St Paul s Newsletter. Catch the Spirit! Celebration Sunday! World Hunger! Work Day. Faith Formation Ministries

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1 St Paul s Newsletter Catch the Spirit! World Hunger Our community of faith is extremely generous! We have received $ so far to donate towards World Hunger! That money was collected from the Buck-A- Chick campaign, the Lenten Soup suppers, and the Coin Boxes and envelopes. We are still counting coins, so this is not the final amount, but we wanted to thank you for your support towards ending World Hunger! Thanks so very much! Questions? Contact Cindy Dohanic on the Service and Outreach Team at World- Hunger@stpaulserie.org. St Paul s Lutheran Church, Erie, PA Work Day Saturday, May 11 th from 9 AM to 1 PM The Property Team is having a work day on Saturday, May 11 th from 9 AM to 1 PM, rain or shine. There will be a variety of projects to work on at St Paul s, both inside and outside the church. Come as you are able anytime during the work day. All help will be appreciated! Questions? Contact Jerry Covington at property@stpaulserie.org. Celebration Sunday! Sunday, May 19 th at 11:00 AM Join our Sunday School students as they participate in and lead the entire 11 AM worship service. The students have been working on songs and one class is doing a skit. The children's sermon will be done by our high school class. We are looking forward to new and old songs with congregation participation! Immediately after the 11 AM service, join us for a celebration picnic! Hotdogs, baked beans, sal- May 2013 ad, macaroni and potato salad, chips, pretzels, and drinks will be provided. We are asking Sunday School parents to please provide desserts. The Sunday School teachers can't wait to see everyone there. All are welcome! It has been an amazing year and your children have worked hard all year. Come celebrate with us as we end the school year with a bang! Questions? Contact Pam Brady, Jacqueline Barber, or Melissa Collins at SundaySchool@stpaulserie.org. Faith Formation Ministries Students to Affirm Their Baptismal Covenant Aidan Sloppy Eriq Schau Breanna Berger Matt Perry Maddie Maciulewicz We will witness five young folks affirm their Baptismal Covenant with God on Sunday, May 26, 2013 at the 11:00 AM worship service. This is an intentional ministry of St Paul s Lutheran Church to help folks have a better understanding and increased knowledge as to what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Each of these students was claimed by the grace of God in their baptisms as infants and God s promises were secured then as they became members of the church. Now, these folks have the opportunity to publically state their faith in Jesus Christ before the congregation and assume their individual role in their covenant with God. Come witness and celebrate with the students! Questions? Contact Geoff Groce at confirmation@stpaulserie.org. Adult Forum: Become God s Best Version of Yourself! Join us as we experience bestselling author and pastor, John Ortberg guide us through the sometimes difficult but ultimately fulfilling journey towards a uniquely created spirituality in Creating the Me I Want to Be. Adult Forum meets on Saturdays at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 9:45 AM in the Conference Room (Room 112). Questions? Contact Candy Maxwell, Adult Forum Team Leader, at Adult- Forum@stpaulserie.org.

2 Page 2 Table Talk St Paul s Lutheran Church Saturday Worship Service, 5:00 PM Sunday Worship Services, 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Sunday School, 9:45 AM (September-May) Office hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday Friday office@stpaulserie.org The Rev. Scott Maxwell, Pastor, ext. 103 pastor@stpaulserie.org (cell) The Rev. David McIlvried, Visitation & Adult Ministries Pastor, ext. 312 pastormac@stpaulserie.org (cell) The Rev. Richard K. Schultz, Pastor Emeritus Ms. Sue Mohnkern, Director of Music Ministries, ext. 104 musicdirector@stpaulserie.org Mr. David Cope, Saturday Evening Pianist, ext. 320 pianoman@stpaulserie.org Ms. Joanne Loomis, Director of Nursery Ministries, ext. 319 nursery@stpaulserie.org Ms. Melissa Collins, Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 105 youthdirector@stpaulserie.org Mr. Geoffrey Groce, Director of Student Ministries, ext. 113 studentdirector@stpaulserie.org Ms. Karen Covington, Parish Administrator, ext. 100 parishadmin@stpaulserie.org Mr. Nicholas Barber, Business Manager, ext. 316 BusinessMgr@stpaulserie.org Ms. Sharon McCraken, Director of Child Development Center, ext. 116 cdcdirector@stpaulserie.org Ms. Tammi Ferrante, Director of Pre-School, ext. 114 psdirector@stpaulserie.org Submissions: Newsletter, Calendar, & This Week Newsletter: Please submit information to Debbie Gross at newsletter@stpaulserie.org. All submissions for the June 2013 newsletter must be received by May 15. Calendar: Requests should be sent to calendar@stpaulserie.org OR go to our website, and on the homepage, click event request, complete the online form & click send. This Week : To receive the latest news at St Paul s, please subscribe to the This Week where Pastor Scott alerts you to what s going on in & around our community. Send your address to thisweek@stpaulserie.org and put subscribe in the subject line.

