Volume 23, Issue 12 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church December Advent Waiting?

Transcription

1 The Parishioner Volume 23, Issue 12 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church December 2018 Advent Waiting? Waiting. We re not very good at it anymore. Maybe we never were. But in this instant-everything, right-now age, in which we live, we tend to get frustrated and impatient if we have to wait for any length of time. People will visit a website less often if it is slower than a close competitor by more than two hundred and fifty milliseconds. That s.25 seconds. Way too long for any sane person to wait. Right? Waiting feels like time wasted. And who can afford to waste time these days? We all have too much to do and every second counts. Right? I thought about as I was among the 37,000 customers without electric power, heat, water, etc. at our home for a little over four days. Winter storm Avery which had swept through the area a week before Thanksgiving left thousands without power waiting, hoping that the power would be back on that day, and then the next day came, and the day after that... We waited. While just a minor inconvenience, for most of us apart from the elderly and ill, many good things happened. Neighbors helped neighbors. People opened up their homes to one another, churches and public buildings become warming centers to serve anyone in need. One of my neighbors came to our house with his chain saw to work hours cutting up large limbs that had broken off trees in our yard, First Responders from in town and out of the community worked overtime to help get the power back on. Waiting seemed to bring out the best in so many and helped many of us to appreciate what we often take for granted. AND THAT BRINGS ME TO ADVENT, A SEASON OF HOPEFUL WAITING. I think the Advent Season is a good opportunity for us to think differently about time. Waiting is important! God made His people wait for centuries before He fulfilled His promise to them in sending the Messiah. And we have been waiting many more centuries since for the final fulfillment of God s redemptive promises in Jesus Second Coming. Why all the waiting? I can t answer that question for sure. (I try to be very careful when answering Why? questions when it come to God.) At the very least, though, the waiting reminds us that this is God s story, His plan. We are reminded He is in control and we are not the center of the Universe. He will fulfill His promises when the time is right. In the meantime know that waiting on the Lord is never a waste of time. Waiting in trust, preparing once again to be embraced by the God of Christmas reminds us that how we use our time is important. Time is something we never get back, once it is gone it s gone. Cont. Page 2 The Parishioner 1

2 Advent waiting reminds us to pay attention and use our time well be alert to what is really important in life. Be forgiving, confess your own errors. Be forgiving of yourself, your family, and one another. No one is perfect. Mistakes are going to happen. Reflect, listen, be silent a few moments each day; through your confession, repentance and prayers prepare the way of the Lord. Set aside the wrong and uplift one another and yourself to the Lord! There are neighbors to be helped, those who need to be forgiven, people who are troubled, strangers to be welcomed SO THAT THE LIGHT OF GOD MAY SHINE FORTH UPON US ALL. Advent is a season of reflective waiting. We get distracted by so many things. The Church asks us to prepare the way for Christ at Christmas so we do not miss the Lord as He comes to us in the here and now. We celebrate the first arrival of Jesus some 2,000 years ago. Yes. But more than that, Christmas is about the Lord coming in the present and in the future. May we wait in joyful expectation for the Christ Child is among us. God Bless You this Christmas Season and in the New Year. In Christ s Love, Pastor Al Towberman New Member Sunday December 9, 2018 We welcomed the following new members on Sunday, December 9 th Faye Hohn Amy Wonderling Linda Jarrett Coleton Wonderling Harper Henricks Financial Giving for 2018 Deadline for Contributions Showing on Your Charitable Giving for the Year. Please know that Friday, December 28 th is your last opportunity to make a financial contribution to St. Mark s in order for it to appear on your 2018 Charitable Giving Report for your 2018 income tax deductions. Thank You for your continued generous support of the ministry of Christ at St. Mark s. Together and through your support, we are carrying out the mission of Christ to our world so much in need of Christ s love and mercy. The Parishioner 2

3 Christmas Eve Services December 24 th 4:30 ~ 7:30 ~ 11:00 PM Join us for Christmas Eve Services 4:30 Family Communion Service Christmas Prelude begins at 4:00 PM Special Music by Sanctuary Choir Holy Communion by Intinction Favorite Christmas Hymns Children s Message Candle Lighting Nursery Provided Christmas Eve Sermon ~~ A Savior Born For You! Luke 2:11 7:30 Festival Candlelight Communion Service Christmas Prelude begins at 7:00 PM Special Music by Sanctuary Choir Holy Communion by Intinction 11:00 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service St. Mark s Chapel Holy Communion at the Altar INVITE YOUR FAMILY.. BRING A FRIEND!! The Parishioner 3

4 It s that time again! Decorating the Sanctuary and Chapel for Christmas! It will be a little different this year with new Christmas trees (no more tables) and new window decorations (no more wires). Mark December 9 th on your calendar and come help decorate following the 10:15 worship service. The Staff of St. Mark s Lutheran Church Wishes You a Christmas Filled with God s Love Pastor: Rev. Dr. Alden Towberman Aaron Ministers: Robert Niggel & William Oehlshlager Director of Music Bell Choir Director Ralph Christy Jr. & Assistant Organist Organist Rebecca Veith Dr. Regina Kettering Sextons Treasurer John Lingenfelter Sherry Young Larry Rettig Financial Secretary Toni Tassey Director of Children/Youth Ministry & Children s Hour Director: Darcie Pomykata Administrative Assistants: Mary Ellen Tack & Vicki Schiffer The Parishioner 4

