The Messenger. St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church Phone: Blades Road, P.O. Box 368 Cordova, MD

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1 JUNE 2016 The Messenger St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church Phone: Blades Road, P.O. Box 368 Cordova, MD info@stpaulscordova.org 25 Now a discussion about purification arose between John s disciples and a Jew. 26 They came to John and said to him, Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him. 27 John answered, No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him. 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom s voice. For this reason, my joy has been fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (St. John 3: 25-30) The above scripture, especially verse 30, is John the Baptist s declaration that his calling as a preparer for God s anointed one is coming to its close. John s calling was to prepare the way and the calling ended when he declared to the crowd back in John 1:29 Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John the Baptist s Feast day is June 24 th exactly 6 months before the birth of Jesus. On our calendar this is the longest day of the year and from that point on the days begin getting shorter. Have you ever noticed? We as baptized members of the body of Christ are the John the Baptists of our time. We are to live our lives declaring Jesus and not ourselves. If our motivation in this life is self-declaration, then we have lost the gospel and replaced it with our own self-importance. John informs us in verse 27 that we receive nothing in this life unless it is sent from above. I don t think most people live remembering this is how God guides us in our lives. We sing in hymn 686: We give Thee but Thine own, Whate er the gift may be; All that we have is Thine alone. A trust, O Lord, from thee. I don t think many actually understand the words in this hymn as saying we give back to God only that which we have received from God and God gave these things to us in trust to use for his will and his purpose for us and the world while we are journeying here on earth. John the Baptist understood all this. So can we decrease and let the love and grace of God shine through us as John the Baptist did? It is a hard thing for our egos to think about. To let someone including Jesus to have priority over our lives and all the things we do. To let the light of Jesus shine brighter than out own light. To let Jesus be the one who rules all our relationships in every aspect of our lives. John let God s light and power shine through him and that is why he was successful in bringing others into faith or to renew their faith in God. It is God who sent the people to John at the Jordan River to be baptized and not John himself. Our success in this life is fully reliant on God, Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. We need to learn to listen to this blessed Trinity who has nothing but our wellbeing in this life and our salvation for the next life as their primary concern. So as summer approaches and some things in our lives slow down and we may be able to take vacation and relax, let us remember that as the days will be getting imperceptibly shorter, they will get shorter but the renewing love of God for the sake of Jesus on the cross will never shrink but remain stronger for each of us all day long whether the sun shines brightly for 14 hours or for 8 hours or even during the dark of night. The light of God s love glows brightly and unceasingly before us on the path he has chosen for us in this life and the next. Have a safe and blessed summer, Pastor Flavia

2 DON T MISS OUT... CATCH THESE DATES OF INTEREST! OTHER NOTES: Those of you who were here for Trinity Sunday were able to learn about the Holy Trinity icon loaned to us for the sermon illustration that day. We thank Fr. Kosmas Karavellas and the people of St. Constantine and Helena Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis for loan of the icon. If anyone is interested in seeing the icons adorning the sanctuary of St. Constantine and Helena Church, there will be tours of the sanctuary given by Fr. Kosmos during their Greek festival from Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5 th. The church is located at 2747 Riva Road in Annapolis. If you thought the icon was beautiful you should see it as inscribed in the sanctuary of the church along with the other icons used for telling the story of scripture in art. Schedule: Thursday, June 2nd 4-10pm Friday, & Saturday, June 3rd & 4th 11am-11pm Sunday, June 5th 11am 7pm TEMPLE TIMES: For those still interested in experiencing the way Jesus worshipped Temple B nai Israel will have their services at the following times in June: Saturday June 4 at 10AM Friday, June 10 at 7:30PM Saturday, June 18 at 10AM Friday, June 24 at 7:30-Shabbat in the Park (not at Temple) SAVE THE DATES: July 30- Day of Spirituality-Quiet day with God. Registration forms available outside the Pastor s Office. August Overnight at the church to observe the Perseid meteor shower followed by breakfast and the Liturgy using creation hymns from the hymnal. Volunteers will be needed to supply breakfast and evening snacks. June 2016 Newsletter Submission Monthly Offering Report The budget, unanimously approved by the congregation in January, requires annual offerings totaling $189,400. To meet this need our monthly offerings must average $15,783, or $3,642 per week. Our pattern of giving demonstrates fluctuations throughout the year with approximately 27% of total offerings given in November and December. As such the year-to-date (YTD) budget income shown below is projected from historical giving pattern. Each month we will share with you our progress toward our annual budget. Offerings Year to Date: April 2016 April Offerings YTD Budget 2016 YTD Actual 2016 Difference $8,668 $51,621 $45,538 ($6,083) Be joyful of the good works throughout our church and be thankful 2 for all the good things God has done for you.