3 St Paul s Lutheran Church, Erie, PA Page 3 Worship Ministries Music Musings: Farewell from Sue Mohnkern The time has come for me to leave the St Paul s family. I will miss the many folks who have shared 13 years of music ministry with me through singing choirs, handbells, instrumental delights, solos, duets, quartets, children s music, youth club music, VBS, shared music programs with other church choirs, sing-a-longs, Lenten skits, Youth Ministries MAY YOUTH CLUB May 5: Lutherlyn Open House: Camp Blast. Meet at St Paul's at 8 AM. Transportation provided through church vans. Please contact Melissa for reservations by May 2. We ll have the opportunity dinner theaters, parties, picnics and boom-wackers! It has been exciting to be a big part of the planning and the building of our new digital pipe organ and the completion of our handbell set. St Paul s is very fortunate to have many involved folks to praise God in worship. So, I take this time to send a huge thank you for those who share their talents and those who listen. June 2 is my last day, so we are not done yet! Saturday, May 4, St Paul s will host the AGO Handbell Festival Concert at 3:00 to tour Lutherlyn, attend an outdoor church service, climb the rock wall, try boating, go horse back riding, play games, enjoy food, do the zip line, challenge ourselves on the high ropes course, make crafts, and much, much more! Schedule of events: 11 AM Worship in the Amphitheater Noon-3:30 PM FREE lunch in Dining Hall Noon 4 PM TONS of ACTIVITIES! 4-4:30 PM Campfire PM. Our two bell choirs will participate, along with Luther Memorial, 12 Apostles Lutheran Church, Wayside Presbyterian, and others. Stay tuned for a fun musical surprise on June 2! Please join me in welcoming Davis Evans, organist, who will lead your music ministry this coming summer. Questions? Contact Sue Mohnkern at musicdirector@stpaulserie.org or , ext (K-6 grades) Questions? Contact Melissa Collins at youthdirector@stpaulserie.org or , ext Providing safe space for youth to form strong bonds with Christian friends that last a lifetime. Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Mark 10:14 Student Ministries: Church on the Corner (7-12 grades) May 5: Camp Lutherlyn Coffee Hour and from 1-4 PM, we will gather to make candy for the Mother's Day Candy sale (look for our order forms)! May 12: Camp Lutherlyn Coffee Hour and Mother's Day Candy Sale. May 17-18: Overnighter; more info TBA. Bake Sale May 21, 2013 Donations accepted on Sunday, May 19 & Monday, May 20 If you are willing to help on Election Day, contact Barb Davies at May 19: Golden Spoon Dessert- Bake-Off, time TBA. May 26: 2-5 PM Car Wash at Country Fair. PIZZA & movie back at St Paul s. Questions? Contact Geoff Groce at studentdirector@stpaulserie.org or , ext. 113.

