The Parishioner. God Is Love and Those Who Abide In Love, Abide in God and God In Them. 1 st John 4:16

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1 The Parishioner Volume 23, Issue 5 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church May 2018 God Is Love and Those Who Abide In Love, Abide in God and God In Them. 1 st John 4:16 As I am writing this month I find myself reflecting upon the death of Barbara Bush yesterday and her words that are being widely quoted. I m a huge believer in a loving God, she said. And I have absolutely no fear of death, which is a huge comfort because we re getting darned close. And I don t have a fear of death for my precious George or for myself because I know that there is a great God and that there is a New Dawn Ahead. The matriarch of her family, she was known for always having her husband s back. She was known for being a rock of stability, character, decency, faith, and family values for her children and grandchildren. Most significant to me is she was a woman whose identity reflected the high calling of being a woman of faith. She was a life-long active Christian, most recently at St. Martin s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. As we will be celebrating Mother s Day on May 13 th I can t stress enough how important such women are to our homes, marriages, and children at a time when the breakdown of the family has become an epidemic more severe than the drug crisis. It s my observation that not so many parents, mothers and fathers, are claiming parenthood as a holy calling and godly vocation these days. Someone has said that the greatest poverty in life is not to know God. If you haven t given your children God you haven t given them much at all. even if you have given them a great education, music lessons, taken them to sports practices and attended their games, given them an inheritance and a family name. Moms, and Dads, please attend church with your children, bring them to Sunday School and attend with them, whatever church it might be. Your family s values and character are formed accordingly. You will have introduced your children and grandchildren to a Love and Life that will last forever. To share the fullness of life in your family, to share salvation one day together, the Life of Jesus we have known in the Church those of us who have been blest with parents who took seriously and joyfully the privilege of being Christian parents. One day your kids will thank you and remember you as perhaps Barbara Bush s children and grandchildren remember her. Maybe even your greatest joy will be in seeing your children grow up with the love of God abiding in them. What could be better? I hope to see you in Church this weekend. In Christ, Pastor Al Towberman The Parishioner 1

2 Will we have enough pastors? Will our pastors be well-grounded in God s Word and the Lutheran Confessions? Will they be able to teach and equip disciples at all ages and stages of life? The NALS will continue to answer YES to these questions with your help during North American Lutheran Seminary Month. The North American Lutheran Seminary needs both your prayers and generous financial support to continue our mission of preparing competent, evangelical and confessional pastors who will faithfully and eagerly serve in the decades to come. Here are some startling facts illustrating the urgent need for growing the Seminary of the North American Lutheran Church: Approximately 9 of 10 NALC pastors are over the age of % of pastors are over the age of 60. Since 2010, the NALC has grown to more than 420 congregations and is still growing. As a result, the Seminary s student body, faculty and staff are already growing and preparing to grow even more at our residential campus in Ambridge, at extension sites and through relationships with undergraduate institutions across North America. Join us this May to observe North American Lutheran Seminary Month. With your prayers and generous donation, you are supporting the NALS and providing for the future of the North American Lutheran Church. The Parishioner 2

3 Come celebrate Mother s Day with us at St. Mark s Saturday & Sunday, May 12 th -13 th Mother s Day gives us a moment to reflect about our family life and the kind of homes we are building, the examples we are setting, and the priorities that command our time and energy. Strong families have certain things in common. They are built on mutual commitment to each other and based on living that commitment through relationships grounded in selfless love. At Saint Mark s on May we will be praying for the Christian Home and Family. Pentecost Sunday May 20th The Birthday of the Church And The Coming of The Holy Spirit (Remember To Wear Red) Plan to celebrate the Confirmation of our Second Year Confirmation Youth at the 10:15 Morning Worship Service on May 20 th. Lloyd Edwards, Mackenzi Edwards, Braden Marcellus, Marra Patton, Sarah Patton, Jacob Pomykata and Katelyn Reott are scheduled to be Confirmed pending completion of their oral examination by the Church Council on May 8 th. A reception in their honor will be held in Christ Chapel following the Service of Holy Communion on Pentecost. Our prayers and congratulations! Blessing of the Animals By Pastor Towberman May 6, :00 4:00 PM The Vagabond Center Come and have your pet blest! Pastor Towberman will be leading the Community Pet Blessing Service, sponsored by Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, at the VAGABOND CENTER, on Sunday, May 6 th at 2:00 p.m. A prayer card and cross for pet collars will be given to every animal owner whose pet is blessed and honored at the community service. The Parishioner 3

