St. Michael s Lutheran Church, Quiggleville ELCA

Transcription

1 St. Michael s Lutheran Church, Quiggleville ELCA 1877 Saint Michaels Road Cogan Station PA Office telephone: (570) , smlcq1877@gmail.com Reverend David M. Byerly Pastor s cell phone: (570) , dmbyerly58@gmail.com An Invitation to you St. Michael s invites you to join us. Our doors are open to all, every Sunday at 9:30am for Sunday School and at 10:45am for worship. We welcome friends and neighbors to participate in any mission, outreach, and social events. You are already a part of our church family so come enjoy faith and fellowship with us, anytime. Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany DECEMBER 10 - Second Sunday in Advent: 1:30pm Caroling our homebound members and friends; Parish Life lasagna dinner back at the church at 5PM. DECEMBER 17 - Third Sunday of Advent: 9:30am Sunday School Christmas program Brian LeBlanc will lead hymn sing as he shares the Nativity told through Joseph s perspective. DECEMBER 24 - Fourth Sunday in Advent: Sunday School carols with lessons; worship service at 10:45am. 8:30pm Special music; 9:00pm Candlelight worship Service, led by Pastor David Byerly. DECEMBER 31 First Sunday after Christmas: 9:30am Sunday School lessons and 10:45am Worship Service JANUARY 7 Epiphany Sunday: 9:30am Sunday School lessons and 10:45am Worship Service On Facebook as St. Michael s Lutheran Church in Quiggleville, ELCA and online at 1

2 Please keep in your prayers: The family and friends of Henry Snyder, member of St. Michael s Lutheran Church, who passed away on October 27, The family and friends of Carolyn Tallman, member of St. Matthew, who passed away on November 21, The family and friends of Nicky Stahl, former member of St. Michael s Lutheran Church, who passed away on November 13, Those serving in the military and their families: Clay Miller, Todd Hughes, Marissa Patterson, and Oliver Barbour Those ill, recovering, or in other need: Coty Earnest Tara Fry-Pittinger Terry Kennedy Ruth Remick Vonda Roles Christopher Stahl Steve Davis Ronda Webster Judy Evans Teresa Bartley Denny Marshall For Liberia: Vicky Livermore Sue Baylor Debbie Pina Ruth Fry Carl Fry Krrin Shick Nancy Reeder NancyShires Paul Fantaskey Joyce Davis Charmaine Artley Jane Heinlen Kari St. James Pavlina Hopkins Fran Hudson Shirley Moon Doug Fink Joan Falkroad Dawn Magargle Laura Welteroth Kelly Deland Brianna Pittinger Donny Koch Stephanie Shank Anna Brocco Millie Moyer Jaden Hornberger its people and leaders, and for the safe travels of Sandy Nelson. Liberian prayer petitions are prepared and sent by the Upper Susquehanna Synod Liberia Committee. Prayers for the rest of this year are available on the synod website. And for the other congregations of the Lycoming Lutheran Trinity: St. Matthew, Newberry Church of the Redeemer, Williamsport 2

