THE EPISTLE of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church

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1 THE EPISTLE of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church November 2016 Volume XXXVII, No. 3 SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 9:00 A.M. Worship Service NOVEMBER :15 A.M. Fellowship Period 10:30 A.M. Education Hour

2 Knowing jesus through god s word Blessed Lord, You speak to us through the Holy Scriptures. Grant that we may hear, read, respect, learn, and make them our own, that the enduring benefit and comfort of the Word will help us grasp and hold the blessed hope of everlasting life given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. October 31, Reformation Day, kicks off a year leading up to the 500 th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. If anything, Luther and the Reformation he started emphasized the importance of hearing and learning the Word of God. Yet, 500 years since Luther, what is the state of the knowledge of Scripture, and thus Jesus, among most Lutherans? St. Jerome, translator of the Bible in the 5 th Century, said, Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ. Judging from that statement, how would you evaluate the state of Christian faith in America? In this year leading up the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation, we would do well to commit ourselves to more serious and prayerful study of the Scriptures. There are three ways to grow in using the Scriptures so that we may grow in righteousness and be complete, equipped for every good work (II Timothy 3.14). The first is learning the basic storyline of the Bible: the story of God and His people. We read the Bible to learn the story of our salvation, the one story in a world of non-sense that is true and makes sense of our lives. Every Christian needs to know the basic storyline of the Bible. The second way we need to know and use the Scriptures is through praying the Psalms, The Prayerbook of the Bible. The Psalms are a school of prayer, teaching us how to pray on the basis of God s promises and to pray with our Lord Jesus Christ. There are Psalms of praise, of guidance, of confession and forgiveness, of suffering, of thanksgiving in sum, all dimensions of the life of faith. The third way of growing in the use of Scripture is prayerful reading. It is reading and praying on God's Word in a way that it judges our sin, blesses us with God s grace, and gives guidance for our lives. We set aside time to meditate on a passage, or verse, or even just a word of Scripture. Our mission statement begins: To know Jesus. That should guide us all into deeper engagement with God s holy Word in Scripture. Pr. Dan Biles

3 NOVEMBER WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS Nov.6 All Saints Sunday On this day we remember those of our church (below) who have passed into eternal life with the Lord in the past year. If you have persons you want remembered in this service, please contact the church office. Patricia Baust Christopher Glatfelter Dale Glatfelter Janet Henry Barry Messersmith Betty Myers Richard Myers Allen Schrum Grace Senft Richard Throne Sandy Uffelman Donald White November 20 Christ the King Sunday We celebrate the last Sunday of the Church year with hymns and scriptures proclaiming the rule of Christ over all history. November 27 O Come, Emmanuel. We begin the Advent season and a new Church year. thanksgiving Community Service Sunday, 20 November 7:00 pm St Paul United Church of Christ Nov. 13 Pentecost XXVI Pastor Patrick Rooney Guest Pastor Pastor will be away this Sunday. Pr. Patrick Paddy Rooney will be our guest pastor. P. Rooney has served as supply before.

4 Council Nominations Sunday, 6 November During worship November 6 we will conduct council nominations. We will take time in the service for you to prayerfully consider and write down people you think would make good council persons. The nominations will be collected, and those nominated will be contacted in the coming week to ask if they will accept nomination for election to Council. Council nominees are elected at the annual congregation meeting Sunday, 22 January, 2017 for a three-year term. Responsibilities of council persons are listed in the church constitution. Welcome Back, Pr. Doug Johnson Pr. Doug Johnson served St. Paul Church in the 1970s and 1980s. He recently retired from his work at Lutheran Social Services in Iowa and moved back to this area. We are pleased to invite Doug back to preach the sermon on All Saints Sunday, November 6. During the Faith Formation period we will have a general conversation and Q & A with Doug in the Fellowship Hall. Looking Ahead to Advent Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 3 This annual event is a wonderful day when we welcome the community to our church. Contact Cindy Ross ( ) to help or to reserve a table. Advent II December 4 7:00 pm Holiday Concert We celebrate the music of the holy-day season with this annual community event featuring the Spring Grove Alumni Chorus. Advent Christmas Volunteers Needed Volunteers are needed in Advent for decorating the church, installing the tree, the wreath lighting in Advent services, and other tasks. See the signup on the kiosk or contact Pastor. The Mission of St. Paul Church is to Know Jesus and to Make Him Known.