4 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 ~ Robert Niggel / Wm Oehlschlager Director of Music ~ Ralph Christy Jr. Assistant Organist ~ Rebecca Veith Bell Choir Director ~ Rebecca Veith Interim Organist ~ Joanne Lozier Children s Hour Director ~ Darcie Pomykata Katie s Kitchen Director ~ Loretta Bachman Council President ~ Elaine Walker Council Vice President ~ Gretchen Pink Council Secretary ~ April Quinn Treasurer ~ Sherry Young Financial Secretary ~ Toni Tassey PENTECOST SUNDAY, May 20 th CONFIRMATION CELEBRATION AT THE 10:15 AM SUNDAY SERVICE. SMLC Confirmation Class Schedule May 2018 Teachers: Pastor Al Towberman, Wendy Holt, Chris Deal Sermon notes are taken the first Sunday of the month unless otherwise indicated May 6 May 8 4:30 6:00 PM Confirmation Class in Youth Room Confirmation Memory Verses Assigned Temptation +Lesson 7. pages New Testament Test Revelation, Lesson 10, pages Homework, Answer all written questions on pages Memorize the 3 rd Article of the Apostles Creed 6:00 PM Tuesday Evening, Second Year Youth Confirmands meets with the Church Council for review and approval or Confirmation. May 13 MOTHER S DAY NO CLASS May 20 PENTECOST SUNDAY CONFRIMATION AT THE 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service. Reception following the service in Honor of the Confirmands. Congratulations to St. Mark s Bible Bowl team who came in 2 nd Place! Team: Sydney Reott, Ashley Kort, Caitlyn Cypher, Dylan Atkison, Jacob Pomykata, Josie Reott, Buck Holt, Madison Pomykata, Emily Deal, and Katelyn Reott Coaches: Wendy Holt and Darcie Pomykata Thank you all for your support and prayers and those who came out to cheer us on! The Parishioner 4

5 St. Mark s Senior Luncheon The Women of the Church are hosting a luncheon for members of St. Mark s Lutheran Church who are 80 years of age and older on Tuesday, May 22 at noon. Mark this on your calendar and call the office to make your reservation (724) HOPE TO SEE YOU ON MAY 22 nd! Preparing for Holy Week The Parishioner 5

6 Christian Education News Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us. John14:8 Warm, May Greetings, St. Mark s Family, It seems as though I have blinked and November became May. For my family, the winter season of has been filled with difficult life transitions. My husband and I found ourselves holding our breath through scary diagnoses, challenging care giving situations, and heart-breaking losses. Time stood still and blinked by all at the same moment. Throughout the struggles I have been infinitely grateful for the love and prayers selflessly given by my St. Mark s family. Your support is an overwhelming blessing and a soothing balm to our season of raw emotions. With all these changes, the demands on my time have increased making my ability to fill the shoes as Christian Education Chairperson difficult. I have not been doing the job well this year and find it necessary to step aside for now. I plan to continue teaching Sunday School, Confirmation and being a hard worker for the Christian-Ed Team, I just can t stand in the lead role at this time. I ask that each of you add this committee to your prayers. Consider joining and/or leading the Christian Education Team. I still remain fervently passionate about the need of Christian education. The statistics show how unimportant Christian values are to our kids and grandkids. And if we don t continue to reach out from our churches with Christian education, where will they learn about the Good News or experience the kind of love and support that has carried my family through our seasons of change? We need to show (others) the Father..., so that in all their seasons they will know what is enough John 14:8. Author Bob Goff asks a question on the back of his new book; Everybody, Always, we should all consider, What happens when we give away love like we are made of it? I have had a glimpse of that answer, thank you, for giving your love to me, Wendy Holt Students!! Have you received awards, scholarships, college plans or letters, or any other achievements this year? We would LOVE to hear about your year! Please contact the church office so that we may acknowledge your great achievements. The Parishioner 6