3 One year in covenant Last January, we called the Reverend David Byerly to pastor three local Lutheran congregations, through a covenant of the Upper Susquehanna Synod: St. Michael s in Cogan Station (Quiggleville), St. Matthew in Newberry, and Church of the Redeemer in Williamsport. Each congregation, through its Council, entered into a covenant, promising to commit to this bond in faith. Let us prayerfully contemplate our journey together thus far, and look forward to all that is to come as we continue to Be Church, Together. The pastor will: 1. Pray regularly, study scripture and listen to God s voice in leading all three congregations. 2. Grow in discipleship and in personal financial stewardship. 3. Assisted by the Office of the Bishop, develop a plan to help the members of the congregation to grow in faith, discipleship and missional outreach. 4. Include others in leadership and equip them to use their gifts for mission. 5. Make creative use of all services of worship for the purpose of inviting new disciples. 6. During the second and third years of this covenant, to help the congregations develop a plan for outreach and sharing the Gospel with neighbors and the surrounding community. 7. Continue to learn and grow into his gifts as a pastor and evangelist through reading, workshops, and practice. 8. Submit quarterly reports to the Congregation Council and annual reports to the Office of the Bishop. 9. Participate with leadership in council meetings and other meetings vital to the congregations vision for ministry. 10. Nurture a sense of harmony and a sense of hope for the future for all three congregations. Council/Leadership Teams will: 1. Commit to regular prayer, study of scripture and good financial stewardship practices as leaders in the church. 2. Commit to prayer and God s Word as a starting point for all meetings and work together. 3. Lead in fostering a climate of goodwill, suppressing gossip and negativity in the three congregation partnership and within each congregation which might derail the mission of evangelism and community outreach. 4. Serve as a positive, visionary and advisory group rather than a negative, gate-keeping group. 5. The congregation councils may appoint a Renewal/Transformational Ministry Team to work alongside the pastor and congregations in the work of renewal and transformation. 6. Leadership teams of all three congregations will seek to support the pastor in his ministry. 7. The leaders of each congregation will have a common commitment to strengthening their ongoing ministries and to also look for new opportunities for mission as they live into their call to serve Christ and his Kingdom always. 8. Provide short written reports on the leadership s work quarterly to each congregation. Office of the Bishop will: 1. Commit to a strong devotional and prayer life that includes prayer for the renewal of ministry in these congregations. 2. Provide opportunities for ongoing training, peer support, and coaching throughout the process. 3. Meet at least twice a year with the pastor and lay leadership to review, evaluate and support this ministry. 4. Review the ministry annually with the Executive Team of the Upper Susquehanna Synod Council. 3

4 You are invited to a Free Community Dinner Thursday, December 14, 2017, Redeemer Lutheran (1101 Washington Blvd. in Williamsport) will be serving a dinner at 5:30 p.m. Arrive early and enjoy the peace and warmth of the sanctuary, open 5:00-5:30 p.m. for prayer and meditation. There is also an outside stairway to the Social Hall. All are welcome to attend. You are invited to help Daniel's Closet, Redeemer s free clothing ministry, will be open Saturday, December 16 from 9:00am -11:00am. This month, in addition to the free clothing, coats, and usual items they offer, a special holiday store will be set up to allow families to select a gift for members this Christmas. Donations of clean, gently used or new clothing, shoes, coats, etc. and any NEW toys, children s books, and Christmas present-type items for children may be dropped off on Thursday, December 14, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Please use the outside stairway to the Social Hall. If you are able to help set up for the event, please come to the Social Hall at Redeemer on Thursday, December 14 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Watch for announcements online (Lycoming Lutheran Trinity page on Facebook) and in the church bulletins for the January dates for Daniel s Closet. They need clean, seasonal items, especially for the upcoming cold-weather months. Thank you! Christmas At Sea Satchels Thanks to the work and generosity of all three congregations, we filled 47 bags for sailors served by the Seafarers International House and ministry in New York city this Christmas. Think of these men and keep them in your prayers every time you shop; much of what we buy is part of international trade and comes by way of containerships manned by these dedicated sailors. 4

5 Advent & Christmas Worship Schedule with the Lycoming Lutheran Trinity December 3, first Sunday in Advent Pastor Byerly will lead morning worship at St. Matthew and at St. Michael s; ALWL Barbara Horn will lead worship at Redeemer. December 10, second Sunday in Advent Pastor Byerly will lead morning worship at St. Matthew and at Redeemer; ALWL Peggy Bohart will lead worship at St. Michael s. December 17, third Sunday in Advent Pastor Byerly will lead morning worship at St. Matthew and at St. Michael s; ALWL Barbara Horn will lead worship at Redeemer. December 24, fourth Sunday in Advent Pastor Byerly will lead morning worship at St. Matthew and at Redeemer; ALWL Peggy Bohart will lead worship at St. Michael s. CHRISTMAS EVE services, December 24: The Lycoming Lutheran Trinity will hold two candlelight services on Sunday, the 24 th, to celebrate Christmas Eve. The first, around 6pm, will be held at St. Matthew in Newberry. The second, at St. Michael s, will begin at 9:00pm, with special music offerings beginning at 8:30pm. All members, friends, family, and communities are warmly invited to attend either or both! December 31 Regular morning worship services will be held at each of the three congregations; the leaders to be announced. Please pray for the Trinity covenant churches daily! We seek discernment in answering how we are called in God s name to serve our communities as we serve God. 5

