Volume 21, Issue 8 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church August Jesus Is The Answer

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1 The Parishioner Volume 21, Issue 8 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church August 2016 Jesus Is The Answer It has not been a good summer. No, I am not talking about the weather that has been wonderful, or our congregation s ministries, or the Pittsburgh Pirates. I am talking about the violence in Dallas and Baton Rouge, the Lives Matter Movements, the anger over the murder of police officers and the despair and fear felt in the Afro-American community mourning the killings of black men by white officers. I am talking about the death of innocent people in France and in other parts of Europe and the Middle East from terrorist s attacks by Islamic radicals. I am talking about the presidential election and the Republican and Democratic National Conventions and divisive rhetoric. I am talking about our two candidates for the presidency, who polls say are viewed as the least liked and least trusted/competent candidates to lead our country in recent memory. All this in two months, it has not been a good summer. As Christians we all have a role to play in bringing healing and hope for the future. Is it not a world of peace and a country with respect for all people that our Christian faith calls us to build? Jesus overcame evil not with more evil but by taking it upon Himself. Forgiveness and reconciliation are the paths of peace and hope. They open up the future through God s grace and mercy. So, in the up-coming presidential election, if you can t vote for either candidate, or if you feel that you re only choice is voting between the lesser of two evils. Look again. There are third party candidates. Whoever you vote for do so with fear and trembling and prayer but vote! As the Church tasked with building the Kingdom of God it means giving witness to Jesus. Being part of the solution rather than part of the problem means getting involved rather than merely talking about how sad it is or looking to blame others for all that is wrong in the country, or in the world. It means a willingness to move from living by political correctness to Biblical faithfulness. And make no mistake about it. Giving witness to Jesus Christ means experiencing rejection and ridicule by many who will say: How dare you say Jesus is the answer! Every heart, every person is made for God The God Who is Love. We need to have confidence in speaking these words. This is the God, the one God, our pluralistic society needs. The importance of living our faith and giving witness to our God has never been greater. With You, Following Christ Jesus, Pastor Al Towberman The Parishioner 1

2 Holy God, Holy Lives, The NALC Convocation This August 8 12, The North American Church will be meeting in Anaheim, California for our national convocation. The theme is based on 1 Peter 1:16: You shall be holy, for I am holy. The convocation opens with a Mission Festival, two days of Biblical/theological presentations, followed by a mission focused business meeting. Elaine Walker and Pastor Towberman will be voting delegates from St. Mark s. While Pastor Towberman is away Pastor Jim Neal will be preaching and taking care of pastoral emergencies. St. Mark s 2016 Softball Team Our church softball team completed the Butler County Church League season on July 18 th, losing to Castlewood Missionary Alliance Church in New Castle, PA in the play-offs. Thanks team, for a great year! Special thanks to Sam Scott who is retiring as our manager after eighteen years. Sam has been a good role model and leader for our team. We greatly appreciate the good job he has done and the Christian leadership he has provided. Jeff Kiley, grandson of Ralph and Joan Bachman will be our new manager in If you are interested in playing on next year s team, give Jeff a call at Workouts begin in March 2017 and the 2017 season begins at the end of April. The Parishioner 2

