St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 FEBRUARY 2018 The Eagle St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Sharing Our Gifts 2 Stewardship 2 Financial Report 3 News & Notes 3 News & Notes 4 Lent & More 5 Committee Chairs 6 Looking Ahead 6 Stewardship Council Minutes 8 Council Members 9 Church Calendar 9 Contact Info 10 From the Pastor: Did you know that Ash Wednesday falls on February 14 th this year? And Easter on April 1 st? That s right two of the most notable days of our faith tradition fall on secular holidays. Valentine s Day and April Fool s Day. It is of course, just a matter of coincidence being the way our calendar falls, and how the church uses the dating system to mark important times of the church. But it is also an opportunity to reflect on what the secular does or does not have in common with religion. Valentine s Day, for instance, began as a tribute to a saint. Containing pieces of Roman and Christian traditions, February has long been celebrated as a month of love and romance. Likewise, as we celebrate Ash Wednesday this month, we are invited to look at our hearts. Are they broken or contrite? Are they hardened and in need of renewal? Are they open and full of love? Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? Or do you try to protect your heart? The state of our hearts is indeed important to God for God desires our hearts to be sustained in faith and love, because the heart is the center of physical, emotional, intellectual and moral activities. It is what keeps us alive, and is the source of emotions. In fact, it is said in Samuel, that human beings look at outward appearances, but God looks at the heart. And it is the heart that God will judge at the appropriate time. So, it is no wonder that Jesus warns the disciples and us that For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. So, this month, whether you celebrate Valentine s day or not, give your heart a good looking over. Since your heart affects your being so much that it is reflected in what you say and how you act, examine and ponder it closely, and reflect on where it s been and where it is now. And remember, the Lord who knows our hearts deeply, also experiences all the things that you do: Joys, pain, heartache, sorrow, frustrations, celebrations, troubles, rage, doubt and peace. And then thank God that you have been created with a heart that, through the gift of Jesus, is able to be healed in faith so that it may once again be open to loving neighbor, self and God. And even though there are people who would say that having faith and believing in God in these times is foolish, it certainly is no joke to those of us who are called to follow Jesus, the one who came to live a human life and now reigns eternal with God almighty. Anyway, even if we are made out as fools because of our faith, I ll take that-- -for I do so willingly in the name of God who created me in love, who never leaves me, and who every day, accompanies me in this journey of life. And not just me, but all of you, my brothers and sisters. Amen. Pastor Martha

2 The Eagle Page 2 of 10 Sharing Our Gifts We give thanks for: The snow removal crew for taking care of the parking lot and entrances Those keeping our outdoor areas salted and free of ice Those who support the Hummelstown Food Bank with donations of food Fred & Louise Bretz for hosting February s Fellowship Time Those who volunteer to count our offering each week Those who sponsor the altar flowers and bulletins each week Our nursery volunteers The 2018 St. John Council Members and Officers willing to serve as leaders in God's church To all committee members and chairs The sponsor of a new ladder for the church All the soup donations for the Souper Bowl Thanks to the congregation for the monetary Christmas gift. Your generosity is very much appreciated. Blessings to you in 2018! -from Bill Dressler Please remember to bring non-perishable food items to church and place them in the basket in the hallway for The Hummelstown Food Pantry. Current needs are: 64 oz. apple or grape juice canned pasta brownie mix pork & beans Opening Up for Worship Fred & Louise Bretz Ushers and Greeters Tony & Marge Baranowski Assisting Ministers 4-Chet Cassel 11-Phil Mathias 14-(Ash Wednesday) Louise Bretz 18- Marge Plouse 25-Louise Bretz Nursery 4-Donna Rentzel 11-Louise Bretz 18-Sue Shellenhamer 25-Deb Fisher Altar Guild Marge Baranowski & Kim Balog February Stewardship Bulletin Sponsors 4-In memory of Lawrence & Juanita Mullins by Phil & Cheryl Mathias 11-In celebration of the baptism of our granddaughter Stella Hagenow by Carol & Darryl Hamm 14-(Ash Wednesday) Darryl & Carol Hamm 18-By Tony Baranowski in celebration of Marge s birthday 25-In memory of our 2 children, Robert Jr. & Kathy, by Bob Getz Locking Up after Worship Irma Mengel Flower Sponsors 4-In memory of John & Gladys Mathias by Sue Shellenhamer 11-In memory of Robert Getz, Jr. by Bob Getz Sr. 18-In memory of James Fisher by Deb Fisher 25-In memory of John Ignatosky, Sr. by John & Pat Ignatosky Money Counters 4-Len Lambert 11- Len Lambert 14-(Ash Wednesday) Available 18- Len Lambert 25-Available