4 Page 4 Table Talk Parish Life Ministries Ladies Lunch Bunch Faith & Charity Circle Bible Study Join us Thursday, May 9 th at 10:00 AM in the Conference Room. Noni Gardner will lead the Bible Study & Audrey Wassell will be hostess. Please note that a Love Offering will be taken. We will meet on Thursday, May 9 th at 12:30 PM at Hoss s Family Steak & Sea House (3302 W. 26 th St). We welcome any ladies who would like to join us. See you then! Please call with your reservation: Phyllis Lindahl at or Connie Sloppy at Questions? Contact us at LadiesLunch- Bunch@stpaulserie.org. Faith, Family, & Friends Meeting Faith, Family and Friends will meet on Monday, May 6 th at 7:00 PM in the Conference Room. We will be planning for Sue's retirement and our annual congregational picnic. We encourage any members of the congregation to attend this meeting. Adopt-A-Garden Each year the church gardens are divided into sections. Various church families adopt a section. They are responsible for spreading the bark, weeding, and adding annuals if desired. The bark will be furnished. Geraniums will also be available for some of the gardens. There are 3 sections available to be adopted this year. Please contact Ruth May at Gardens@stpaulserie.org if interested in helping. Thank you! Altar Care Ministries Thank you to all the volunteers who have joined this ministry in recent months. When the Liturgical Color changes for the season of Pentecost we will have new green hangings on either side of the Cross. The color is a close match to our paraments and will enhance the beauty of our Sanctuary. If interested in helping service in this ministry, please contact Nancy Price at AltarCare@stpaulserie.org. Worship Assistants Schedule For information, contact: 5:00 PM Sue Bax at SatWorship@stpaulserie.org 8:30 AM Noni Gardner at WorshipAssistants830@stpaulserie.org 11:00 AM June Kessler at WorshipAssistants11@stpaulserie.org Greeters Cede McNutt at Greeters@stpaulserie.org Ushers Jessica Carr at Ushers@stpaulserie.org Acolytes- Jenn Randolph at acolytes@stpaulserie.org Altar Care Greeters Ushers Lois Gilbert/ May 4, :00 PM Sullivan Family Alice Eger Assistant Minister May 5, :30 AM Engel Family Collins Family Bob Wright/ Len Toy Linda Swab Communion Assist. Acolyte 1 Acolyte 2 Deserae Carr Ryan Zimmer- 11:00 Wolfe Family Nancy Twichell Ted Firment/ Jack Mar n Karen Marzka LaceyJo Hunter May 11, :00 PM Bax Family Hall Family Debbie De- May 12, :30 AM Engel Family Collins Family Mike Collins/ Bill Gross Sally McIlvried Coursey Emily Collins Emily Thelin Mother's Day 11:00 AM Marzka/ Price Jan Spurlin Ted Firment/ Marvin Meyers Larry Kessler Peggy Fuhrman Ethan Cunningham May 18, :00 PM Elmer Family Buzzard Family May 19, :30 AM Engel Family Parry Family Ron Ka a/ Jeff Goller Sandra Hall Ron Till Evan Lang Andrew Haverly 11:00 Corinne Bechtold AM Spurlin/ Price Zech Family Jan Spurlin/ Karen Marzka Sheryl Kyle Candy Blaszczyk May 25, :00 PM Waller Family Chrostowski Family May 26, :30 AM Engel Family Kathie Fry Ron Ka a/ Karen McKenna Karen Covington 11:00 Ted Firment/ AM Zech Family TBD Marvin Meyers Eric Zech Jan Spurlin Tori Benson Katy Zech Eriq Schau

5 St Paul s Lutheran Church, Erie, PA Page 5 Prayer & Care Ministries The congregation of St Paul s extends sympathy to the family & friends of Bernice L. Squire Buzzard Kerlin, grandmother of Don Buzzard, who died on March 21, Congregational sympathy is also extended to the family & friends of John Robert Bob Henry, husband of Ruth Henry & longtime member of St Paul s, who died on March 27, Please keep our following brothers and sisters in Christ in your daily prayers: Elva Cantor, Kaete Csir, Clara Davis, John Engel, Joanne Erikson, Roy Hager, Ruth Henry, Dottie & Ken Johnson, Jim Martucci, Paul Miller, Edwin Smith, Rob Stroul, Debby Sullivan, and Cheryl Till. Please pray for those who are