month of February we will be hosting House Parties. These gatherings are an opportunity for your Boards to receive feedback from you about the mission and ministry of the congregation. They are also a great deal of fun and fellowship. Please plan on attending one of the gatherings. Our hosts will be contacting you with an invitation. LILIES FOR EASTER Our Worship Committee extends an invitation for you to place a lily in our Sanctuary this Easter to celebrate someone who touched your life. For only $ we will purchase a lily in a 6 pot from a local florist. Each plant will be in a foil-wrapped pot with a bow. The lily may be placed in honor or in memory of a special person in your life. To do so, please complete the bottom portion of this sheet and return it, with your check, to the church office no later than Monday, March 18. Checks may be made payable to the Moravian Church. (Please note that this is not a tax-deductible contribution, since you will be receiving the plant, which is valued at more than the $ ) The lily is yours and we encourage you to take it home following the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Easter Sunday Easter Lily Purchaser s Name: Phone: Number of plants ordered: Typically plants are acknowledged in our Easter Morning Bulletins in this fashion: Given in loving memory of or In honor of By: (name of the person or family giving the plant.)

8 Page 8

9 Page 9

10 Page 10

11 Page 11

12 Page 12

13 Page 13