7 Children s Hour Program May 2 nd, 2018 at 6:00 pm Thank you teachers and parents!! Children s Hour End-Of-The-Year Program is happening at St. Mark s Lutheran Church on Wednesday, May 2 nd at 6:00 pm. The Children have had fun learning Bible Stories and songs this year. It has been exciting to watch the children grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Come and see the excitement and be blessed by the children as they perform. There will be a cookie reception following the program in Fellowship Hall Children s Hour The Risen Christ Easter Walk Memorial Day, May 28, 2018 Take time to remember in prayer the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and in thanks to God for their service. In observation of Memorial Day, the Church and Office will be closed. We will resume regular office hours on Tuesday, May 29 th. Office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00 am 5:00 pm. Meals on Wheels St. Mark s provides desserts for Meals on Wheels in June. Approximately 140 people receive meals each day. We are accepting cakes, cookies, brownies, quick breads, etc. (no nuts or icing). Baked items should be placed in the Sunday School Kitchen to be picked up on June 3 rd for delivery on June 4 th. Eve Bible Study will meet Tuesday, May 22 nd at 3:00 pm. in the Church Lounge. The study will be The Unity of the Holy Spirit from the study book Come, Holy Spirit. * This will be the last study before breaking for summer. Eve Bible Study will resume Sept. 25 th. Anne Ferguson at (724) or ap1ferg@zoominternet.net The Parishioner 7

8 St. Mark s Youth Page Kids stuff Sunday School is for everyone! May 2018 Youth Group Picnic Sunday, June 3rd, 5:30 8pm All Youth 4th grade & up Where: The Courtyard of St. Mark s! VBS (Vacation Bible School) Making a Splash with Jesus! This year, kids will learn what a difference Jesus can make in their lives, when they are willing to dive in with him. When: Sunday, June 24th - Thursday, June 28th (Thursday is a picnic at Alameda) Times: 5:30PM Lite dinner 6PM until 8:30PM VBS Music is from Every Sunday morning in May from 9 to 10 AM. Confirmation There is one regular Confirmation class in May meeting from 4:30PM to 6PM on Sunday, May 6th. The 2nd year Confirmation students will be completing their two-year study. These Confirmands are meeting with St. Mark s Council on Tuesday, May 8 th at 7PM. The Second Year Confirmands will be confirmed on Pentecost at the 10:15 Service, Sunday, May 20th a reception in Fellowship Hall will follow. Children s Hour End of the Year Program When: Wed., May 2nd at6 PM The kids are excited to show their Parents, Grandparents, neighbors, and friends what they have learned at Children s Hour. All are welcome to attend. Come Enjoy the Show! St. Mark s Lutheran Church 201 West Jefferson St. Butler PA Darcie Pomykata Youth Director (724) cell/text youth@stmarksbutler.org The Youth and Families of St. Mark s are hitting the Pittsburgh Zoo on Sunday May 13th. Directly after Church we will enjoy a lite lunch in Fellowship Hall before taking off for the Zoo. Please Sign up with Darcie so that transportation can be arranged. Let s pack a bus. Last day of Children s Hour for the 2018 School Year is on Wednesday, May 9th at 9:30AM. The kids will get to create their own Sundaes. The Parishioner 8