3 Page 3 of 10 The Eagle News & Notes Walk 'n Talk with Pastors from Zion UD, St. John, Hoernerstown & St. Paul, Hershey Join us on the trail by the South Hanover Township Building. We'll meet every Tuesday at 11:00 at the track by the playground equipment. All walking levels are welcome. Happy belated birthday to Pastor Martha! She celebrated her birthday on January 28 th. We Need Your Help! Sponsors are needed for Fellowship Hour throughout the year, and we also need volunteers to count the offering each week. Sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletins boards. Thank you! Please note: While Pastor Martha is on vacation from February 15 th -20 th, pastoral care will be provided by Pastor George Minick. He can be reached at (office), (cell), or (home). The supply pastor for February 18 th will be Pastor Laurie Roberts. Community Aid Bin Keep our Community Aid Bin in mind as we transition our closets from summer to winter. Any clothes you no longer need can be donated. Last year we received $ for our donations which supports our youth! The deadline for the March issue of The Eagle is Monday, February 19 th. Financial Report December 2017 Net Operating Income $12, $121, Net Budget Expenses $10, $123, Difference $2, ($2,408.00) 2017 LSS Benevolence Pledge $11, $11, Net Budget $152, December Average Attendance: 52

4 The Eagle Page 4 of 10 Volunteer Opportunity The Division of Autism Services at Penn State College of Medicine is looking for volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 to assist with an ongoing social group, which aims to improve social skills in young adults with Asperger s Syndrome and high-functioning autism. Volunteers would serve as a peer by socially interacting with these young adults in a variety of activities. Volunteers are needed on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm. Groups will continue until April 30 th, Volunteers do not need to volunteer during that entire time, but we ask for an 8 week commitment out of the 16 weeks (we can work with individual schedules). Group sessions will take place at Penn State Hershey s Psychiatry Clinic on Northeast Drive in Hershey. For more information, see the flyer posted on the bulletin board. Seminar for Parents or Guardians of Young Children The monthly Parents of Young Children discussion series has begun! The next meeting is February 12 th at 6 p.m. in the church Conference Room. Join us as we hear from Drs. Les and Leslie Parrot on the subject of parenting. Plan to spend an hour together in conversation with your sisters and brothers in faith. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome-you are invited to bring your friends. Hope to see you there! The remaining dates in the series are: February 12 th, March 19 th, April 23 rd, May 21 st, and June 11 th. Souper Bowl 2018 at St. John We are collecting cans of tomato soup and chicken noodle soup for the Central PA Food Bank's Canned Soup Drive. To make this more of a "challenge", the collection will be divided into the two teams who will be playing in the Super Bowl on February 4 th. Bring Chicken Noodle Soup for the Philadelphia Eagles and Tomato Soup for the New England Patriots and we ll see who gets the most support. Either way, the Food Bank WINS!