5 From the OCTOBER Meeting Actions and Discussions from the meeting Monday, 17 October.. Reviewed proposals for Child Protection Policies. On Preparing for Worship It is right and good that when we gather for worship we want to greet and talk to each other. Especially, welcome visitors. Let us also be mindful, too, of those who prefer to prepare for worship in a more quiet, prayerful manner. Thank-you! The building renovation appeal balance on the loan is $91,000 almost half the original loan amount. We thank you for your support. We are working on a replacement for Hannah Kessler as assistant secretary. People interested in this (paid) position may contact the Pastor. Bob Myers will take over as Property Chairman in the New Year. We thank Scott Hoover for his years of service. Next Meeting: Monday, 21 November 7:00 pm, Church Office Have You Remembered St. Paul Church in Your Will? CONCERT Sunday, 6 November 4:00 p.m. Jamie Link And Friends Jamie Link is a graduate student attending West Chester University, completing a Master in Music (M.M.) in piano pedagogy. She will be joined by her brother Tom on classical guitar, friend Brian McMaster on piano, Emily Malloy of our church on cello, and our former organist Todd Davis. Come and enjoy a fun evening with these talented people.

6 WOMENS FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 The WOW Women s Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, November 19, starting at 8:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. All ladies are invited and encouraged to join us!! Sign up on the sheet located on the kiosk in the fellowship hall. NOTICE: The Library is no longer accepting any magazines, books or other materials at the present time. Thank you from the Library Committee A Note from Stewardship.. Giving Cards for 2017 are due back to the Church office by October 31. Thank you for your support!! BABY QUILTS PREFERED CUSTOMER SALE During the month of November, several baby quilts will be displayed in the Fellowship Hall and be available for purchase in advance of being placed on sale at the December 3 rd Christmas Bazaar. All proceeds benefit the Brownstone Revitalization loan reduction. Please see Kay Edris or Cheryl Onelius. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Hanging of Advent Door Wreaths (week of Nov ) Christmas Tree getting, set-up Christmas Tree decorating Decorate Church, Hanging of Greens for Christmas Eve Services (week of Dec ) Sign up on the sheet located on kiosk in fellowship hall to volunteer. ANGEL TREE 2016 It is that time of year when we begin to think of ways to share the blessings that Christ has given us with others. The Angel Tree will be placed in the fellowship room on Sunday, November 6 until November 20, for you to choose one or more angels for those less fortunate. Gifts need to be returned by December 11. Questions, Call Kathy & Tom Leese at

7 10 th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Saturday, December 3 rd 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be Handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, Music, Food, Children s Bazaar Area, Bake Sale and a chance to meet friends and welcome the community into our beautiful church. If you would like to reserve a table as a vendor or help in any way, please call Cindy Ross at The Homemade Table, at the Bazaar, will consist of baked goods and other items especially made by the members of St. Paul. All profits from The Homemade Table will go to the Revitalization Fund. We are looking for homemade pies, cakes, breads, etc. They should be prepared in disposable aluminum pans (with or without lids). You may drop them at the church on Friday, December 2. WANTED Gently Used Christmas Items Stewardship is collecting gently used Christmas or winter themed items to sell at the Bazaar! Please drop off items to the center room in the first floor Sunday School wing by the handicap entrance. There is a sign on the door. All proceeds will be applied to the revitalization debt. Thank you for your donations! FINANCIAL UPDATE Account Update Based on Actual Income & Expense As of September 30, 2016 Year-to-date Current Received $138,762 Current Expensed $178,061 Difference -$39,299 Benevolence Received $28,137 Benevolence Expensed $24,241 Maintenance Received $19,498 Maintenance Expensed $19,303 Any questions, contact Sue Williams. Stonework / Education Wing Revitalization Update As of September 30, Results 2016 Congregational Goal $83, Contributions Received $23, Amount Needed $59, Revitalization Loan Balance-Total $391,514.07