homebound, perhaps struggling with or recovering from illness or surgery, and in need of comfort and support: Tess Anderson, Mary Baer, Paul & Linda Conrad, Kathryn Duran, Les & Fran Einhipple, Delores Flanigan, Ruth Henry, Catherine Kuneman, Bill & Ellie Perry, Bette Randolph, Alice Ristau, and Donna Spangler. We continue to pray for those who are close to us who serve in the military stationed around the world who defend and fight for freedom: Michael Cunningham, David Hall, Brennan Madara, Jonathan Newlin, Christopher Newlin, and Christopher Tinsman. We keep our college students in prayer as they study and prepare for their future vocations: Claire Barber, Haley Crncic, Steven Crncic, Michelle Curry, Nathan Fuller, Jack Hall, Christine Haverly, David Holcomb, Michelle Holcomb, Justin Kuric, Melissa Lupo, Rebecca Lupo, Shawn McFarland, Troy McKenna, Zoe Siegel, Josh Taylor, Zach Taylor, Erika Williams, Kelly Williams, Kristyn Zech, and David Zinram. We welcome Connor Matthew Nelsen, son of Matthew & Laura Nelsen, into the body of Christ. He was baptized on April 27, Dear St. Paul's Friends, My mother, Ardis Barr, was very appreciative of the prayer shawl. She put in on right away and didn't take it off except when she went to bed! She loved it. She was unable to write very well and asked that I send a thank-you note. I thank you also for sharing this special gift with my mother. It is very special. God Bless, Kathie Fry Dear St Paul s Family, Thank you so much for the lovely prayer shawl and beautiful prayer you gave to me. I am deeply touched by your thoughtful gift. I can t wear anything with long sleeves at the moment so I have been cuddling under my prayer shawl. It is so light weight, yet so warm! It is a constant reminder of God s love and the love, love, love of my church family. Thank you again and God Bless you all, Cheryl Till St Paul s Church, What a pleasant surprise I got! It really touched me. I am recovering slowly. At my age healing comes slowly. With the help & prayers from you and many others, I m about ready to do what I used to do. (I hope). You people have been so kind, too especially since I only show up when you serve food. Thank you & God Bless, Al Mohnkern Dear St Paul s, Thank you so much for your prayers and beautiful prayer shawl. Mom s favorite color is purple-it s perfect.) I know she misses seeing you all! Mom was at Golden Living (after a fall) for a couple of weeks. Now she s back at Independence Court, but moved to Room 271. She s still doing physical therapy, but coming along. Thanks again! Candy Blaszczyk for Dolores Flanigan Thank you Pastor Mac and Pastor Scott for your hospital visits and prayers. Thank you too for the prayer shawl. It was all very much appreciated. Sincerely, Lynn & Doree Brown To my St Paul s Family, I have so many things to thank you for, beginning with all the many prayers which have brought Ted and I this far. I love the prayer shawl that has kept me warm through the long winter, the many cards and letters and phone calls, the wonderful meals, the beautiful flowers, the visits from Pastor Mac, but most of all to know you are all thinking of us through this long period. Ted s doing quite well. I have a ways to go. But, with all your prayers, we will both make it. In God s Love, Ted & Clara Davis Thank you to the St Paul s family for the love, prayers, cards and concern and to the Patchwork of Love for the lovely prayer shawl. Thank you to Pastor Scott and Pastor Mac for their prayers, support, visits and the beautiful service. Thank you for the delicious luncheon after the service. It all meant so much to me and my family. God Bless You, Marianne Tonjes Congratulations to Shawn McFarland for receiving a 2012 Bread Box Award from Second Harvest. These awards recognize groups and individuals who host fundraisers and food collections for Second Harvest.

