ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

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1 ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2011 NEWSLETTER Pastoral Letter March 2011 Pastor Sandra R Mackie Interim Ministry and the Lutheran Church Follow me, and I will make you fish for people. Matthew 4:19 (NRSV) By the time you receive this Newsletter, I will have finished serving as pastor of St Paul s Lutheran Church. In some ways it feels as though the past 6 months have passed very quickly. But in some ways it feels as though I have been your pastor for a very long time. That indicates, to me, that our time together as pastor and congregation has been a positive time, and that it has been a productive time. A certain comfort and a feeling of being part of the community and the ministry at St Paul s has been very pleasant for me. My time of service at St Paul s has been a joy and I want to thank all of you who have supported me and uplifted me in your prayers. I have appreciated your capable and committed staff members. I have seen the love with which the Willing Workers serve, with which the choir sings, with which your committees and worship assistants serve, and with which the teachers share of themselves and their talents. There is a spirit of love present in this community of faith. Some members who have thoughts about how things have been going have come and talked with me about their concerns. This has been greatly appreciated. Just as the success of a business depends upon three things location, location, location So the health of a congregation depends upon three things communication, communication, communication. It will be important that you continue to be open and honest with your new pastor, with your Council members and with one another. Jesus teaches us that it is of utmost importance that we love God and love one another. An integral part of this commandment is to be able to communicate in open, honest and compassionate ways and as the counselor part of me likes to a non-anxious way. As I shared with Council at our last meeting, I do not like goodbyes. Yet such a parting as ours can be bittersweet. As much as I have enjoyed serving at St Paul s, I am so excited to see you move forward. I am excited about your future and your ministry with your new pastor, Pastor Anne-Rose Reeves. As Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in our New Testament lesson on Feb 13: 4 For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely human? 5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. 9 For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building. Yes, we are called to serve. It is not so important who you serve with, but the important thing is that you serve. We are all called to be workers in God s kingdom, called to use our gifts for the ministry of the Gospel and to the glory of God. And when we have each used our gifts and done our part, we are sometimes called to step aside and allow the next phase of growth to occur. So we recognize our own gifts and limitations. And we

2 recognize that we each do our ministry not for our own sake but for the sake of the community of faith. We are called to lift up and appreciate each others gifts. We each do our ministry for the common good. So now St Paul s looks forward to long term growth and outreach under the care of Pastor Reeves. Even though I cannot return to St Paul s (with the exception of being invited to participate in the dedication of your new building!) I will be holding you in my heart and in my prayers. As St Paul might write: brothers and sisters, grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. I will think of you often and with joy as you move forward in your life as a community of faith, loving God and one another, for the sake of the Gospel and to the glory of God. Amen. In Christ, Pastor Sandra Mackie All kids between pre-k and 4 th grade March 13 April 10 May 7- Mother s day tea June 18- Father s day lunch During the Sunday School hour except for special occasions or outings Questions: Heather Thorn February s Trivia Question: In the sanctuary, on our table (altar), there are two candles. We have candles lit to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. The fact that there are two candles reminds us that there are two to Jesus that he is both human and divine. 1) lives of Jesus 2) names for Jesus 3) dimensions to Jesus The answer is #3. There are two dimensions to Jesus, who is fully human and yet divine March s Trivia Question: As Lutherans, we believe that we are justified by faith, and saved only through God s. That means we can not, on our own, earn redemption and eternal blessings, but we can and should joyfully accept this gift from God. Out of response to this amazing gift, we live a life of joy and thanksgiving. 1) unconditional love 2) amazing grace 3) both See April s Newsletter for the answer.