6 Worship & Music New calendar year With the first Sunday of Advent, we began a new liturgical year. The ELCA lectionary is now in Year B in the three-year cyclical rotation. There will be a focus on the Gospel of Mark, as well as readings from the Gospel of John. Our Old Testament readings will be semi-continuous and share the lessons of the covenant of David, among other histories of faith. In worship, during the season of Advent, we will be using Setting Three in the ELW hymnal; January 31, we move to Setting Four. You are invited to the table Weekly Communion Soon, Holy Communion will be celebrated every Sunday at St. Michael s Lutheran Church. This means that congregants will have the opportunity to partake in the Lord s Supper any Sunday they are able to attend. In 1997, 20 years ago, the ELCA adopted The Use of the Means of Grace, for guidance and practice which considered the following in this decision to include communion with every Sunday service: The Holy Communion is celebrated weekly. According to the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Lutheran congregations celebrate the Holy Communion every Sunday and festival. This confession remains the norm for our practice. The Church celebrates the Holy Communion frequently because the Church needs the sacrament, the means by which the Church s fellowship is established and its mission as the baptized people of God is nourished and sustained. This practice was reaffirmed in 1989 by the ELCA. We continue to need consistent pastoral encouragement and instruction related to Holy Communion, pointing up Christ s command, his promise and our deep need. For a variety of historical reasons, Lutherans in various places moved away from the weekly celebration of the sacrament. Participation in the sacramental meal is by invitation, not demand. The members of this church are encouraged to make the sacrament a frequent rather than an occasional part of their lives. Although this is a change to what many at our church are used to now, weekly communion was once the norm. Furthermore, understanding the Means of Grace and practice better may answer many questions or concerns individuals have. Pastor Byerly encourages anyone to speak with him to sit and talk with and listen to anyone who has reservations about our move to weekly communion at St. Michael s Lutheran Church. He is also considering a class on Holy Communion, if that is something people would like. Please let him know. We move to weekly communion beginning with Easter Sunday. Choir Music is one of the most fundamental and enjoyable ways we worship. Our choir is made up of volunteers and can fluctuate week to week. Enjoy the extra voices during this season and consider adding yours. Singing in the choir can be a wonderful opportunity to participate in the service! Practices are usually held Monday evenings, at 6:30pm. Check your bulletin for the following week s rehearsal time, or speak with Holly or Regina. Our choir (and others) recently joined the Quiggleville community at the Lycoming Methodist Charge s annual church Night of Music. They also will be caroling for our homebound and local nursing home residents. Look for photos on Facebook, or better yet, join in! 6

7 Christian Education Rally Day & Reformation Book Fair As part of our commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther s public call for discussing the 95 theses, which sparked the Lutheran Reformation, we held an Augsburg Book Fair and celebrated Christian Education! Recognition of students, teachers, and lifelong members was given. Confirmation On Christ the King Sunday, Bishop Barbara Collins joined Pastor David Byerly in confirming our Daisy (Deirdre) and Emma. We are so proud and blessed to have these young women among our church members. (More photos online) Advent Lessons Advent Wreaths were made on the first Sunday of Advent. 7