5 Family Christmas Program The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! St. Mark s Family Christmas Party/Pageant was held in Schramm Hall on Sunday afternoon December 2 nd. It was a throwback to the old days! We were packed! It was estimated that the crowd numbered between in attendance. Chairs had to be brought up from downstairs as well as attentional tables. People needed to be seated in the balcony because of the crowd was so large. The program included the presentation of the Best Christmas Pageant Ever by the children and teachers of St. Mark s Sunday School and St. Mark s Children s Hour. Joanne Lozier played as we sang favorite Christmas Carols. Other events included adults and children doing the Reindeer Hokey Pokey and a children s sharing of Christmas joy entertaining on stage with bells and drums. Christmas cookies and pizza were enjoyed by all. Families being together, the love of God and each other, friendships being renewed or begun, the gift of Jesus Presence known among us - Thanks to Youth Director Darcie Pomykata and the many other leaders and parents who helped to share the Good News of the Gospel, the Gift of the Christ Child to us all. Pastor Al Towberman Annual Meeting On November 11 th we held St. Mark s Annual Congregation Meeting. Thanks to everyone who attended. It was a good meeting followed by strong majority votes of approval on all issues before the congregation. Congratulations to: Ronald Atkison, Judy Minehart, William Oehlschlager, Chas Tanner were elected to the Church Council. Congratulations to Alma Atkison and Karen Cooper elected to the Nominating Committee. All proposed changes to the Constitution were approved. St. Mark s budget for 2019 was approved as recommended by the Church Council by a vote of: 101 (Yes), 9 (No), 2 (Abstain) Results of the balloting are posted at our SMLC Information Center. Eve Bible Study Eve Bible Study will meet on Thursday, December 20 th at the Butler Country Club at 11:30 a. m. for a Christmas brunch and devotions. The Parishioner 5

6 Christmas Lessons and Carols December 29-30, 2018 On Saturday and Sunday Services December we will gather at St. Mark s for Services of Lessons and Carols. Hear the story of the birth of Jesus and His Presentation in the Temple as we sing the songs of Christmas. Epiphany Worship Service Saturday & Sunday January 5-6, Faith Sharing Event Church Council Installed Frankincense & Myrrh will be incensed for the Epiphany Service Notes from Bill Oehlschlager The next meeting of St. Mark s Men s Group will be Saturday, January 5 th at 8:00 am in the Church Lounge. In 2019 we will be watching and discussing a DVD titled How Should We Then Live, Dr. Francis Schaeffer s sweeping epic on the rise and decline of Western thought and culture. Each episode focuses on a significant era, yet speaks clearly to the 21 st century man with answers to modern problems. Thinking About New Years Resolutions! How about being more active in sharing your faith with others? On Sunday, January 6 th, 9:00-10:00 am, the Evangelism Committee invites all adults and teens to a Sharing Your Faith workshop in Fellowship Hall. The workshop will be led by St. Mark s member, Bill Oehlschlager, who has lead this workshop for congregations coast to coast, as well as at several Lutheran and Anglican Church Convocations. God s Peace and Blessings, Bill The Parishioner 6

7 Christmas and New Year Events December 11:15 a.m.: 4F Dinner / Bake Sale ~ Stuffed Pork Chop Dinner December 4:30 p.m.: Family Christmas Program December 11:15 a.m.: Hanging of the Greens New Christmas Trees and new window decorations! December 11:30 a.m.: Eve Bible Study will meet for their Christmas Brunch and devotions at the Butler Country Club. Please turn in your reservations in to Anne Ferguson. December 24: Come and celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ at one of St. Mark s Worship Services 4:30 p.m. ~ Christmas Eve Family Service 7:30 p.m. ~ Christmas Eve Festival Service 11:00 p.m. ~ Christmas Eve Service ALL services will be Candle Light services with Holy Communion December 29-30: Christmas Lessons and Carols Saturday and Sunday Services January 6, 2019: Epiphany Services New Years Resolutions Faith Sharing Event 2019 Church Council Installed The Parishioner 7