8 Harvest of Hope Food Pantry November s Pantry Item Please remember November s specific food pantry items are canned cranberry sauce and canned or boxed sweet potatoes. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made to the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry by using the blue pew envelopes. For further information about volunteering or about giving, contact Thank you for your continued support! LEGACY GARDEN. A perpetual project that helps raise money for the building revitalization fund. It is a special place created for worship, prayer and reflection. Memorialize or honor your loved ones by purchasing custom-engraved bricks for the Garden. Order online at: heranchurch. Order forms are also available in the hall, the church office or on our website." Thank you for your support. Harvest of Hope Thanksgiving needs. Harvest of Hope Food Pantry will be providing Thanksgiving baskets for the families we serve. Turkey breasts for smaller families, or cash to buy medium turkeys, are needed for families. Turkeys should be brought to the church on Sunday, November 20. Thank you for your support! WOMEN S RETREAT A Garden Gateway! Save The Date: Saturday, Feb. 25, :00 am 4:30 pm Registration to open in January. Volunteers needed for breakfast or lunch. Contact Sara Smith or Sue Williams Grocery Gift Card Fundraiser All money raised will go to support the Youth Ministry here at St. Paul Church. * Purchase Giant or Kennies gift cards in increments of $50 * Use the cards when you do your normal Shopping * Youth receives 5% of card sales directly from the supermarket Details: Cards must be purchased with checks made payable to St. Paul Lutheran Church and may be purchased on the 1 st and 3 rd Sundays during coffee hour only by seeing Sue Williams ( ).

9 New Faces Wanted Stewardship Committee is actively seeking new members. We welcome anyone interested to visit an upcoming meeting and see what we re all about! The next Stewardship meeting is Monday, November 14, at 6:30 pm in the parlor. THANK YOU NOTES Dear St. Paul Lutheran Congregation, I appreciate your prayers and support as I navigate treatment for pancreatic cancer. My husband and I were surprised by your generous gift of vegetable beef soup. Thank you for your continued support of not only my husband and me, but my very dear parents, Bill & Marian Sterner. Paula Caldwell Dear Pr. Biles and St. Paul Church Family, Thank you for your prayers, visits and cards during this very difficult time. Thank you for the delicious soup and thank you to all who helped with the luncheon. Sincerely, Cathy Glatfelter and Family St. Paul Lutheran Church, Thank you for your recent donation of $ to Glatfelter Memorial Library. Donations such as yours allow our library to update the facility, continue providing free services to our patrons and expand programs offered. Thanks again, for your generous donations and support. Elizabeth Stein Secretary, GML Board St. Paul Church, Your kindness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered. The soup was so kind and thoughtful. The Family of Patty Baust Thank You!! to the St. Paul Congregation who attended the Fellowship Hour Breakfast on Sunday, October 9. Your donations raised $ for the Building Revitalization Fund! Thank you to Jim & Sandy Grimes and the Beckers, Marks and Dehoff families for the food, supplies, time and effort that made the breakfast a success. Thank you all for your support! Thank you to those who helped with recent fellowship events. You have shown Jesus to those who entered our worship space. Thanks, Pat Lobodinsky Dear Pr. Dan and St. Paul Church, On behalf of the Hanover Conference and Pr. Terry McCarthy and family, thank you for your $ donation. This donation was used to cover the cost of the ramp built at Terry s home. We are so thankful for your generosity! Grace and Peace, Pr. Shawn Berkebile Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Thank you for your support of the ministries in the Always Being Made New Campaign. In our world there is a great need to address hunger. We will succeed in providing for those in need one gift at a time. Thank you for your understanding, your gift and your help for the vulnerable in our world. Yours in Christ, James S. Dunlop, Bishop

10 PARISH REGISTER FUNERALS September 28, 2016 Christopher A. Glatfelter Born: June 29, 1962 Died: September 24, 2016 Buried: Spring Grove Cemetery October 8, 2016 Patricia Ann Patty (Baker) Baust Born: December 28, 1955 Died: October 4, 2016 Buried: New Lutheran Cemetery, Manchester MD ** * * * October 11, 2016 Grace R. (Trone) Senft Born: April 4, 1922 Died: October 3, 2016 Buried: Spring Grove Cemetery October 26, 2016 Richard E. Myers Born: June 11, 1927 Died: October 16, 2016 Buried: Spring Grove Cemetery TRANSFERRED OUT Debbie Glatfelter To: Mt. Carmel Evangelical Lutheran Church Hanover, PA