5 Page 5 of 10 Lent and More Ash Wednesday Worship Service February 14 th 7 p.m. The Eagle Altar Guild Easter Flower Sale The Altar Guild is planning to have an Easter flower sale again this year. Keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks. Midweek Worship During Lent This year Lenten Worship will be held in the sanctuary Wednesdays beginning February 21 st at 7 p.m. As we come together for five weeks as a community of Christ, we'll continue the theme of love which began on Ash Wednesday, with a worship series entitled "You Shall Love the Lord Your God." Bill Dressler will be providing music for worship, which will be casual, interactive, and include reflections from various theologians. And as in years past, we'll worship with Zion Lutheran Union Deposit one of the weeks, and they will worship with us. This year, we will attend Zion on March 7 th, and on March 14 th they'll join us. Lent is a time for additional reflection on our lives in Christ. Take this time to refocus on your life in Christ by participating in Bible Study and/or midweek worship with your brothers and sisters in faith. You are needed and wanted; when you're here, worship and study are more vibrant and conversation is enhanced, as we listen and hear God's words for our lives. Easter Bunny Seeking Helpers to Fill Eggs The Altar Guild would love to have your help preparing for our Annual Egg Hunt. If you would like to help fill the many, many eggs that will be hidden for the kids, or if you would like to donate candy, please contact Kim Balog at Hershey Ministerium Community Lenten Midweek Services The schedule of services begins on Ash Wednesday (February 14 th ) at St. Joan of Arc. All services begin at 12:10 p.m. with a luncheon following from 12:50-1:30 p.m. More information can be found on the flyer posted on the bulletin board. Lenten Devotionals Devotionals for Lent for adults and children will be available in the Narthex beginning Sunday, February 11 th. Help yourself to a devotional to help guide your devotions through the Lenten season. Offering Envelopes There are still some 2018 offering envelope boxes that are waiting to be picked up. Grab yours on Sunday before or after Worship, or contact Pastor Martha or Grace to arrange a time to pick up another day. Harrisburg Area Youth Initiative HAYI will be holding its next meeting on February 11 th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran in Harrisburg. This meeting is open to youth in grades 6-12, and adults are welcome to stay. See the flyer on the bulletin board for more information.

6 The Eagle Page 6 of Committee Chairpersons Altar Guild Kim Balog Capital Improvement John Ignatosky Facilities Phil Mathias Financial Marge Baranowski Learning/Youth Gloria Mader Mutual Ministry Deb Leshak Social Ministry Kim Balog Shepherding/Evangelism/ Stewardship Gloria Mader Quilting Deb Fisher Worship Marge Plouse One other note on Paul: A new movie called, "Paul, Apostle of Christ" is scheduled for release the last week of March (Holy Week). When the movie comes to our area, it would be good to attend together--all will be invited as we have more information! Mark your calendars! St. John Altar Guild Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31 st 11 a.m. Looking Ahead Inclement Weather & Cancellations St. John will follow the Lower Dauphin School District schedule for cancellations in the case of inclement weather. If school is closed, no meetings, functions, or office hours will be held. If questions arise regarding cancellation of Sunday services, tune in to TV Station ABC27. Lenten Bible Study: Paul s Call As we prepare to enter the season of Lent, we continue learning about faith, the covenants that God makes with us, and the call that comes to each of us through Jesus. One way to enhance and grow your faith is through study and conversation with one another. This Lent, join Pastor Martha, as we study and experience the Apostle Paul's call of faith, one of the leading figures in the New Testament. Paul, previously known as Saul, was a former persecutor of those who followed Jesus. What changed him? How and where did he lead others? What did he struggle with? This, and much more, will be explored as we study Paul's Call by Adam Hamilton: From the road to Damascus to the sun-drenched lands of modern-day Greece and Turkey to a Roman prison, go with Adam Hamilton as he follows the journeys of Paul in this sixweek DVD study about Christianity s greatest teacher and missionary. You ll see exactly where some of the most dramatic events in the spread of Christianity took place, and you ll quite likely gain a better understanding of Paul s missionary travels than if you had covered the many miles in person. We'll meet for 6 Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. beginning February 21 st in the Conference Room. Dates so that you may mark your calendar: February 21 st, 28 th, March 7 th, March 14 th, March 21 st, March 28 th. In order to ensure that we have enough resources, please sign up on the bulletin board, or let Grace or Pastor Martha know if you will be participating. Books for this study cost $10 and will be yours to keep.