8 Hanging the Greens Following worship on December 3, the church was decorated for the Advent Season. And after, everyone enjoyed the fellowship and good food of a pizza lunch. Sunday, December 10 Caroling! Friends and singers of all ages (and pitch), join us as we visit our homebound members, local nursing homes, and any others who request Christmas carols be sung at their homes. Meet at St. Michael s in the parking lot at 1:30 pm. From there we can carpool. Please plan to return to the Fellowship Hall around 5pm for Parish Life s delicious, hot lasagna supper. Sunday, December 17 special Christmas program Brian LeBlanc will lead a special Christmas program retelling the nativity story from Joseph s perspective. An audience is needed to sing the many accompanying hymns. Please join us. Sunday, December 24 Christmas Hymn Sing Holly and Heather will select a variety of Christmas carols, with brief histories of each; everyone gets to SING! Come learn how we tell the story of Advent and Christmas with music. Cookies, coffee and tea will energize us. Sunday, December 31 to be determined. Watch for announcements. Daily Devotion The Word In Season daily devotions based on ELCA lectionary and published by Augsburg fortress are available to all. Help yourself to one from the countertop in the Fellowship Hall. Giving & outreach In November, during Sunday School opening, attendees voted to donate $100 to Church of the Redeemer s Daniel s Closet mission project, which provides small gifts for those in need to give to their families; all agreed also to donate $200 to the church for Heat&Light. Nursing Home Service Peggy Bohart led volunteers in a song service for Manor Care North, on November 26. Look for opportunities in 2018 to bring love and worship to our elders. This is a mission that means so much to these residents. The next Christian Education meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 14, 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Join us as we plan Lenten study, Easter observances, and ideas for Mother s Day. Brrrr... The cold weather has returned and the heat registers have been turned on for the winter. Please keep EVERYTHING away from the baseboards and make sure doors and windows are closed. Thank you. 8

9 The Women of the ELCA at St. Michael s invite you to a Christmas Dinner The ladies invite everyone to a festive supper in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, December 12, at 6PM. The cost is $12.50 to cover the catering. RSVP deadline has passed, so please call Peggy Bohart directly if you would like to check on adding your number to the guest list. Council The St. Michael s Council meets on the third Thursday of the month, making the next two meetings December 15 and January 19, 7PM. Annual Congregational Meeting and Potluck: January 21 The annual St. Michael s meeting and potluck luncheon will follow worship on January 21 in the Fellowship Hall following our morning worship service. Please have your organization reports to Sandy Barnes by January 14. You are invited to give Every month, a portion of the offerings taken during worship are donated to selected ministries our church has committed to supporting. The December Mission is Shepherd of the Streets, and in January it is Food & Fuel Bank (Hepburn Lycoming Ministerium). You can earmark extra funds to these organizations by designating the portion of your offering on the weekly envelope, on the special offering line. Also, consider picking up extra groceries and placing nonperishable items in the Big Blue Buckets in the sanctuary, by the community bulletin board. Donations go to the West End Food Bank, our local collection site. Through December 20, add new and unwrapped toys or children s books to the Toys for Tots box, located in front of the Nursery window. Our local chapter of Marines will dis- Newsletter Deadline Please submit news, announcements, photos, etc. to Heather LeBlanc by January 24 for inclusion in the February-March 2017 Messenger. There is an inbox outside the choir/copier room labeled Newsletter Items or you can heatherwolfleblanc@gmail.com. The next newsletter is due to be published mid-february. And don t forget to provide updates to your mailing address, even if temporary. The post office tries to forward the newsletter, but there is a fee for this service. Michael s Messenger will also be posted online, on our Facebook page, as soon as it is finished. 9