9 FIRST HOLY COMMUNION ~ MARCH, 29, 2018 The Parishioner 9

10 THANK YOU Dear Friends at St. Mark s ~ Thank you for the lovely card. I m going to try to get out to church more since the weather is getting better. Can t wait for my tree to bloom outside my window. Blessings to all, Shirley Protzman St. Mark s ~ We would like to thank Pastor, women of the church and everyone who prayed, sent cards, and given us and friends quilts. Bob and Vera for giving us communion. Thank you and God Bless, Donna and Glen Gold On behalf of the Veterans at VA Butler Healthcare, I wish to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation for your recent donation of 15 handmade quilts. Please know that your donation will be used for the benefit and well-being of the Veterans in our Homeless Veterans Program. There s nothing more rewarding than giving back and making a difference in the lives of people in this great community (Frank Guzzetta). Thank you again for your generosity and the happiness you bring to those we serve, American heroes, today and tomorrow. Sincerely, Paula McCarl Voluntary Services Coordinator Ladies at St. Mark s~ Thank you for the lap throw. It was greatly appreciated and used a lot by me. Thank you for all the prayers, it really means a lot to me to know so many people are thinking of me during this time. I had my last chemo treatment April 6 th and waiting to do a CT scan in May. Ellen McElhaney Happy Easter to all my friends at St. Mark s. I am still in New Hampshire taking care of my parents. I appreciate your prayers! Judy Perry Pastor, your encouragement, support and love shown my mother s family was greatly appreciated. Your kind deed changed lives. Thanks! May St. Mark s faithful servants also be blessed for your kindness, generosity, understanding, cards, flowers. A big hug to Mary Ellen, Vicki, Karen and Alma. You are rare treasures. Thank you for all you have done and brightening my day. St. Mark s Parishioners ~ The Helen Dunkel family. Love, Diana Hall Thank you all who helped us prepare for Madaline s big day! We truly appreciate all the work you did on Sunday and what great folks you are! It was a great celebration! God bless all folks that dedicated their Sunday afternoon and for seeing that everything went smoothly. Thank you for your love and kindness of Christ that was shown to our family. May God bless you all. Mike Kaltenbach, Great nephew of Madaline Golec On behalf of the Ellen O Brien Gaiser Center I would like to personally thank you and the St. Mark s Lutheran Church community for your generous charitable Lenten contributions. As you may know, gifts from supporters like you provide the financial and moral support needed to continue our mission. Your kindness and generosity is certainly much appreciated by the entire Gaiser staff. Best Wishes. Linda Franiewwski MBA, CADC Executive Director The Parishioner 10

11 Saintly Seniors (90 + years young) Birthdays Allene Adkins (05/21) Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 9:30 Children s Hour :00 Children s Hour Program 7:00 Bell Choir 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 6:00 Worship / HC 6 8:00 & 10:15 Worship / HC 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church 2:00 Pet Blessing 7 9:00 3T 8 9 9:30 Children s Hour Last Day :30 Confirmation 6:30 Church Council (Confirmand Testing) 7:00 Bell Choir 1:00 Prayer Shawl 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 6:00 Worship / HC :00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church 12:00 Youth Zoo 20 Pentecost & Confirmation 21 7:00 Bell Choir 22 Noon Senior Luncheon 5:30 Worship / Music 7:00 Sanctuary Choir 23 5:00 Katie s Kitchen :00 Worship / HC 26 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Confirmation Children s Church 11:15 Confirmation Reception 27 Allene Adkins 28 1:00 Evangelism 3:00 Eve Bible Study 7:00 Bell Choir 29 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 30 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 31 6:00 Worship / HC 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church OFFICE CLOSED 7:00 Bell Choir 6:30 Sanctuary Choir For those who courageously gave their lives. And those who fight today for our freedom. Thank You. The Parishioner 11

12 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 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED May 28, 2018 ~ Memorial Day, OFFICE CLOSED May 2, 2018 ~ Children s Hour Program May 6, 2018 ~ Pet Blessing at the Vagabond Center May 12-13, 2018 ~ Mother s Day Services May 20, 2018 ~ Pentecost/Confirmation/Reception May 22, 2018 ~ Senior Christian Luncheon A Congregation of the North American Lutheran Church Parish Hours: 8:00 AM -- 5: 00 PM Monday - Friday WORSHIP SERVICES Saturday: 6:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 & 10:15 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM The Parishioner 12