3 The Edsall family wishes to express their gratitude to the congregation for the expressions of love and support over these last months. We appreciate the visits, cards, letters, text messages, and food given to us. We are especially grateful for the prayers for strength and healing and ask for continued prayers in the coming months. With love, Doug, Renee, Corey, Casey and Cameron Edsall. Congratulations to Darian and Holly Sump on the birth of their son, Bennett Edwin Sump, born May 14, 2016 at Easton Memorial Hospital. Bennett weighed 8lbs. 10oz. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CONFIRMANDS FOR 2016 MALLORY BRIANNE SHORT MADALYN ELIZABETH SAUCA May 15,

4 St. Paul s Sunday School 1st year Ella Barletta 5th year Couper Barletta 8th year Addison Rice Morgan Sauca 11th year Maddy Sauca 3rd year Corey Fisher 6th year Samantha Lewis 9th year Austin Spies Participation Declan Corley Liam Brown Natalie Norfolk Gavin Corley Riley Webster Olivia Brown Jared Lewis Sean Priest Alison Ward Dalton Brown Henry Spies JT Lewis 4th year Joshua Lewis Avery Rice 7th year Preston Rickwood Gavin Messick 10th year Colby Rickwood Teachers Meredith Lewis Stacie Rice Dottie Carroll Kim Corley Donna Stevens Mike Hiner Michelle Lewis Julie Hawley Annual Worship at Tuckahoe State Park Under the Pavilion June 5, 2016 beginning at 10am Lunch and recreational activities Please bring a covered dish or dessert to share, you may also bring chips or snacks, hamburgers and hot dogs and drinks will be provided. PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR FIRST SUNDAY FOOD DONA- TIONS TO THE PARK BRING THEM TO CHURCH NEXT WEEK JUNE 12 SERVICES WILL NOT BE HELD AT CHURCH ON JUNE 5 4

5 A QUIET DAY WITH GOD A" Quiet Day;" A Day to Spend in the Presence of God and One Another. We are called to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. When we love someone, we desire to spend time with them. We like to be in their company and share our lives with them. This "Quiet Day" will be an opportunity to experience and share some ways of spending time with God and with one another as a gathering of our Lord's beloved people. perhaps we will come away refreshed, renewed, and strengthened for continued service in God's name. Perhaps we will learn something about ourselves, about God, and about what God might be calling us to do and/or be. Perhaps we will be drawn into a deeper and more prayerful relationship with our Lord. Perhaps the Holy Spirit will surprise us! This day is being planned for a Saturday in the future. The Rev. Carol Fryer will guide us through this quiet time to help us explore our relationship with God. Speak to Pastor Flavia about this opportunity for a Saturday in the future. Watch the newsletter and bulletin for updates on date and time. Registration Sheets are outside the Pastor s office Colleen Davis graduated from Easton High School on Thursday May 26. She has been accepted to attend The Temple, a Paul Mitchell Partner School in Annapolis Maryland, where she will study cosmetology. Casey Edsall will graduated from Shenandoah University May 14, 2016 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Political Science. While at Shenandoah, Casey was on the Men s Lacrosse team for four years. He was also the General Manager of the Sport Business Club, a Student Athlete Advisory Committee member, and was on the Leadership and Mentoring Program advisory board, as well as being a mentee. Casey plans to pursue graduate studies at Shenandoah University in the fall, earning a Master s of Business Administration Degree. Joseph Hinch, graduated from the Anne Arundel County Police Academy on April 14th I have worked at the Anne Arundel County Fire Department for the last 11 years and was selected to become a Fire Marshal last August. I m now currently an investigator with the Bomb and Arson Investigation Unit. I had to attend the full police academy for 7 months because I have full police powers and carry a weapon in my new position. [Graduates Continued on page 6] 5

6 James T. Lewis (J.T.) is graduating from Queen Anne's County High School on June 3. He is also graduating from MFRI on May 26th from the vocational fire fighter program. After high school, J.T. plans on pursuing a career as a professional fire fighter. Catherine Pearson is graduating from Chesapeake College with a Paramedic Degree. She will be working with Talbot County DES (Department of Emergency Services). Donna Saathoff is graduating from Chesapeake College with a degree in Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant Management. Brendan August Shannon will graduate from Biglerville High School in Biglerville PA. He is the son of Mark and Kelly Behrens Shannon. He will attend Penn State in the fall Brendan is the grandson of Susan and Bill Behrens Mackenzie Short is graduating from North Caroline High School. She is planning to attend Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, Majoring in Health and Physical Education while continuing to play Soft Ball Henry Spies is graduating from Colonel Richardson High School, he is 4th in his class and has been accepted into the animal science program at the University of Maryland in the fall. Victoria Spies (Tori) is graduating in the top 3rd of her class from the United States Naval Academy and will be attending flight school in Pensacola Florida in August. Dear God of Creation, we ask your blessing on these young people as they enter a new period in their lives of faith. Bless them and grant them your gifts: joy as they live among your faithful people; 6 openness in hearing your Word and thankfulness in sharing your Supper; eagerness in sharing the good news of Christ through their words and actions; dedication in serving all people following the example of the Lord Jesus; and a hunger for justice and peace. Amen.