3 The St. Mark s Staff and Council Officers Sr. Pastor ~ Pastor Towberman awt@stmarksbutler.org Parish Administrator ~ Mary Ellen Tack maryellen.tack@stmarksbutler.org Administrative Assistant ~ Vicki Schiffer vicki.schiffer@stmarksbutler.org Director Children/Youth Ministry ~ Darcie Pomykata youth@stmarksbutler.org Sextons ~ John Lingenfelter / Larry Rettig Aaron Ministers ~ Carol Fleeger / Robert Niggel Director of Music ~ Ralph Christy Jr. Assistant Organist ~ Rebecca Veith Bell Choir Director ~ Rebecca Veith Children/Youth Choir Director ~ Ralph Christy Jr. Children s Hour Director ~ Darcie Pomykata Katie s Kitchen Director ~ Loretta Bachman Council President ~ David Rodgers Council Secretary ~ Karen Grossman Treasurer ~ Sherry Young Financial Secretary ~ Toni Tassey Missionary ~ Judy Perry Our Daily Bread Devotional that is to be included in this month Parishioner is missing. Due to unfortunate mailing issues, we are no longer able to mail out the quarterly devotional that you receive in your Parishioner, four times a year. We will have Our Daily Bread devotional books at the Church available at the office or at the doors leading to the sanctuary. If you are unable to pick one up, please call the office to make other arrangements. 3T Ladies have made school bags to be filled with supplies by the congregation. The empty bags are available to pick up and fill. These school bags are distributed to centers for the needy children in our community. Thank you all for participating in this service project! The bags should be returned by the August 7 th so that we can distribute them to Glade Run and Dunbar Center before school starts. We appreciate all your help with this project. Our goal is to have 100 bags filled to distribute to needy children in our community! Please contact, Ginny for more information. American Red Cross Blood Drive Tuesday, August 23 rd Noon-5:30 pm In Fellowship Hall *Volunteers are needed to help the Red Cross with the August Blood Drive. If you are available to assist, all help is welcome. Any time you can give for this cause is GREATLY appreciated. KATIE S KITCHEN ANNUAL YARD SALE!! 248 New Castle Rd., Butler September 10 th 9:00 AM -??? ALL proceeds benefit Katie s Kitchen and the work they do for the community! We NEED your treasures (please no clothing)!! If you have items that you would like to donate to the sale, you can drop them off (the week of Sept 4 th ) at Spectrum Insurance ~ 248 New Castle Rd. in Butler or call Linda at to arrange for your items to be picked up. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING KATIE S KITCHEN!! The Parishioner 3

4 St. Mark s Lutheran Church Annual Picnic Bring a friend to join us for great food, fun, and fellowship, and finish out the day with a Worship Service!! Picnic and Worship Service Alameda Park Masonic Shelter Saturday, August 27 th, :00 PM - 7:00 PM Worship and Holy Communion 6:00 7:00 begins at 2:00 pm Meal: 4:30-5:30 Chicken, Hot Dogs, drinks and tableware provided. Please bring a dish to share with others. Enjoy the afternoon of games, fellowship, food, and a Songfest, finishing the time with Worship and Holy Communion! **Bring lawn chairs and blankets for your relaxation. Assistance will be available to help you transport your goods from your vehicle to the shelter if needed. ************************************************************************************* Name Number attending The Parishioner 4

5 St. Mark s VBS Under The Sea Highlights The Parishioner 5

6 The Parishioner 6

7 St. Mark s Children s Hour Wednesdays, 9:30 am 11:30 am September ~ May 2017 St. Mark s offers Children s Hour for all kids ages 2 up to and including Kindergarten. There is a lot of activity on Wednesday mornings at St. Mark s Lutheran Church. The kids sign, make crafts, play games, listen to stories, have snacks, and make friends! **Parent Orientation: Wednesday, September 7 6:00 pm. First Day: Wednesday, September 14 9:30 am.** Register today!! Call Darcie Pomykata (Director of Children s Hour) for more information / Sanctuary Choir Resumes Sanctuary Choir will resume Wednesday, September 7 6:30 pm and continue every Wednesday thereafter. The Choir is open to anyone from 7 th grade through the senior years. Come and join the fun!! Bell Ringers Needed St. Mark s Bell Choir will resume handbell rehearsals in the fall on Tuesday, September 6, 6:30 pm. If you ve rung in the past or are new to ringing, we can use you!! We have great music lined up ~ so please come and join us! Rebecca Veith Bell Director ~ Rally Day Weekend ~ September 10 & 11, 2016 Let s Rally Back to Church and Sunday School! The Parishioner 7