10 Williamsport Area Music Hello from the Directors Desk! I wanted to take this moment to reflect a little. It was a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family time, shopping and getting the house decorated for Christmas. Unfortunately I was unable to travel to see my side of the family in Michigan this year but the strangest thing happened. While out to eat with my family, I saw a man with his family that was the identical twin to my father. I was overwhelmed with emotion that I could not even explain at seeing this stranger with his family. How could someone look so much like someone else? It made me think of my family and that despite the distance between us, I am truly blessed to have family near and far in my life. I also thought of the many blessings in my life from my job here at Family Promise to my husband, beautiful daughters and my home. And then it hit me again that not everyone has these blessings. Some have lost loved ones, lost homes and cars, jobs and livelihoods. It made me proud to do what I do and help people everyday. We give so much more than just a roof over their head and food. We give them love, friendship, support and most of all HOPE. I hope you find your blessings and remember to share some with the less fortunate this holiday season and give a little HOPE to someone else. Strange how this one man stirred up all these emotions in me without even knowing it. God Bless! Sincerely, Melissa Magargle In The Network Dad, Mom, 18, 14 & 7 yr old girls (on the weekends 6 & 8 yr old boys and 11 yr old girl) Mom, 14 month boy coming Monday 12/4/17 Day Center Needs Liquid Fabric Softener Q-Tips Baby Soap Baby Oil Baby Lotion Baby Shampoo Hair Brushes Size 3 diapers Child Toothbrush Steelwool Brillo Pads Blankets and Pillows Family Promise of Lycoming County 635 Hepburn St., Williamsport, PA There are numerous opportunities to enjoy the festive sounds of the season in our town, but two coming up soon include the participation of some of our own kids! On Tuesday, December 12, 7:30pm the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra is joined by their Youth orchestra for a holiday concert. It will be held at the CAC call for further details. Sunday, December 17, 3:00PM, don t miss the free holiday concert offered at the Williamsport Are High School. This is always an amazing presentation of the talents of the various groups showcased at our school. Sojourner Truth Ministries would like thank everyone for their continued support. STM is currently in need of toasters, coffee, cleaning products, and dish washing detergent both liquid and for the dishwasher. We truly appreciate all donations. Everything that is donated will be used in the continuing of Sojourner Truth Ministries. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at or us sojournertruthministries@gmail.com. FOOD PANTRY in need With the holiday season, the needs at our local food pantries can be even bigger. Some donations flag, as individuals concentrate on all they want to buy for their own families, church suppers, Christmas gifts, etc. Understandable. Yet, remember that this time of year is also for the Lord and community. When you are out and about for groceries, or just in the store, buy an item of food for someone in need. This small gift of giving helps and spreads the gift of giving to others!! At St. Michael s, nonperishable food donations left in the blue buckets will be donated to the West End Food Pantry in Newberry, our local UCLC food outreach program. Some items of particular need include: Hot Cocoa, Pasta Sauces, Juices, Canned Meals, Coffee, Cereal, Oatmeal, Ramen Noodles, Soups, Dessert Mixes, Frosting, Canned Fruits, Canned Veggies, Rice, Any Style Side Dishes, Crackers, Popcorn, Flour & Sugar, Pop-tarts, Jellies (Any Flavor) 10

11 SHEPHERD OF THE STREETS 202 East Third Street, Williamsport PA Phone: , Rev. Gwen N. Bernstine, Executive Director and Editor Mrs. Patty Gohrs, Administrative Asst.: Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday Wednesday Ecumenical Lunch Join us Wednesdays for lunch and an interesting program! The lunch line opens about 11:45 a.m. and you are always assured of a tasty $6 lunch, warm ecumenical fellowship and a thoughtful program designed to enrich your life mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. Parking is free in the Pine Street lot north of the church from 11 to 1:30. No reservations are necessary, but a call to Gwen or Patty at the United Churches Office if you are not a regular attender will help our caterer, Heidi, know how to prepare. December13- Mr. Brian Spies, Art To Go Instructor, Bringing an Art Cart to our Neighborhoods December 20- Dr. Charles Getchell, Bringing handbells and music for singing Carol Ring January speakers to be announced. Join us! Bring a friend! Make new friends! Blue Christmas Service The Montoursville Ministerium is hosting a service of healing and hope on Sunday, December 17 at 7 pm at Faith United Methodist Church, 700 Fairview Drive, Montoursville. It is an opportunity for people who are in the process of grieving to come together, acknowledging our pain, loneliness or despair, be reassured that you are not alone in your feelings, and to experience a message of God s unconditional love, the heart of the season. J. Morris Smith, Th.D., , shepherd@uclc.org Please continue to fill the box for Shepherd of the Streets with the much needed esentials they provide to those in need: Deodorant Soap Tissues Toilet Paper Combs Baby Diapers Baby Q-Tips Toothpaste and Toothbrushes Shaving Cream and Razors Shampoo and Conditioner Women s Hygiene Products Towels and Wash Cloths Baby Shampoo, Powder, Oil Baby Wipes Like art? Looking for a speaker? Lycoming Arts Alliance are looking to promote their new Art Cart and would like to present to various groups looking for a guest speaker. The Art2Go! Program is a mobile arts classroom providing structured creative outreach led by a certified arts instructor. It seeks to support organizations and community members who have identified a need to expose others to the imaginative and therapeutic powers of the arts. It is committed to sharing the fun dimension of the arts by providing opportunities to create for entertainment purposes. The Contact is Brian Spies, brianjamesspies@yahoo.com Handel's Messiah Sing-Along and Play- Along Sponsored by the Williamsport Music Club on Dec. 30 at Pine Street United Methodist Church beginning at 7 p.m.,theodore Lentz will be the conductor of singers and instrumentalists in portions of Handel s Messiah with audience participation. Music scores will be provided. A $10 donation will be accepted at the door. The Salvation Army needs volunteer bellringers every day through December 23! Call James at (570) to schedule to ring for a two-hour shift. 11