7 CALENDAR June 1-3 Synod Assembly Ocean City MD June 5 Outdoor Worship Tuckahoe 10am June 9 Council Meeting 7pm June 12 Baptism June 14 Bible Study 9am June 21 Sit-n-Stitch at Diane Miller 10am With lunch. June 23 Fellowship Hall in use/dinner- Barry Reusing June 23 Mutual Ministry 7pm June 25 Wedding Kim Spragg-Joe Hinch June 28 Bible Study 9am LOCAL OUTREACH DONATIONS FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH We need volunteers for the Shelter, if you can Help see Mike Hiner for information. JUNE 5 WORSHIP - 10am TUCKAHOE PARK UNDER PAVILION LUNCH TO FOLLOW BRING COVERD DISH OR DESSERT Church Calendar Scheduling: If you would like to schedule a church event (either an event to be held at church or a church-sponsored event), please contact Fay Sauca in the church office to confirm the availability of the date, and to ensure that your event is on the Master Calendar. An electronic version of our congregation s Master Calendar is always available online on our website at BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH 06/01 Renee Pearson 06/02 Brooke Dudrow 06/03 Sam Pearson 06/05 Gavin Messick 06/06 Michelle Lewis 06/07 Emily Grinavic 06/08 Samuel Sauca 06/08 Thomas Sinnott 06/19 Michael Anne Hiner 06/19 Brian Walston 06/21 Eric Bridge 06/21 Daniel Fisher 06/23 Karen Brown 06/23 Mark Sump 06/24 Brandon Dudrow 06/26 Paul Blades 06/27 Howard Burr 06/28 Dalton Brown 06/29 Bryan Hollingsworth 06/29 Sue Ann Kaufman 06/30 Victoria Spies DON T FORGET, WHEN YOU ARE AWAY FROM HOME BE SURE TO HAVE A PICTURE TAKEN WITH YOUR ST. PAUL S T-SHIRTS ON! THIS SPRING WE WILL COLLECT, PICTURES AND SEE JUST WHERE ST. PAUL S NAME WAS SEEN!!!! You ll Be Surprised! 06/01 Dorothy & Steve Carroll 06/04 Jamie & Michelle Lewis 06/05 Kevin & Angela Webster 06/09 Betty Jean & Dale Mumford 06/19 Richard & Donna Faulkner 06/20 Bill & Sandy Cep 06/20 Molly & Matthew Rusch 06/21 Mark & Vicki Sump 06/22 Donald & Kathleen Davis 06/23 Karen & Kevin Brown 06/27 Barry & Ruth Reusing 06/30 Else & Edward Ross 7

8 ACOLYTES CRUCIFERS June 5 Picnic-None Picnic None June 12 Austin Spies June 19 Riley Webster Colleen Davis June 26 Austin Spies Acolytes and Crucifers, if you cannot serve on your Sunday, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND SOMEONE TO SWITCH WITH so we will have coverage in church on Sunday. LECTORS June 5 Picnic June 12 Michelle Lewis June 19 Diane Miller June 26 Marian Davis [Lectors, please be sure to adjust and use the microphone in the pulpit when reading so that Everyone can hear the readings.] June 5 June 12 June 19 June 26 Picnic Mike & Terri Hiner Carl & Fay Sauca Lyn & Hayden Hollingsworth COMMUNION ASSISTANTS June 5 Bobby Saathoff June 19 Hank Spies June 5 June 12 June 19 June 26 Picnic Mike & Terri Hiner Carl & Sam Sauca Kevin Webster & Gordon Behrens Marian Davis ALTAR FLOWERS June 5 Picnic June 12 Bev Ward June 19 Molly Rusch June 26 Joe & Kim Hinch IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO USHER AND CANNOT SERVE, MIKE HINER, GEORGE SCHNOOR, DIANA HURD AND MARIAN DAVIS HAVE AGREED TO BE SUBSTITUTES. PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THEM. ALSO, IF YOU ARE A SCHEDULED LECTOR AND CANNOT SERVE, ROBERT SAATHOFF AND BETTY JEAN MUMFORD AND MIKE HINER HAVE AGREED TO SUBSTITUTEOR CONTACT ANOTHER PERSON ON THE SCHEDULE. 8