6 Page 6 Table Talk Service & Outreach Ministries Holy Trinity Soup & Pasta Kitchen Food for the month of May: May 5 May 12 May 19 May 26 All items are collected in a basket near the entrance to our worship space. Questions? Contact Marvin and Marian Meyers at foodoftheweek@stpaulserie.org or ServErie Peas Mixed vegetables Powdered lemonade mix Little Debbie Snacks Join the 400+ volunteers who go out into the Erie community to make a difference on Saturday, May 18 th.. More information available at Mission Opportunity! St Paul's will host the annual Sloppy Joe Dinner at Holy Trinity on Thursday, May 30 th. Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve and cleanup. If you would be able to help between 3:00 and 6:30 PM, please call Marian Meyers at Habitat for Humanity Faith Community Build THE HOUSE THAT GRACE BUILT The name has been chosen, the family has been chosen, the date of the Build has been chosen so what are you waiting for? This year s Build will again take place in June but the challenge for the community will be to build it in just 14 days (June nd )! Currently St Paul s has 5 slots available to work on Saturday, June 15 th. These first 5 slots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additional times and days can be request- ed. With the Build being just 14 days, the work day availability is much more limited. If you are interested in one of the Saturday slots or if you would prefer another day, please contact Linda Martz as soon as possible at or Habitat@stpaulserie.org OR just put your name and phone number on the sign-up sheet located on the Habitat board in the narthex. Information sheets and waivers must be returned to Habitat before May 15 th in order to receive a free T-shirt. Check the weekly bulletins for additional information. Help Needed for Habitat Lunch St Paul's will be delivering side dishes to the Habitat for Humanity "House that Grace Built" work site on Monday, June 17 th. By the first weekend in May there will be a signup sheet in the narthex with various items needed including: veggie trays, watermelon, chips, and cookies. Helpers will also be welcomed on the day of the lunch. Questions? Contact Pat Goller at or HabitatLunch@stpaulserie.org. Mission Update from Brian Kuric Holy Week (Semana Santa) Gone Wild!!! "Holy" by definition means to be set apart from everything else; it just depends on what you set apart the week for... For many people in Venezuela, it was a week off from work, a week to party a lot, to eat a lot, and to spend time with friends and family. For many, it was one of 2 times a year that they went to a church. For college students, it was like Spring Break down in Florida with MTV on steroids. But in the midst of all the booze and bikinis, and half-hearted Christian belief, a group of 160 students gathered together all desiring something more - desiring to live a different life, to answer a different call, to show a different way to their friends, to be people who God uses to change the status quo because the status quo isn't helping to solve anything. 160 students gathered together from 6 major cities, 6 major universities in Venezuela for the week for the Congreso National Conference hosted by our team and by the other Campus Crusade for Christ staff in Venezuela. Just as we had anticipated and prayed for, God showed up in incredible, tangible ways. We saw a movement of students marked by great faith and great love ready to go change the world. For Christians all over the world, Easter was holy because of what Jesus did 2,000 years ago. It was the time to gather to worship in houses, basements, and churches to celebrate the incredible resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many today this is only an ancient myth, but for many more this is the pinnacle of their 20 people were baptized in a swimming pool! life; all their hope and all their assurance. The only man and the only God to ever rise from the dead. This is the pinnacle of the Christian faith; the proof that God's Kingdom is now bursting forth into this broken world, continuing to heal, save, redeem, and transform lives now 2,000 years later. God is very much alive and at work today. Even the strongest atheist, the most unbelieving heart cannot escape from God's overwhelming love and acceptance seen so incredibly in the death and resurrection of Jesus. At the end of the day, love is victorious. I stood there with tears in my eyes, so thankful to be in Venezuela. -Brian Kuric