12 Daily Devotion Camp Mount Luther GROW time-first Light daily devotions are posted online through Facebook s group page on the camp, with a link from their website, or as a daily (sign up at first-light). The ELCA lectionary guides the selection of the Bible passage and a variety of camp associates offer a short, simple devotion, with an interactive component challenging you to consider the passage from a personal perspective. Plan Now for Mount Luther Sunday The Upper Susquehanna Synod Council has designated that Transfiguration Sunday each year be recognized as Mount Luther Sunday to help promote outdoor ministries in the synod. Members of USS congregations are encouraged to celebrate outdoor ministries on this day, February 11, Mount Luther is an extension of the ministry that is done in local Lutheran congregations. The camp asks that congregations promote the camp on that Sunday or designate another Sunday this spring to do so. Ways to promote the camp include bulletin inserts to share with congregation members, Temple Talks, camper testimonials, bulletin board displays, special camp music during Sunday school and church services, as well as a special offering being collected. Ideas are available at: Need a Stocking Stuffer? Are you having a hard time finding just the right gift for a loved one s stocking? You can purchase one of our stocking stuffers for You have several options, or you could do all three! Purchase your child s CML flashdrive, which will be loaded with pictures from their week of camp. Cost is $ Purchase Camel Bucks for the CML Store so that your camper can buy a T-shirt or other item when they come to camp next summer. You can get Camel Bucks in any amount, but a suggested amount is $15.00 Make a gift to Camp Mount Luther in the name of your loved one. This gift can be done for any amount. Buy a Camp Mount Luther Stocking Stuffer and we ll electronically mail you a certificate that you can print, roll up, tie with yarn or ribbon, and put in anyone s stocking. It s a great gift that supports our ministry. Deadline to order stocking stuffers is December 22, at 10:00 a.m. If you d like to order one, you can either mail a check to Camp Mount Luther at 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA, 17844; or call us at and we can process credit card payments. Leaving a Legacy Wanting to give back was the motivation that Ruth and Andy Gates felt as they worked on their legacy gift plan. Andy worked at Mount Luther as a counselor in the early 80s and his wife, Ruth, and their family have attended Family Camp for about 20 years. They have seen firsthand the benefits of outdoor ministry and how lives can be changed as they experience God at Mount Luther. During Family Camp in 2016, they met Liz Polanzke, ELCA Regional Gift Planner. Mount Luther partners with the ELCA and Liz to provide gift planning services for folks who want to leave a legacy to a ministry. The Gates met with Liz at their home in New York last Fall to talk about options for their estate planning. In that process, they established an endowment fund with the ELCA Foundation that will be funding through a bequest. They d like the funding to go for programs, facilities, and camperships. It is their intention through this gift that they will have expressed their thanksgiving to the ministry of Mount Luther. Ruth and Andy and their son, James (who has served on summer staff the past four years) spoke at our Circle of Faith Giving Club Recognition Dinner in June. They spoke about how easy it was to work with Liz on the process and how important it is to give back to those ministries who mean something to each of us. If you would like more information on gift planning and how you can help Mount Luther, please contact the camp office. Why so many fundraisers? Operation costs for Mount Luther will always look for some extra help through donations, but you may not realize that there is a new loan being paid. 12