11 DATE AND TIME Nov. 6 9:00 a.m. Nov. 13 9:00 a.m. Nov. 20 9:00 a.m. Nov. 27 9:00 a.m. NOVEMBER WORSHIP AIDES COMMUNION GREETERS ACOLYTES LECTORS ASSISTANTS Greg & Lyn Greco Ellie Hoffman Jayne Murphy Pr. Doug Johnson Daniel Hess Lyn & Greg Greco Phyllis Hoover Joann Shaw Jerry & Brenda Hoover Kathy Gladfelter Joyce Wise Abigail Hamme Nate Hamme Emma Hamme Aidan Hamme Wayne Wagaman Joe Legore Daniel Hess Robin Hamme Ray Zavatsky Daniel Hess Heather Hamme Travis Gladfelter Zach Albright Kelly Garrett Kelly Garrett Penny Gordon NURSERY To Be Determined SOUND SYSTEM Mark Bowersox 4pm concert Gary Williams Lynn Hershey Gary Williams Mark Bowersox USHERS ALTAR GUILD COFFEE HOUR HOME BOUND BIRTHDAYS Nov. 6 - Team 1 Ushers, Brian Artz, Capt. *Theresa Sprenkle Nov. 6 Robin Hamme & Heather Hamme November - none 13 - Team 2 Ushers, Alan King, Capt. Kelly Bortner 13 Sandy & Jim Gingerich 20 - Team 3 Ushers, Sam Becker, Capt. Bobbi Heisler 20 Tina & Sam Becker 27 - Team 4 Ushers, Karen Myers, Capt. Michele Holtzapple 27 Cindi Kelly Elizabeth Krebs Carole Myers Karen Myers Sara Sprenkle

12 ST. PAUL CALENDAR NOVEMBER, 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 4 **Pr. Biles away Nov **Cindy off Nov. 28 & :30 pm Daisy Scouts 5:30 pm Brownies 5:30 pm Cadettes 2 9:00 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Reh 7:00 pm SG Group AA 3 5 9am-5pm Fellowship hall in use 6 ALL SAINTS DAY 9:00 am Communion / Pr. Doug Johnson preaching 10:15 am Fellowship Time 10:30 am Faith Formation Hr 1-3pm Adopt-a-Highway 4:00 pm Jamie Link Concert 6-8pm Youth Night/Campfire 13 9:00 am Communion / Pr. Patrick Rooney preaching 10:15 am Fellowship Time 10:30 am Faith Formation Hr 7 8:30 am Quilters 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 14 8:30 am Quilters 6:30 pm Stewardship Mtg 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 7:00 pm Finance Mtg. 8 5:30 pm Daisy Scouts 5:30 pm Brownies 5:30 pm Cadettes 7:00 pm Boy Scout Committee Meeting 15 5:30 pm Daisy Scouts 5:30 pm Brownies 5:30 pm Cadettes 6-9pm SG Historical Society Epistle Deadline 9 6:30 pm Cub Committee Mtg 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Reh 7:00 pm SG Group AA 16 11:30 am Sr. Citizens 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Reh 7:00 pm SG Group AA 10 6:30 pm Boy Scouts 17 6:30 pm Boy Scouts Church Office Closed Church Office Closed Church Office Closed :30 am WOW Women s Breakfast 20 CHRIST THE KING 9:00 am Communion 10:15 am Fellowship Time 10:30 am Faith Formation Hr 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Service, St Paul UCC Youth Service Project 27 9:00 am Communion 10:15 am Fellowship Time 10:30 am Faith Formation Hr 21 8:30 am Quilters 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 7:00 pm Church Council Mtg. 28 8:30 am Quilters 22 5:30 pm Daisy Scouts 5:30 pm Brownies 5:30 pm Cadettes 29 5:30 pm Daisy Scouts 5:30 pm Brownies 5:30 pm Cadettes 6-8:30 pm Youth prep/bazaar 6-9:30 pm Alumni Chorus 23 9:00 am Bible Study 11:30 am Sr. Citizens NO Chancel Choir Reh 7:00 pm SG Group AA 30 9:00 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Reh 7:00 pm SG Group AA 24 Thanksgiving Day Church Office Closed 25 Church Office Closed 26