3 March Birthdays 03/01 Betsy Treharne 03/18 Brian Verchick 03/06 Doris Barneycastle 03/19 Irene Mangle 03/09 Myrtle Frederick 03/20 David Hultberg Amanda Jumper Julie Baker-Hitz Kalie Nuss 03/21 Patricia Shawler 03/10 Steven Hoffmaster 03/22 Lucille Jackson 03/12 Lana Stitzel 03/23 Thomas Miele 03/16 Cheryl Baker Scott Maier 03/17 Ronald P. Shawler 03/29 Kari Lehman Mason Miller 03/30 Kaylin Vardzik 03/18 Brian Verchick 03/31 Alvin Sprague NEWSLETTER NOTES are due in the Church office by the 10 th of each month. You can put a written copy in secretaries mail slot in narthex or them to stpaulsenola@yahoo.com. PASTOR REEVE S OFFICE HOURS: Pastor Reeve s will need a few weeks to settle into a new routine with us and to figure out when it will be most convenient and productive for us together to have office hours. However, since she only lives seven minutes away from the church you may call her at any time if you have need of her (and she said that you don t have to be shy about it either). Her home number is Her cell phone number is Attendance & Giving January 2 Attendance: 9:00 60 Giving: General Fund $ Building Fund $25.00 World Relief $5.00 January 9 Attendance: 9:00 70 Giving: General Fund $ Building Fund $ January 16 Attendance: 9:00 94 Giving: General Fund $ January 23 Attendance: 9:00-79 Giving: General Fund $ Building Fund $50.00 January 30 Attendance: 9:00 82 General Fund $ Building Fund $25.00 Expenses for January $19, * General Fund Income - $13, Over Spent - $5, *Expenses were higher due to having to pay 6 months of benefits for Pastor Mackie to Board of Pensions.

4 SNOW SHOVEL SCHEDULE: MARCH 2011 Joe Eslinger ( ) & Ernie Clawser ( ) APRIL 2011 Gary Dolbin ( ) & Chuck Treharne ( ) BE A SPONSOR Altar Flowers: Altar flowers beautify the sanctuary for worship, and can be given by congregation members in honor of or in memory of loved ones. The price is $17.50 for one vase or $35 for two vases. If interested in sponsoring weekly altar flowers, please fill out the Flower Chart in the upper Sunday School room on bulletin board. Bulletins: Sponsors for bulletins are also accepted. The cost is $15.00 per week. These can be in honor of or in memory of loved ones or to the Glory of God. If interested you can fill out the Flower/Bulletin Chart in upper Sunday School room. You will be notified via a postcard usually the month prior to your sponsorship. Have you checked out out Web Site lately? Please do so Thanks to Ken Thorn it has been updated and we now have a gallery of pictures, bulletins, newsletters, and many more items of interest. Check it out and let us know if you have any additions, comments or would like to see something else there too. Please call the church office ( ) with your comments. SNOWWATCH INFORMATION: Information regarding Sunday Church Services can be found on the following stations: TV: ABC - WHTM TV-27 RADIO: WHP Talk Radio 580 CBS - WHP TV-21 The River WRVV 97.3 WLYH TV-15 BOB 94.9 KISS 99.3 OR You can call any Council Member. They are listed below: Judie Barrett, President ( ) Keith Gilbert, Vice President ( ) Lana Stitzel, Council Secretary ( ) Wendy Cekovich ( ) Ernest Clawser, Jr. ( ) Gary Dolbin ( ) Carole Jane Sutch ( ) Ken Thorn ( ) Catherine Yeager ( ) Nevin G. Sweger Faye Sweger AK-8498 Church of God Home Box A 801 N. Hanover St., Room 306 Bellefonte PA Carlisle PA