13 Camperson Event in January Last November, a bear wreaked havoc on the camp sewage lagoon system, tearing the liner in several places and chewing on the aeration system. In addition, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) required improvements for sewage treatment compliance. These were all unplanned, unbudgeted expenses, and due to the high cost of repairs, the camp board voted to take out a loan (for five years) for $125,000. Camp Mount Luther has now begun a special gifts appeal aimed at repaying that loan within a year. So look for many creative and FUN fundraisers in the next months and please participate, showing your support of our synodical camp. If you would like donate directly to the campaign, please send your gift to Camp Mount Luther and designate it for the sewer project. This event gives participants the chance to find out what s going on at camp and tell the story to others! Join us on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the Evergreen Center. Mount Luther wants every member of the Upper Susquehanna Synod to know what is happening with this important ministry. To do that, campersons serve as a liaison between your congregation and camp. They are individuals who are interested in camp and want to regularly share our news with others. Parents of campers, past campers or staff, or someone with a genuine interest in outdoor ministry make great campersons. Campersons are to be ambassadors and promote our camping ministry in your congregation. Each congregation in the Upper Susquehanna Synod is asked to send a representative to this event. Each congregation who sends a camperson will receive Camel Bucks for the camp store for each camper. Campersons are also invited and encouraged to attend the camp's annual Turkey Dinner, starting at 4:00 p.m. that day. Everyone and anyone is invited to the Turkey Dinner! Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 16, Call camp or (see below) Mount Luther Sunday: February 11 The Upper Susquehanna Synod Council has designated that Transfiguration Sunday each year be recognized as Mount Luther Sunday to help promote outdoor ministries in the synod. St. Michael s will celebrate outdoor ministries on this day, February 11, The camp asks that congregations promote the camp on that Sunday or designate another Sunday this spring to do so. Ways to promote the camp include bulletin inserts to share with congregation members, Temple Talks, camper testimonials, bulletin board displays, special camp music during Sunday school and church services, as well as a special offering being collected. Look for some of this and more in Sunday School and worship! February 9-10, 2017: GROW in the Snow This year s synod youth retreat at Camp Mount Luther will be held on February 9-10, All youth in 6-12th grade and their youth leaders are invited to attend. The theme of this year s retreat is Hello God, It s Me, dealing with prayer. Experience your Creator, play winter games and find refreshment in the peace of camp in winter. The retreat is from Friday night to Saturday afternoon, but there is an option for youth and leaders to come just for the day on Saturday. Cost is $59 (whole program) or $40 (Saturday only) if registered by January 30, A late fee of $25 added after that date. No refunds will be given after the January 30 deadline. Each registered group should provide one adult (21 or over) for every seven youth and at least one adult for each gender represented. Cabin assignments will be made based on available adults and number of youth attending. Contact Chad Hershberger at chad@campmountluther.org with questions. Click here for a flyer and registration form: Flyer.pdf. Please read the posted Camel Tracks newsletters on our CML bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall and online, at campmountluther.org for ALL the camp updates. And remember, Mount Luther is OUR camp, available to YOU for special events. 13

14 The 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation Observed Bishop Barbara J. Collins visited with Martin & Katie Luther as the Port Royal Parish celebrated the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Pastor Charles Hershberger and his wife, Paula, dressed up as the Luthers during a celebration on October 28 at Port Royal Community Building. The couple was also in two local parades in October and November. On October 14th, the Women of the ELCA collected one and a half containers of supplies to send to Lutheran World Relief in New Windsor, Maryland. Coordinator Sue Baylor reports that the following were collected: 162 blankets, 1622 quilts, 901 school kits, 10 sewing kits, 264 health kits, 47 baby kits, 8 pieces of fabric and 87 pounds of soap. Read more news from our Synod on their web page, on Facebook, or in the copy of the current USS Ark posted on our Community bulletin board. LARC Activities Include Signing In late October, the Upper Susquehanna Synod, along with the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, commemorated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation at United Lutheran Seminary on the Gettysburg campus. Bishop Ronald Gainer, from the Catholic Church, preached in the Lutheran Seminary Church of the Abiding Presence on the unity we share in our baptisms in Christ. He, along with Bishop Barbara J. Collins of our synod, Bishop James Dunlop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod, and Bishop Audrey Scanlan of the Episcopal Diocese recommitted these church bodies to the Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic (LARC) covenant agreement. That agreement, originally signed in 1993, calls for mutual cooperation. The current bishops recommitted the main principles in that document. Bishop Scanlan said, The LARC Covenant respects and retains the integrity of each tradition while commending us to share together God s Word, the work of social justice, and to learn about each other. The original document was signed by Bishops Charlie F. McNutt (The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania), Guy S. Edmiston, Jr. (Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA), Nicholas C. Dattilo, (The Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg), and A. Donald Main, (Upper Susquehanna, ELCA). Read an article about this process at 14

