Bethlehem s Glad Tidings

Transcription

1 Bethlehem s Glad Tidings Vol. 8 No. 7 July 2016 Rev. Peter D. Asplin, Pastor Bonita Cadman, Church Secretary Mrs. Melba McVay, Organist Mr. Ed Conkle, Sexton Bethlehem Pastor Home Pastor Cell Phone Bethlehem Lutheran Church 21 Church Road Scenery Hill, PA Helen Myers Carol Brewer Molly O Brien Roberta Mong Council Members Elinor Ross Arla Dague Becky Devore Matt Devore John Ames Rich Beck Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ June has been a month of joy and a month of horror in our community of faith at Bethlehem. We have seen forty-nine innocent people slaughtered because they were gay and lesbian (or friends of gays and lesbians) and because they were Hispanics by someone who was Muslim. We have seen the joy of Vacation Bible School. We have seen cancer and injuries and unexpected death. We have seen the celebration of a lifetime of service by our own Roberta Mong as she retires from being church treasurer. We have struggled with anger and dissension and sin in our homes, in our communities and in our world. We have gathered as a synod in assembly and celebrated the presence of ten faithful young leaders and mourned the continuing financial difficulties of our Synod and celebrated the joy of ordaining a new pastor and remember with sorrow those pastors who died in the faith in the last year. And we remember, once again, the truth of the author of Psalm 139: 1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me.

2 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. 7 Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. (Psa 139:1-8 NRS) 3 When we ascend to heaven God is there, when spend time in the realm of the dead, God is there. We are never separated from God whether we are mourning, or rejoicing, whether we are planning or reacting, whether we are challenging are supporting. We, the people of God, have God with us. Now that doesn t mean, of course, that God supports us in all we do. Sometimes we choose the way of death instead of the way of life. Sometimes we choose sin and suffering, sometimes we choose caring for others and being present with them in their suffering. But what is surely true is that through it all, through the good and bad of this month, God was with us. Surrounding us with love, surrounding us with those we love. And that, indeed, is Good News. Dear Lord, We thank you for this months of highs and lows, for your presence with those who mourn, with those who struggle with sickness and injury and sin, with those who need your presence as they spend time in the abode of the dead. But we rejoice that you are with us in times of joy, at VBS and delighting in the memory of our parents and the years of service Roberta put in. Continue to bless us, good Lord, for we are your people, gathered in your name to hear your word proclaimed and receive the forgiveness of sins in your sacraments. In your Holy Name we pray. Amen. Pastor Asplin

3 Council Meeting May 17, 2016 Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council Meeting Sunday, June 26, 2016 Due to lack of a quorum, no meeting was held on 6/21/16. Meeting was called to order by Helen Myers. Pastor Asplin led with prayer. (1) Treasurer Transition: Incoming treasurer, Collin O Brien will be given check writing privileges on American Funds cash management accounts after execution of a resolution to that effect by the Secretary of the congregation. (2) Council approved the grinding of a stump in the cemetery. (3) A request from Margaret (Hana) Owen to purchase lots in the cemetery was approved. Her son, parents and siblings are all buried in Bethlehem Cemetery. (4) Council meeting in July will be 7/26/16. Council meeting in August will be 8/23/16. (5) Jameson Randolph was appointed to succeed Molly O Brien on Church Council after she departs for her Young Adult in Global Mission service in August. Pastor Asplin on Vacation Pastor Asplin will be on vacation July 4th through July 10th. In case of emergency, please contact Pastor Rebecca F. Dittenhafer at

4 LUTHERLYN NEWS PR. RANDY RETIRING After 31 years leading Lutherlyn, Pastor Randy Gullickson is retiring from active ministry. A celebration of his ministry will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at Lutherlyn. All are welcome to attend this great celebration. Any donations to Lutherlyn, or to the Life-Changing Adventures Travel Fun for the Gullickson s would be welcomed!

5 Rebellion Soft-Ball Game Saturday, July 30, 2016 We are planning an outing to watch the Rebellion Girls Soft-Ball Team of Washington on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 7:00. We will be having a Pot-Luck Picnic at 5:00 p.m. and will advise where this will be held. Please plan to join us in watching the game and enjoying the outing. MOLLY O BRIEN CALLED BY THE CHURCH AS A YOUNG ADULT IN GLOBAL MISSION!! It is with great excitement that I have accepted the opportunity to serve as a Young Adult in Global Mission volunteer in Australia starting in August! I will be one of more than 89 young adults serving on behalf of the ELCA in 11 different country programs around the world! The ELCA s Young Adults in Global Mission program provides young adults, ages 21-29, the opportunity to grow in their faith and work hand-in-hand with our global companions. Young adults in the program serve in churches, schools and social service ministries. Currently the program is engaged in work in Argentina/Uruguay, Australia, Cambodia, Central Europe (Hungary), Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico, Rwanda, Senegal, Southern Africa and the United Kingdom. This is the first year for the program to be in Australia, but if you would like to know more about the larger program, here is a link to the ELCA s site. I do not know specifically where I will serve yet in Australia, but I hope that you will join me on this journey as I grow in my own faith and walk hand-in-hand with our global companions. I am thrilled to think about the ways in which this year will form and transform me. I ask for your prayers through the upcoming months before I go, and throughout my year in Australia. I am looking forwarding to updating you on my service and giving you a glimpse of our global Lutheran Church! SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016 LAWN FESTIVAL Saturday, July 16, 2016 is the date to save. Our annual Lawn Festival will be celebrated on July 16th. All make sure this date is marked on your calendar. A lot of help is still needed to make the lawn festival a BIG success. Please put your name on the list to help somewhere. Thursday, July 14th 9:00 a.m. make noodles it takes a lot of hands to get the job done. Friday morning, July 15th 9:00 a.m. cook chicken and pick off bone. Friday evening, July 15th 5:30 p.m. make potato salad th Saturday morning, July 16 9:30 a.m. set up tables and chairs