7 Page 7 of 10 The Eagle Stewardship 101 Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. -Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 254 With these ancient words from Genesis 3:19 and the swipe of a dirty thumb across our foreheads, Ash Wednesday propels us into the season of Lent with the proper context to understand our lives as stewards of the riches that God entrusts to us. The essential teaching of Ash Wednesday that we are just mortals, after all crushes our ego, dispels our pretentions and drives us deep into God s mysteries. Why are we here? What are our lives all about? What s really important? Pray over these questions and profound insights emerge. We are dust. Yes, but we are God s dust. Our body consists of trillions of atoms, each one a speck of dust created by of God, billions of years ago. God put us together from the very stuff of the universe. Therefore, we are quite literally earthy beings, made of the same material as air, water, soil and stone. Part of creation, not separate from it, we work to preserve and sustain the health of God s creation for all people and future generations. Therefore, we have reverence for our bodies, expressed through healthy living eating right, exercising, and avoiding illegal drugs and other poisons. We are breath. We are dust, certainly, but not only dust. Genesis 2:7 describes us as dust into which God has breathed the Holy breath of life. Our life is the breath of God in our dust. Therefore, every breath we take is holy. Every breath is a prayer that whispers God s praise and reminds us of God s life force in us. Therefore, we look to God to align our lives and ourselves with God s holy reality that arcs towards God s purposes of peace, love, joy, justice and truth. Our time is brief. Between the time that the dust of our lives comes together to form us and when it returns to the earth, we have a finite number of minutes on earth. Therefore, every hour, every second is sacred. There is not a single moment to waste. We spend our time wisely, carefully, prayerfully. Therefore, we do not cling to our possessions, knowing that we don t really own anything, but only hold onto it for a little while. Therefore, we nourish our lives with world treasures of real and lasting value friendships, trust, love, joy, service, generosity and harmony. This Lent, spend time in prayer, with openness and honesty. See how God will turn your heart and mind, transforming you into the person you were created to be. Reflect each day on Ash Wednesday. Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return. --Rob Blezard Copyright 2018, Rev. Robert Blezard. Reprinted by permission. Pastor Blezard serves as an assistant to the bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod and also works as content editor for

8 Council Minutes (December 12, 2017) The Eagle Page 8 of 10 Present: Pastor Boyd, Deb Fisher, Bob Getz, Darryl Hamm, Pat Ignatosky, Debbie Leshak, Gloria Mader, John Martz, Irma Mengel, Valerie Steinman Absent: Susie Shellenhamer (health) The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Pat Ignatosky. John Martz volunteered to lead devotions in January. Mike Youst, Executive Director of The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania, gave a talk on the mission, activities, and faith experiences related to the three Lower Susquehanna Synod camps (Kirchenwald, Nawakwa, and The Wittel Farm). Secretary s Report: Minutes from the November meeting were approved. Bob Getz motioned to approve the minutes while Deb Fisher seconded. Treasurer s Report: The November report was approved as submitted. Valerie Steinman motioned to approve the Treasurer s report while Bob Getz seconded. Gloria Mader advised that a Member s First CD matures in January. Darryl Hamm motioned to move the dollars from that mature CD into the ELCA Endowment Fund; Debbie Leshak seconded. The 22 shares of Total Systems Services, Inc. have gained momentum, so the stock will be retained. A lively discussion ensued regarding tithing of our proceeds (interest earned) from our investments. Agreement could not be reached, so the matter was tabled until January. Pastor s Report: Written report submitted. COMMITTEE REPORTS - Worship and Music (Valerie Steinman) Nothing new to report. - Learning/Youth (Gloria Mader) Nothing new to report. - Social Ministry (Pat Ignatosky) The gifts from the Christmas tree gift tags were delivered to Zion. St. John was one of only two churches who contributed. Kudos to St. John. - Shepherding-Evangelism- Stewardship (Gloria Mader) The Advent banners were installed. Also thanks to Phil Mathias for acquiring the nativity scene currently gracing the grounds. - Altar Guild (Pat Ignatosky) Nothing new to report. - Facilities (Susie Shellenhamer) Nothing new to report. - Swatara Creek Lutheran Community (Pastor Martha) Nothing new to report. - Mutual Ministry (Debbie Leshak) Nothing new to report. - Capital Improvements (Pastor Martha) Nothing new to report. - Quilting Ministry (Deb Fisher) The group is currently working on quilts to be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS - Election of officers for 2018: Darryl Hamm, President; John Martz, Vice President; Valerie Steinman, Secretary; Gloria Mader, Treasurer. Bob Getz motioned to approve and Debbie Leshak seconded. - The 2018 church lock up schedule will remain the same as it was in Council meetings will continue on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. - The Congregational Meeting has been scheduled for November 18, OTHER BUSINESS - Deb Fisher asked if something can be done in order to be able to hear the doorbell in the basement for those times when the Pastor and Church secretary are not present. - Gloria Mader requested use of the basement facilities for Tuesday, December 26, 2017, 4-7 p.m., which was approved. Meeting adjourned (motioned by Deb Fisher and seconded by Gloria Mader) at 8:25 p.m. with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Valerie Steinman