15 Sunday Acolyte Lector Special Offering Heat Attendant Sunday School Opening December 3 1st Sunday of Advent Altar Communion Emma Dickey Ruth Hornberger Shepherd of the Streets Peggy Bohart Advent wreaths December 10 2nd Sunday of Advent Intinction Communion Michael LeBlanc Mark Jones Shepherd of the Streets Denise Stryker Missie Loner December 17 3rd Sunday of Advent Intinction Communion Deirdre LeBlanc Charlene Artley Shepherd of the Streets Dave McGarvey Brian LeBlanc December 24 4th Sunday of Advent Intinction Communion Bill Bohart Cheryl Mosso Shepherd of the Streets Charlene Artley Peggy Bohart Christmas Eve Service (9pm, following 8:30pm special music) Intinction Communion Emma Dickey Peggy Bohart Shepherd of the Streets December 31 1st Sunday after Christmas No Communion Kelly McGarvey Shepherd of the Streets Tom Barbus TBA January 7 1st Sunday Post Epiphany Altar Communion Michael LeBlanc Jen Dickey Hepburn Lycoming Food & Fuel Peggy Bohart Heather LeBlanc January 14 2nd Sunday Post Epiphany The Baptism of Our Lord Intinction Communion Deirdre LeBlanc Ruth Hornberger Hepburn Lycoming Food & Fuel Denise Stryker Missie Loner January 21 3rd Sunday Post Epiphany Mark Jones Hepburn Lycoming Food & Fuel Dave McGarvey TBA January 28 4th Sunday Post Epiphany Charlene Artley Hepburn Lycoming Food & Fuel Charlene Artley Peggy Bohart Altar Guild in December: Denise Stryker and Sandy Barnes Altar Guild in January: Pam Gower and Lois & Cheryl Mosso Ushers in December 2017: Dave & Liam McGarvey and Sandy Hornberger Ushers in January 2018: Mark Jones and Tom Barbus You are invited to come. You never know what you might miss! 15

16 Sunday School at 9:30AM Worship at 10:45AM Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Liam McGarvey 3 9:30am Sunday School Advent Wreaths 12pm Hangin of the Greens & Pizza 4 Keith Stiger 5 6 Monica Eisley Noon: UCLC Street Methodist 7 Dakota James Ricky Shick 13 Leann Williams, :30 PM Caroling 5PM Lasagna 6PM WELCA Holiday Party Brandy Stiger Noon: UCLC Street Methodist 7PM Council Daniel s Closet at Redeemer John Long :30 AM Sunday School Christmas Program 3PM WAHS Holiday Concert Toys for Tots deadline 24 Melissa Loner 9:30AM Cookies and carols 25 Jesus 26 Jayden Hornberger, Bob Loner Christian Synoracki 29 Blake Patterson 30 8:30pm Special music offerings 9:00pm Christmas eve candlelight service Christmas 31 16

17 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Noon: Pine Street Methodist UCLC lunch 4 5 Carolyn Erickson PM WELCA Noon: Pine Street Methodist UCLC lunch Rusty Moyer; Sandy Barnes Arthur Erickson Epiphany Sunday Christian Ed Meeting Lisa Aversa Michael Long Noon: Pine Street Methodist UCLC lunch 7PM Council Annual meeting w/ potluck luncheon 3pm CML Camperson meeting Noon: Pine Street Methodist UCLC lunch Alec Dickey, Cam Dickey, Brad Hornberger, Jr. Greg Miller, Bill Fazler 4pm CML Turkey Dinner Newsletter deadline Holly Tagliaferri Noon: Pine Street Methodist UCLC lunch February 1 February 2 February 3 February 4 February 5 February 6 February 7 Brian LeBlanc Noon: Pine Street Methodist UCLC lunch February 8 February 9 GROW in the February 10 GROW in the February 11 Camp Mount Luther Sunday Transfiguration Sunday Sunday School meets at 9:30 AM; Worship at 10:45 AM Please join us! More events updated to our Facebook page: St. Michael s Lutheran Church, Quiggleville 17