6 Saturday, July 16th 4:00 begin serving Dedication As part of the Annual Lawn Festival, there will be the dedication of the Stainless Steel Steeple Crosses at 5:00 p.m.

7 WELCA Meeting Second Wednesday, July 13, 2016 The WELCA will meet on Wednesday July 13th at 10:00 a.m. The Bible Study, The Heart of the Matter Conflict, Forgiveness and Reconciliation from Angela Shannon s Seeking God Program will be led by Betty Naser. A covered dish luncheon will be held following the meeting. All women of the church are invited to join us for a morning of Bible Study and fellowship. Knives, knife sets and spatulas are still for sale Designated Outreach Mission We are still collecting articles for Jeremiah s Place of Pittsburgh, PA. They provide a safe haven of respite, health, renewal and support for children and family free of charge during times of crisis. They are in need of non-perishable food, formula, diapers and etc. Thanks so much for your continued support ofr these Outreach Projects. These organizations are selected and voted on by the Women of the ELCA. The Designated Outreach Mission for 2017 is chosen at the ELCA convention and is Grace Youth and Family Foundations. Thank You!!! A Big Thank You to all the men and boys who participated in the men s choir for Father s Day. What a terrific job! Thanks for taking the time and using your talents to lead the congregation in Worship. You are Greatly Appreciated! CLASS OF 2016 GRADUATES - HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE We congratulate the graduates of 2016 and our prayers go with them in their future hopes and dreams. Well done and good luck to all. High School Kara Blum graduated from Trinity High School. Devon Myers graduated from Bentworth High School Jeremy Woods graduated from Trinity High School Miranda Van Kirk graduated from Bentworth High School Megan Grabiak graduated from Trinity High School College Josh White graduated from W & J College Jamison Randolph graduated from Waynesburg University Dennis Grabiak graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Lottie Iams Yeager graduated from American Intercontinental University of Houston, Texas THANK YOU!!!! I want to THANK the congregation for the surprise celebration on June 19, 2016 of my retirement. The gifts of the church picture and the beautiful afghan from the congregation are much appreciated as are the many cards and gifts from individuals. You really gave me a special day that I will never forget. I love you all!!!! Roberta

8 April Attendance and Offering Date May 1st May 8th May 15th May 22nd May 29th Attendance Offering $3, $5, $3, $2, $2, Averages 80 $3,419.80

9 Acolytes July 3rd July 10th July 17th July 24th July 31st Madison Allender and Lindsay Davis (Communion) Kaylie Anderson and Kelsey Evans Johanna Asplin and Jacob Davis (Communion) Brittany Dayton and Emma Sukal Linnea Asplin and Brendon Dayton Lectors July 3rd July 10th July 17th July 24th July 31st Pat O Brien Devon Myers Molly O Brien Ann McCune Norm Davis Counters July 3rd July 10th July 17th July 24th July 31st Helen Myers, Devon Myers, Becky Devore Shirley Schultz, Carol Brewer, Bill Ulery Karen Naddeo, Rich Beck, Elinor Ross Shirley Schultz, Ed Conkle, Matt Devore Helen Myers, Devon Myers, Janet Fowler Ushers and Greeters July 3rd Karen Naddeo and Susan Randolph th July 10 Glen Higinbotham and Robert McVay July 17th Arla Dague and Bernice Elliott th July 24 Elinor Ross and Judy Osborne July 31st Bill Devore and Becky Devore Communion Assistants July 3rd Rich Beck July 17th Taylor White

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11 Bethlehem Treasurer s Report Summary of current operating account for May 2016 Regular Income May Year to date Envelope Offering $11, Special Benevolence $ Other $1, Transfer from Building Fund $ 8, To cover the mortgage (6 months) $52, $4, $5, $8, Total Income $22, $71, $1, $ $8, $ $ $1, $80.00 $1, $6, $4, $40, $3, $4, $7, $1, $3, $14, $72, Expenses Benevolence Special Benevolence Staff Compensation Church Administration Church Property Mortgage Payment Worship & Music Church Program Total Expenses Total Income over expenses for Month Total Expenses over income for year $8, ($588.63)

12 Total Income to Capital Campaign thru 5/31/16 Total Expenses thru 5/31/16 *Transfer to current expense acct *(6 months mortgage payment) Citizen s Building Fund Balance 5/31/16 Combined Building Addition Finances Total Building Fund Income thru 5/31/16 Congregational Savings Contribution Balance due on Mortgage Principal thru 5/31/16 Total Expenses thru 5/31/16 Combined Building $354, ($35,499.84) ($8,798.10) $27, $354, $165, ($197,261.47) ($722,513.76)