7 St Paul s Lutheran Church, Erie, PA Page 7 Church Council Highlights From the April 2013 meeting: Approved Property Team to change locks in facility. Approved Electronic Security code to be changed monthly. Approved donation to Habitat for Humanity. Approved 5 students to be confirmed on May 26 th. Next meeting: May 20 th at 7 PM in Conference Room Approved to extend the position of Director of Music Ministries to Andrew Rainbow. Andrew brings years of experience leading music at church services at various congregations, both here in Erie and in New York City. He has experience playing pipe organs, piano/keyboards and directing choirs. Currently, he is the Music Director for the Erie Playhouse. Pre-School News In May, we will send home our Mother's Day gifts, we will have a Pajama Day, and a Silly Shaving Cream Day. We will also celebrate all the children who have summer birthdays. We will have our Spring Musical for parents to come watch on May 22. This will also be our last day of preschool for this school year. This day is very exciting for the children to show their parents and grandparents how hard they have been working on all the songs and finger plays. On Friday May 24 th, we will have our Waldameer School Picnic for our pre-school families. The teachers will be there cooking up hot dogs and serving lunch to those who buy a lunch ticket. Ticket sales for Waldameer day will start this month also. Lots to look forward to and summer is right around the corner! For more information, please contact Tammi Ferrante at psdirector@stpaulserie.org or , ext Child Development Center News May will be filled with fun activities for the children of Child Development. Activities will revolve around the themes of May Flowers, A to Z Animals, and Friendly Monsters. Child Development will be closed on Monday, May 27 th in observance of Memorial Day. Questions? Contact Sharon McCracken at CDCDirector@stpaulserie.org or , ext Nursery Schedule Questions? Contact Joanne Loomis at , ext. 319 or nursery@stpaulserie.org. May 5, :15 AM- 10:45 AM Sco & Sara Beilharz 9:45 AM - 12:15 PM Brandon & Erika Nornhold May 12, :15 AM- 10:45 AM James & Jenn Randolph 9:45 AM - 12:15 PM Jered & Jessica Carr May 19, :15 AM- 10:45 AM Joe & Sue Lang 9:45 AM - 12:15 PM Sharon Lore & Emily Burkhart May 26, :15 AM- 10:45 AM Kelly Grutkowski 9:45 AM - 12:15 PM Chris e Young & Heather McLaughin

8 St Paul s Lutheran Church 3108 Sterrettania Road Erie, PA CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED DATED MATERIAL May 2013 Inside this issue: NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PD. ERIE, PA PERMIT NO. 31 Directory 2 Worship Ministries 3 Youth & Student Ministries Parish Life & Altar Care Ministries Worship Assistants Schedule Prayer & Care Ministries Service & Outreach Ministries Place label here Council News 7 Pre-School & CDC News 7 Nursery Schedule 7 Catch the Spirit! Spring Educational Events Signs of Spring for Ecumenical & Inter-Religious Relations Thursday, May 17 from 6-9 PM Friday, May 18 from 9 AM- 6 PM Saturday, May 19 from 9 AM- 1 PM We are always in need of help to set up, clean up and to organize during the sale. Moving day from Homer House is Wednesday, May 16 beginning at 6 PM. We will set up for the sale on Thursday, May 17 from 9 AM to 6 PM. If you are willing to help or have donations for the sale, please see Karen Covington or contact her at , ext. 100 or parishadmin@stpaulserie.org. All sale items need to be stored at Homer House; see Karen for a key. All proceeds benefit Holy Trinity. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will give matching funds for this sale. Inter-Church Ministries is offering this workshop presented by Bishop Emeritus Donald J. McCoid, as we face the challenges of working together in a changing world. Join us at First United Methodist Church on May 7 from 9 AM to 2:30 PM. The registration fee is $25. To register or for more information, contact Inter- Church Ministries at or icm@icmeriecounty.com. The Re-Birthing of Hope: Vision from Iona The small island of Iona just off the west coast of Scotland played a seminal role in the birthing of European Christianity in the 6 th century. In the 21 st century pilgrims from all over the world are again looking to Iona, this time for a re-birthing of hope. Join J. Philip Newell who is internationally known for his work in the realm of Celtic Spirituality for an event to discuss this re-birth. The fee for the event is $ Fee includes four meals and room (one night). The program begins at 10:00 AM Monday, May 20 and concludes at 4:00 PM Tuesday, May 21. Registration deadline is May 1, For more information, contact Pastor David Blank, First Lutheran Church at or pastor@firstlutheranwarren.com. An Introduction to the Lutheran Confessions The NWPA Synod is offering a class on the Lutheran Confessions this May and June at Abiding Hope Lutheran Church. It will be taught by The Rev. Dr. Ralph E. Jones, Bishop of the NWPA Synod. All are invited to attend. To register or for more information, contact Pastor Sandra Jones at the synod office at or sjones@nwpaelca.org.