8 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Contact the Youth Group AMPED is our junior youth group for all children in grades 4th through 6th. AMPED-UP is for all youth 7th through 12th grades. Both groups meet 2 Sundays a month for food, study, and FUN! This is a great time for your child to spend time getting to know people their age in a safe, positive environment. Together the youth group members will serve others through service activities, meet challenges through supervised games, and explore where God is leading them through Bible-based lessons. Don t miss out on the fun. The meetings will begin in September. Children s Hour Darcie Pomykata, Director Wednesday mornings 9:30-11:30 am This program is for children ages 2 through, and including Kindergarten. St Mark s has touched lives with this program for 42 years with songs, crafts, games, Bible stories, snacks & FRIENDS! The program s success is due to dedicated Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Babysitters, and all others who love God s children; therefore the cost to join is only $35 a year per child. Call now! The season begins in September. Sunday School Sunday mornings 9:00 10:00 am All children s classes are held in Schramm Hall with the students meeting together at 9:00 for opening announcements, songs, and prayers. Classes are taught to children ages 2 through 12 th grade. Join us as we continue our journey looking for answers to the issues that confront today s culture through the media, school, friends, etc. in the curriculum Answers In Genesis. The Sunday school sessions begin Sunday, September 4, 9:00 am! Adult Studies There are 4 Sunday morning adult classes waiting for YOU; the Family Bible Class with teacher Heather Michel, the Good News Bible Class with teacher Don Cavalero, the Disciples of Christ with Vonnie Neigh and Leila Protzman, and the new Seekers Class with Chris & Spring Deal. Stop by the T downstairs at 9:00 am, grab a cup of coffee and spend some time in fellowship with these inspiring adults. Youth Music Ralph Christy, Jr., Director Children & Youth Choir Do your children like to sing? Children & Youth choir is open to anyone in 2nd through 12th grades with rehearsals beginning in September. You do not have to be a singer to join. Come and enjoy the fun and fellowship! Children s Church Sunday Mornings 10:15-11:15 am Do you want to attend church but know your kids are too restless to sit through the sermon? Then Children s Church is for you. All kids ages 4 years through confirmation age are welcome to leave the sanctuary after the Children s sermon with Darcie Pomykata, our youth director, for a child friendly experience. Each week s lesson is based on the same Bible passages that the adults are hearing in the church service. *Additional Interests* Nursery Available during the 10:15 am worship service. First Communion Class Open to any youth 3rd grade & above that has not attended First Communion. Confirmation Class Open to youth in 7th & 8th grade. Rev. Dr. Alden W. Towberman will be teaching. The Parishioner 8

9 Highlights from the Mission Trip to the Mission Sudanese Church in Rochester, NY ~ Nile Lutheran Church The Youth of St. Mark s and other NALC Mission District church s youth lead VBS for the families at Nile Lutheran Church in July. The VBS was a success! There was fun, fellowship and new relationships built. The Parishioner 9

10 Thank you Dear Women of the Church and our St. Mark s Family ~ Joanne and I want to thank you for the beautiful quilt Ginny Rettig delivered to Joanne s hospital room. Joanne said it was her favorite color ~ BLUE! She had so many remarks about it from staff and visitors. We also want to thank everyone for all the prayers raised to help Joanne get better, and for all the visits, calls and cards. Please continue to keep Joanne in your prayers as she adjusts to life at Concordia and continues to recuperate. God s Peace, Joanne Lewis and Melissa Somerville Dear St. Mark s ~ What a pleasant surprise to receive a blanket made by the Women of the Church. It is a morale booster knowing it was made by God s loving hands. Thank you so much for thinking of me and God bless each of you. Sincerely, Sallie Miller Thank you, Pastor Towberman for your visit and prayers. We thank the members for the lovely rose, the ladies for the quilt and the wonderful luncheon. It was greatly appreciated. The Family of Gerald Schroth Your Thoughtfulness is appreciated! Thank you for thinking of me as I m recovering from surgery. The quilt is really pretty. Dear Members of St. Mark's Congregation: This letter is being written to thank all the persons at St. Mark's who have made my retirement such a special event: the beautiful roses on the altar on May 22, the wonderful reception in Fellowship Hall, the water color painting done by Elaine Walker, the portrait done by Mark Hall, the memory book from the choir, the donations made to the organ fund, and the many cards filled with good wishes. Most of all, I have appreciated the friendships that I have made, and your gracious support of my endeavors. I have truly been blessed through these ten years, as part of your congregation, and for that, I wish to thank all of you. Women of St. Mark s ~ Karen Krenitsky This letter is long over-due. My name is Esther M. Miller. I am a WWII Vet, and will soon be 95 in Nov. A short time ago, I was given a most beautiful quilt and then the children sent me several things, which I am most grateful. I want to thank all of you very much for past and present things you do for me. Please say hello to all. In Christian love, Marie Miller To the Children of St. Mark s Vacation Bible School ~ Thank you for thinking of me. I was so pleased to receive the card and the treats. Thank you, again! Janet Rettig Doris Williams The Parishioner 10