9 The Talbot County 4H Fair will be coming up soon July 9. We will again be having the cake wheel Wednesday through Friday starting at 5pm and there are still baked items left. We are looking for to supervise for an evening and also need help with running the event each evening. If you can help please see Marian Davis or call her at The proceeds will be used toward youth activities. We will receive matching funds up to $300 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans which this is the last year that they are doing this. We are also looking for donations for the wheel each evening either by donating baked items or donating cake mixes, eggs, etc. from July 6 through COMING SOON! each evening Saturday afternoon if someone The change collected for the Noisy Change Offering to support The ELCA World Hunger Program, has been counted! The grand total collected Pastor Flavia will take a check in this amount to the Synod Convention on June 1st as a contribution from St. Paul s Lutheran Church, Cordova. Thank you to all who contributed to the Noisy Change Offering! $ SIT-n-STITCH GROUP Last Stitching Meeting Before Summer Break will be held at Diane Miller s home Drapers Mill Rd Greensboro MD Tuesday, June 21 at 10:30am with a light lunch to follow. Need Directions? Call Diane Miller Attending the ELCA Synod Convention in Ocean City, June 2-4 with Pastor Flavia will be Diana Hurd and Mike Hiner. Happy Father s Day JUNE 19 9

10 BIBLE STUDY MEETS THE SECOND AND FOURTH TUESDAYS OF EACH MONTH AT THE CHURCH AT 9 am. Come enjoy good company and bring your favorite morning drink! June 14, 2016 Isaiah 65:1-9 Psalm 22:19-28 Galatians 3:23-29 Luke 8:26-39 June 28, 2016 Isaiah 66:10-14 Psalm 66:1-9 Galatians 6:[1 6] 7-16 Luke 10:1-11, OUR CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEMBERS Council 2016 Pastor Flavia Skilbred pastor@stpaulscordova.org President Fred Meers fcmeers@comcast.net Vice President Bobbie Leaverton rleaverton219@gmail.com Treasurer Sam Sauca sam@asg-cpas.com Secretary Lyn Hollingsworth laph@goeaston.net Financial Secretary Bill Behrens bbehrens@goeaston.net Evangelism Cindy Spies cindyspies4@yahoo.com Social Ministry Robert Saathoff rsaathoff40@gmail.com Stewardship Donna Stevens donna.stevens@shbi.com Worship Betty Jean Mumford bettyjmumford@hotmail.com Christian Education Darian Sump dsump@sumpassociates.com Property Keith Davis kwdavisinc@gmail.com Memorial Day is the day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.... Memorial Day is the day to visit the cemetery's where relatives are buried. Thank you to Skip Miller for placing the American Flags on the graves of Our Veterans who are buried in St. Paul s Cemetery. Flags were place for Ferdinand Asche, Edwin Fisher, William Marth, Emil Ludwig Behrens Otto C. Behrens and William Davis. If you know of any other Veterans that are buried in St. Paul s Cemetery, please contact the church and give us the names, we would like to keep a record of those veterans that are buried at St. Paul s 10

11 Members of St. Paul s: Bettie Goddard, Dale Mumford, Jean Evans, Frances Blades, Robert and Charlotte Horner, Bruce Leaverton, Doug Edsall, Warren Burr, Edith Roe, Ruth Reusing, Edward and Else Ross, Donnie Davis and Margaret Asche, Brandon Dudrow, and Robert Saathoff. Friends of St. Paul s: Katelyn Howard, Michael Mumford (son of Dale & Betty Jean Mumford), Jim Lewis (father-in- law of Meredith Lewis & Michelle Lewis), Darren Leonard, Ursula Mosley, Michael Eaton (brother of Rosemary Spies.), Jan Falcey, Mike Quinn, Barbara Cheezum, and the family and friends of Bill Cheezum who passed away. Grant Harrison, Brenda Brennan (daughter of Skip and Diane Miller), Lou Pryor, John Rickwood, Adam Schauber (father of Dottie Carroll), Terry Kimbles, Lauren Prete, Erin Bartz, Don Finch, J. C. Lewis, and Francis Barletta (father of Rocco Barletta), Hayden Hutchison and the family of Lyn Hollingsworth on the death of Lyn s brother. Those serving in the military, Dash Asche, Hunter Priest and Victoria Spies. 11 SUMMER JUNE 20 th

12 St. Paul s Lutheran Church Blades Road, P.O. Box 368 Cordova MD Please inform the church office of any changes in your personal information: Address, phone number, marriage or divorce, or new births so that we can keep our records up-to-date. St. Paul s Lutheran Church Sunday Worship begins at 9:00 am Vertrau auf Gott! (Trust in God) Pastor: Rev. Dr. Flavia Skilbred: Home: Cell: pastor@stpaulscordova.org Choir Director and Organist Julie Hawley Secretary: Fay Sauca Office Phone: Office Fax: Cell: Office info@stpaulscordova.org Office Hours: Tue. Wed. & Thurs. 10:00-3:00 12