9 Page 9 of 10 The Eagle February 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 10am Women s Bible study am Worship with Communion Fellowship Hour following Worship Fellowship Hall reserved 5 6 8am Quilting Ministry 11am Walk n Talk w/ the Pastors am Women s Bible study Audit Committee Meeting am Worship with Communion 6pm HAYI Messiah Lutheran 12 6 pm Parenting Seminar First Call Education Meeting 13 8am Quilting Ministry 11am Walk n Talk w/ the Pastors 7pm Church Council Meeting 14 Ash Wednesday Valentine s Day 7 pm Worship with Communion 15 10am Women s Bible study am Worship with Communion with Supply Pastor Rev. Laurie Roberts 19 President s Day (Office closed) 20 8am Quilting Ministry 11am Walk n Talk w/ the Pastors am Lent Bible Study 7pm Midweek Lenten Worship Pastor Martha on vacation 15 th -20 th 22 10am Women s Bible study 1pm Capital Improvement Committee Meeting Pastor Martha on vacation 15 th -20 th 25 9am Worship with Communion 2:30pm Middletown Home Worship am Quilting Ministry 11am Walk n Talk w/ the Pastors am Lent Bible Study 7pm Midweek Lenten Worship 2018 Council Members and Officers President Darryl Hamm Vice President John Martz Secretary Valerie Steinman Treasurer Gloria Mader Financial Secretary Debra Leshak Deb Fisher Robert Getz Irma Mengel Pat Ignatosky Susan Shellenhamer

10 February 2018 St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church 158 S. Hoernerstown Rd. Hummelstown, PA Pastor Reverend Martha Boyd (cell) (home) Phone The Eagle Page 10 of 10 Weekly and Updates If you would like to receive weekly E-news including thoughts from the Pastor on the readings for the upcoming Sunday, please let the office know your address. Need to update your address or phone number? Leave a message or send an for the Office Manager. St. John now has Wi-Fi! Log in while in the building using this info: Network: St. John Guest Password: St.John_Welcome Fax stjohnchurch158@gmail.com Pastor s stjohnpastor158@gmail.com We re on the Web! See us at: Contact Information and Hours Pastor Martha can be reached at any of the phone numbers or s listed on the lefthand side of the page. In case of an emergency, please call her cell at Pastor Martha s office hours are Monday- Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Hours are subject to change for meetings, appointments, etc. Church Office Hours: Grace is in the office Monday & Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. & Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 158 S. Hoernerstown Rd. Hummelstown, PA 17036