8 JESUS Overnight Tour May 14-15, 2019 Tuesday and Wednesday I want you to know that we made it through Hurricane Michael with many prayers. It will take months for this whole area to recover, but people are helping people. The park where I live are being called to venture out. My place is just one of 735 units. The roofs, metal patio awnings, skirting around the park model home, and other outside damages are being repaired. It is comforting to have our electricity, water, and mail delivery back again. I miss being at home in Butler with my family and friends. I am thinking about St. Mark s and really appreciate the weekly mailings. Sincerely, Carole Fibick Dear Robert and Vera ~ I want to let you know how much I enjoyed being your Tour Director visiting the Creation Museum and the Ark. experience meeting you, Vera and the many passengers from many different churches and openly express our love for the Lord. I hope we have the opportunity of meeting you both in the future. Diane Walker St. Mark s Church Evangelism Committee is planning an overnight tour to Lancaster, PA to see the Jesus presentation at the Millennial Theater (Sight & Sound) and Ovation, a review of the music of the best-known singers and musicians of the twentieth century at the American Music Theater. Tickets include Transportation, admission to both events, lodging, dinner and breakfast, tour director and gratuities. Lunch will be at the Kitchen Kettle Village on your own. *Further information and sign-up sheet are on the table near the elevator. A Special Thank You to everyone who gave a Christmas Gift to the Children and Youth at It was a wonderful Glade Run Lutheran Services! ~You made their Christmas a little merrier ~ Serving Christ Together St. Mark s Staff & Council Officers Ministers The People of St. Mark s Senior Pastor Pastor Towberman Parish Administrator Mary Ellen Tack Admin. Assistant Vicki Schiffer Dir. Children/Youth Ministry Darcie Pomykata Sextons John Lingenfelter/Larry Rettig Aaron Ministers Robert Niggel/ Wm. Oehlschlager Director of Music Ralph Christy Jr. Organist Dr. Regina Kettering Asst. Organist/Bell Choir Rebecca Veith Children s Hour Director Darcie Pomykata Katie s Kitchen Director Loretta Bachman Council President Elaine Walker Council Vice President Gretchen Pink A Special Thank You to everyone who gave a Christmas Gift to the Children & Youth at Glade Run Lutheran Services! ~ You made their Christmas a little merrier ~ The Parishioner 8

9 Confirmation Youth The month of December is important for all our Confirmation Youth in serving others and in helping with Sunday Advent worship services. Parents... Please do your best to have your youth to class and to our Confirmation Class Christmas Caroling to the homebound and to helping to serve Christmas Dinner at Katie's Kitchen. As busy as we all are, growing our kids to make for serving the poor in heart and the hungry is a big part of who we are as Christians. We want our youth to learn the joy of giving -- the true spirit of Christmas and being a follower of Christ Jesus. Each of our Confirmation Youth will have a small part in leading one of our Advent worship services. The youth and their family (or a parent) will come forward at one of the 10:15 am Sunday Advent Services to have a part in the Advent Wreath Blessing for the Sunday they are assigned. (Sunday Advent Service Dates: December 2, 9, 16 and 23). December Schedule + Sunday, December 2nd Because St. Mark's Family Christmas Party has been scheduled at 4:30 pm, Confirmation Class will meet from 3:30-4:30 pm. **Take sermon notes at one of the weekend services, December 1-2; notes turned in at class. + Sunday, December 16th Confirmation Class meets 4:30-5:30 pm followed by dinner at the church and Christmas Caroling to the homebound from 6:00-8:30 pm. + Thursday, December 20th Confirmation Youth will help serve Christmas Dinner and Christmas Carol at Katie's Kitchen 4:30-6:00 pm CONFIRMATION CLASS CHRISTMAS BREAK CONFIRMATION CLASS RESUMES, SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 The Parishioner 9

10 Christmas Card List As you send out your Christmas greetings, please remember these St. Mark s members. Chicora Medical Center 160 Medical Center Road Chicora, PA Margaret Tarcha Call the office for current address: Concordia Lutheran Ministries 134 Marwood Road Cabot, PA Larry & Shirley Stewart Rm 1936 Concordia at The Orchard 104 Concordia Way, Butler, PA Millie Sutton Rm 101 Jean Bachman Lois Cochran Kathleen Eichenauer Carole Fibick Mary Anita Gamberoni Donna Gold Madaline Golec Sandra Linaberger LaVaune Matuszewski Esther Marie Miller Leila Protzman Shirley Protzman Katherine Rapp Yva Schoerner Dorothy Shakely Joyce Voland Mary Lou Wagner Hilda Zorb Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 107 Sunnyview Circle Butler, PA James Barnhart Rm 204 Pastor Rev. Dr. Alden and Rev. Sandy Towberman 105 Blackthorn Drive Butler, PA Year end contributions for 2018 that are mailed need to be in the office by Friday, December 28th in order to receive credit on your 2018 offering statement. The offering for Sunday, December 30 th will be included in next year s offering. The Parishioner 10

11 The Parishioner 11

12 St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church 201 West Jefferson Street Butler, Pennsylvania Phone: Fax: Website: 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 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 92 BUTLER, PA December December 2, 2018 ~ 4F Dinner/Bake Sale December 2, 2018 ~ Hanging of the Greens December 2, 2018 ~ Family Christmas Program December 13, 2018 ~ Eve Bible Study Christmas Brunch December 16, 2018 ~ Youth Christmas Caroling December 24, 2018 ~ 4:30, 7:30, 11:00 pm Christmas Eve Services December 25, 2018 ~ CHRISTMAS December 26, 2018 ~ OFFICE CLOSED December 30, 2018 ~ Lessons & Carols Services A Congregation of the North American Lutheran Church The Parishioner 12