11 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 9:00 3T 2 1:30 Evangelism 3 National Watermelon Day th Sunday After Pentecost 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church School Kits Due 14 Guest Pastor Jim Neal :00 Church Council :00 Prayer Shawl 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 7:00 Christian Ed NALC Convocation, Anaheim, CA :00 Katie s Kitchen :00 Worship / HC 13 Guest Pastor Jim Neal 6:00 Worship / HC 20 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church th Sunday After Pentecost 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church NOON Blood Drive :00 Katie s Kitchen 26 6:00 Worship / HC 27 Annual Picnic and Worship/HC at Alameda Park Masonic Shelter 2:00 7: th Sunday After Pentecost 29 7:00 Church Council :00 Katie s Kitchen 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church The Parishioner 11

12 August 7, 2016 ~ School Bags due August 8 12, 2016 ~ NALC Convocation, Anaheim, CA August 13-14, 2016 ~ Guest Pastor: Jim Neal August 27, 2016 ~ Annual Picnic August 23, 2016 ~ Blood Drive St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church 201 West Jefferson Street Butler, Pennsylvania Phone: Fax: Website: NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 92 BUTLER, PA Parish Hours: 8:00 AM -- 5: 00 PM Monday - Friday CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED WORSHIP SERVICES Saturday: 6:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 & 10:15 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM The Parishioner 12

13 Under the Sea VBS 2016 VBS at St. Mark s is lots of work but the rewards are endless! At the time of writing this letter, our Vacation Bible School for 2016 has just finished up. We had a successful week at St. Mark's Lutheran Church with a great "Under the Sea" picnic on the last day taking place at Alameda Park. Our theme this year was "Under the Sea with The Go Fish Guys. The kids were Kickin it Old School with stories and hymn that have been around for years (with a 2016 twist). We had many children and their families come through our doors during the VBS week. The kids and volunteers were made up from the children from our congregation, as well as, from the community. The excitement of our stage, music, and the love of God is spreading the news that St Marks is the place to be! Our program was based on stories throughout the Bible. Starting in Genesis with creation, onto Salvation, and including God s Courage. Registration took place daily and each child received a cd with the music from VBS and a nametag lanyard which was color coded and printed with a specific sea creature. Each child came in with their families and were signed in by the registration team of Paulette Bowen, Jackie Flatt, Chaz Tanner, Darcie Pomykata, Steve Pomykata, and Colton Baptiste. Each day started at 5:30 with devotions and a meal. The meals were provided by our adult Sunday School Classes and our VBS volunteers. The meals were prepared and served by the Family Bible Class, the Disciples of Christ Class, the Good News Bible Class and the VBS team with Carri Smith volunteering three days in the kitchen. About 50 people were well fed daily. Thursday s meal took place at Alameda Park with barbecue experts Steve Pomykata and Justin Charlton on the grill. The food at the picnic was amazing. Every family pitched in and brought something. The food ranged from taco dip, to cheesy potatoes, to stuffed shells, to pasta salad, to homemade cookies, and lots and lots of desserts. We had five long tables covered with food God is Good! After eating, everyone headed upstairs to hear the Concert opening by the Go Fish Guys. We counted down and then the excitement began. Music videos were projected onto a large screen. The kids were singing and dancing. Colton Baptiste did an amazing job as the chief technical expert during both the opening and the closing. The whole crowd sang and danced to the award-winning, Go Fish Guys where the kids had fun praising God with their music. After the Concert, the opening continued with skits performed daily. Sunday skits were performed by Darcie Pomykata and Jackie Flatt. Monday s skit was performed by Nicole Michel and Addison Bowser (with help from Kathy Beunier). Tuesday s skit was performed by Octobyr Sarver, Alayna Charlton, and Natasha Sarver. Wednesday s skit was performed by Noah Hahn, Ryan Beunier, and Tristan Clark (with help from Kelli Hahn). The skits used humor to reinforce the bible lessons of the day. Our Actors Rocked! After the opening, the children were split into groups by their age and headed off to the four rotations. The our rotations consisted of Coral Reef Crafts, Under Sea Adventure Story, Splish Splash Service and Games, and Go Fish Music and Games. During Crafts, Kelly Hahn, along with McKenzie Edwards, Steve Hahn, and Jessica Neff, led the kids to create and make fun stuff! The kids painted, glued, colored and had a blast making their own Under the Sea shirt, a stepping stone, a shield of Courage, and a blow fish painting for Creation. During the Story time, (which was prepared by Wendy Holt and Shirley Bilowitz) included a variety of interactive experiences to get the kids into the Bible! Kris Edwards, Shirley Bilowitz, and Darcie Pomykata took turns telling the story that set the theme for the day s activities. During Music, Darcie Pomykata and Jackie Flatt reinforced the bible lesson while playing games and dancing to songs. The kids were taught hand motions and dance moves that went along with the videos used on Stage at the The Parishioner 13