5 ST. PAUL S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING - January 25, 2011 Present: Judie Barrett, Keith Gilbert, Carol Jane Sutch, Wendy Cekovich, Gary Dolbin, Ken Thorn, Catherine Yeager, Ernest Clawser, Pastor Mackie, and Lana Stitzel Guest: Ron Shawler- Finance Committee Chair The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Judie Barrett. The meeting was opened with devotion by Pastor Mackie. Appointment of representatives for committees: Christian Education: Wendy Cekovich Evangelism: Ernest Clawser Stewardship: Judie Barrett Worship and Music: Gary Dolbin Secretary s Report Motion made by Keith Gilbert and 2 nd by Carol Jane Sutch. Motion carried. Pastor s Report By Law changes by Ron Shawler with a motion By Ernest Clawser and 2 nd by Catherine Yeager Discussed Social Ministry Funds Motion made by Ernest Clawser and 2 nd by Catherine Yeager to accept the Pastor s Report A ballot vote was taken to elect Judie Barrett as council president. The vote was unanimous. Motion made to accept Constitution changes by Wendy Cekovich and 2 nd by Gary Dolbin. Motion carried. Old Business: Meet and Greet discussed Ministry Reports: Motion made by Catherine Yeager and 2 nd by Wendy Cekovich. Motion carried. New Business: LifeLine Screening would like to use the building Thursday, April 28 th, 2011 for health screening Motion made by Gary Dolbin and 2 nd by Wendy Cekovich. Motion carried. 2 year extension on land development tabled until next council meeting. Request for upper Sunday School room to be used as polling place (will donate $150-$200/election) Motion made by Keith Gilbert and 2 nd by Catherine Yeager. Motion carried. Motion made by Gary Dolbin and 2 nd by Ken Thorn to accept amendments. Motion carried. Ken Thorn made a motion to make a committee of the installation of an elevator. Tabled until next meeting. Discussed what to do with the old tables and chairs. With no further discussion, the motion to adjourn was made by Catherine Yeager and 2 nd by Carol Jane Sutch. Motion carried. 5

6 The meeting was adjourned at 9:35pm. Meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. Prayerfully submitted: Lana Stitzel Please join us for A Family Fun Night Board games, Wii games, movies and Crazy Bingo March 5, :00 8:00 PM Bring: In the downstairs Sunday School room Hotdogs and drinks will be provided A snack to share Your favorite games A wrapped dollar gift for Crazy Bingo Friends and family ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AND COVERED DISH LUNCHEON will be held on March 13 th. Covered Dish Luncheon at 12:00 p.m. Congregation Meeting at 12:45 p.m. Agenda: Approve Annual Report Approve Constitution and Bylaw Changes Open Discussion LENTEN SERVICES March 9 7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship Service w/communion Mid-Week Lenten schedule will be Soup and Bread supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by Study with Pastor Anne at 7:30 p.m. Anyone who is able to supply soup or bread for the suppers is welcome. A sign-up sheet will be placed on the door between the Nave and the upper Sunday School room. 6

7 CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 1 st to March 31 st Mar.1 8:00 am - Sewing Memorial Bldg. Basement 7:00 pm - Stewardship Social Ministry Meeting Mar.2 7:00 pm - Adult Choir Practice Mar. 3 7:00 pm - Finance Ministry Meeting Mar. 6 9:00 am - Service of Holy Communion 10:30 am - Sunday School - St. Paul s Kids Youth Meeting 11:15 am - Cherub Choir Practice Mar. 8 8:00 am - Sewing Memorial Bldg. Basement 7:00 pm - Council Meeting Mar. 9 9:00 am - Enola Girls + 1 (Claremont Home) 2:00 pm - Enola Girls + 1 (Forest Park Home) 7:00 pm - Adult Choir Practice 7:30 pm - Ash Wednesday Worship Service Mar.10 - NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE IN OFFICE Mar.13 9:00 am - Service of Holy Communion 10:30 am - Sunday School - St. Paul s Kids Youth Meeting - Staff Meeting - Worship & Music Committee Meeting 12:00 pm - Covered Dish Luncheon 12:45 pm - Annual Congregation Meeting Mar. 15 8:00 am - Sewing Memorial Bldg. Basement 7:00 pm - Christian Education Ministry Meeting Mar.16 6:30 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - Mid-Week Lenten Bible Study - Adult Choir Practice Mar.20 9:00 am - Service of Holy Communion 10:30 am - Sunday School 11:15 am - Cherub Choir Practice 7:00 pm - VBS meeting (discussing theme, date, and looking for volunteers) Mar.21 8:00 am - Sewing Memorial Bldg. Basement Mar.22 6:30 am - Make/Deliver Sandwiches 10:30 am - Willing Workers Meeting 7:00 pm - Evangelism Ministry Meeting Mar.23 9:00 am - Enola Girls + 1 (Claremont Home) 2:00 pm - Enola Girls + 1 (Forest Park Home) 6:30 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - Mid-Week Lenten Bible Study - Adult Choir Practice Mar. 27 9:00 am - Service of Holy Communion 10:30 am - Sunday School Mar.29 7:00 pm - Property Ministry Meeting Mar.30 6:30 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - Mid-Week Lenten Bible Study - Adult Choir Practice REMINDER TO COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Please let Church Office know if you are changing your meeting date or time. 7