14 end of the night. Fun musical games like musical chairs and hot potato were played while learning the Go Fish Kickin it Old School music. During Splish Splash Service and Games, Reuben Holt, Nick Flatt, Jacob Pomykata, along with Trey Sarver, Ryan Beunier, and Tanner Cavalero reinforced the lessons learned with fun games and team building activities. The kids started the rotation with a service project and then led the groups into structured games that helped the kids let go of their built up energy. The kids made and sent out cards to the shut-ins and for the people of Nile Lutheran Church that the Youth of St. Mark s to take on their Mission trip to Rochester NY. After the rotations, everyone headed back upstairs to the stage in Schramm Hall for the Encore Concert. The kids sang, danced, and jammed with VBS music everywhere. The children got a chance to show to their parents what they have learned during the evening. The children took turns performing motions and reciting the bible verses they have learned. The music was turned up loud and the fun reached its peak before the kids were dismissed to rest up for their next day's adventure at St. Marks. Our mission project for this year s bible school was for Nile Lutheran Church in Rochester, NY in which St. Mark s was heading on a Mission Trip in a few weeks after the end of VBS. The children were challenged to bring in coins. Who was bringing in the most offering - "the boys" vs. "the girls"! Paulette Brown, along with Colton Baptiste, counted all the coins daily. Colton built up the excitement for the announcement each evening with the use of the power point and the large screen projecting on stage. The boys took the lead on Day 1, the girls had the lead on Day 2, the boys had the lead on Day 3, on Day 4 the girls had the lead again. The girls brought in the most money with the boys not far behind. All together over $300 was raised for this year s donation for Nile Lutheran Church in Rochester, NY. A big thank you goes out to all who helped making this year's Vacation Bible School a success, including those that were mentioned previously... Thank you to all the decorators, registrars, leaders, skit actors, cookers, snack preparers, assistants, technical producers, cleaner uppers, behind the scene workers, administrators, shoppers, treasurers, mailers, writers, "pray"ers, kids attending, adults attending, babies brought, and the Go Fish Guys, too...thank you for transforming the halls, the rooms, and the stage in Schramm Hall to an amazing Under the Sea theme with lights, fish, Octypus, and decorations. Thank you to all the crew leaders... Abby Frederick, Amari Madliger, Kris Edwards, Llloyd Edwards, Jodi Edwards, Betsy Madliger, Brooke Terwilliger, Kathy Beunier, Steve Hahn, Chris Michel, Heather Michel, Dylan Atkison, Hallie Kildoo, Reuben Holt IV, Madison Pomykata, Jessica Parisi, Asti Atkison, Buck Holt, Nick Flatt, Noah Flatt. We, also, want to extend a huge Thank You to Pastor Towberman for supporting VBS by leading prayer during the opening and popping in to various rotations throughout the week. God Bless, Thank you to the Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles, who entrusted your kids in our care. Thank you to everyone for helping make this year s VBS a huge success! Darcie Pomykata, VBS Director The Parishioner 14