8 Serving at St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church During March 2011 If you cannot serve please trade with someone else and/or call the church office. If you see something you would like to try or do, contact the Church Office at (717) March 6 Minister Assistant Ron Shawler Lector Judie Barrett Acolyte Nicole Hoffmaster Communion Cups Ava Clawser & Hayley Diehl Ushers - *Jerry Rettig, Julie Foore, Edwin Harne, Arla Hunter Communion Setup Ron & Donna Shawler Communion Cleanup Anne Messinger & Judie Barrett March 9 Minister Assistant Nick Cekovich Ash Wed. Lector Ann Gilbert 7:30 PM. Communion Setup Charolette Getz Communion Cleanup Dottie Foore March 13 March 20 March 27 Minister Assistant Helen Wood Lector Steve Hoffmaster Acolyte Mason Miller Communion Cups Kaylin Vardzik & Gabriel Stitzel Ushers - *Jerry Rettig, Julie Foore, Edwin Harne, Arla Hunter Communion Setup Dorlene Morgan Communion Cleanup Charolette Getz Minister Assistant Denise Casella Lector Ann Gilbert Acolyte Nicole Hoffmaster Communion Cups Ava Clawser & Hayley Diehl Ushers - *Jerry Rettig, Julie Foore, Edwin Harne, Arla Hunter Communion Setup Ann Gilbert Communion Cleanup Darrell & Mary Jane McMillan Minister Assistant Gary Dolbin Lector Wendy Cekovich Acolyte Mason Miller Communion Cups Kaylin Vardzik & McKenna Stitzel Ushers - *Jerry Rettig, Julie Foore, Edwin Harne, Arla Hunter Communion Setup Kris & Trudy Getz Communion Cleanup David & Helen Wood 8

9 EASTER FLOWERS 2011 ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 3 RD. This form with cash or check (made payable to St. Paul s) may be placed in the offering plate or given to Dorlene Morgan. All flowers come in 6 inch pot. DESCRIPTION # OF FLOWERS TOTAL PRICE Tulips, assorted colors $6.00 Hyacinths, assorted colors $6.00 Easter Lilies, White $7.00 Mums, assorted colors $7.75 In Honor of In Memory of Name: Phone # Total Amount Paid $ **If you would like to donate any flowers to our shut-ins, hospitalized members, and nursing home residents, please notify Dorlene Morgan at church office (717) Thank You. 9

10 St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church 6839 Wertzville Road Enola PA St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church St. Paul s Mission Statement: 6839 Wertzville Road Building Disciples Enola PA Growing in Faith Office: Serving in Christ s Name Web: stpaulsenola@yahoo.com Pastor: Rev. Anne-Rose Reeves Phone: Cell: pastoranne@gmail.com Church Secretary: Dorlene Morgan Director of Music: Nicholas Cekovich Organist: Debra Reeder Custodian: Tim Yinger Council Members:. Judie Barrett, President Keith Gilbert, Vice President Lana Stitzel, Council Secretary Ernest Clawser, Jr. Wendy Cekovich Gary Dolbin Carole Jane Sutch Ken Thorn Catherine Yeager 10