The Parishioner. Reformation 500 at Thanksgiving. Volume 22, Issue 11 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church November 2017

Transcription

1 The Parishioner Volume 22, Issue 11 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church November 2017 Reformation 500 at Thanksgiving Dear Family of St. Mark s, Thanksgiving is a very special time among us as we remember our many blessings so many as we sing Count Your Blessings, Name Them One By One at our Thanksgiving Eve Service that we are amazed at all the blessings God has given us. This Reformation 500 Year among those blessings is a special opportunity for us to remember to give thanks for the Church, in particular the Lutheran Church and our congregation. Before joining the Society of Holy Trinity to worship and visit the Luther and J.S. Bach sites around Germany this October, one of my hopes was to visit the Lutheran/Protestant Church in Ebernburg, Germany. (Ebernburg was newly named in 1969 as Bad Munster am Stein-Ebernburg, a town of about 4,500 people in the Bad Kreuznach district in the Rhineland-Palatinaste of Germany. It is located in the southwestern part of Germany on the Nahe River, which is a tributary of the Rhine River, about fifty miles northeast of Heidelberg. Ebernburg was a town and religious center at the time of the Lutheran Reformation taking place in Germany in For me taking personal time to visit Ebernburg was about going back to my family s roots. The Lutheran Church in Ebernburg holds the parish baptismal records with the name of a member of my family baptized as a Lutheran Christian in I am reminded that thanks to the Lutheran Church my family for almost 400 years has heard God s Word, received God s mercy and grace in Holy Communion, and been baptized into Christ s death and resurrection. What a blessing. When I get to heaven I look forward to meeting members of my family who I have only heard about thanks to the good genealogical research of my brother Tom and my cousin Frank Towberman. As we especially remember to give thanks for our Lutheran Faith this 500 th Year of the Anniversary of the Reformation I remind you again that our reason for thanksgiving is not the celebration of Martin Luther. Luther did not begin anything new. The Holy Spirit acting through Luther brought about a renewal movement that returned the Church to following the teaching of Holy Scripture and the practices of the Apostolic faith. Luther s renewal movement emphasized: God s Word (Sola Scriptura), personal faith (Sola Fide), and God s grace (Sola Gratia). Not only did renewal occur in the Church but also politically and culturally. The Reformation changed the dynamics of life and government in the entire western world. Up until that time the church which was the central political power in the Middle Ages faded as a political entity and nations began to spring up in Europe where citizen s individual rights and freedoms became recognized. The Parishioner 1

2 So while I am proud to be a Lutheran and that my family has been Lutheran for 400 years that is not my primary reason for giving thanks this Thanksgiving. I give thanks that through the Lutheran Church both me and my family have known Christ and His salvation gifted to us out of God s love through the Gospel of Christ boldly proclaimed in Word and Sacrament. By now you have discovered the 500 th Year Reformation Celebration is all about Jesus and not ultimately about celebrating Martin Luther. The Lutheran Church cannot save anyone, only Christ. Salvation and forgiveness of sins, being able to live by Grace is the gift of God and that includes other Christians as well. At the heart and soul of Lutheran theology and the Lutheran Church is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God loves you!!! That s Good News. All our sins are forgiven through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This forgiveness is given freely through Christ s sacrifice for us as Luther rediscovered in the Scripture. It is given to you for free. It is a gift of God for you! When we trust in God s love for us in Jesus Christ, we see God as He truly is, as a God of love. His sacrificial love for us is a gift. The Holy Spirit gives us faith. The way to heaven is prepared for us. God is with us. God will never leave us. Joy marks the life of the person who trusts in God regardless of one s circumstances. The most important teaching of the Lutheran Church, that we are saved by Grace through faith, (Romans 3:23-28), is that God loves you with no effort, merit or work on your part in the relationship. God loves you. He sent His only Son to die and rise for you. His love is fulfilled in the Gospel. This is the Good News that continues to fill us with joy this 500 th Anniversary Year of the Reformation. The witness of the Lutheran Church for the sake of the Gospel is needed as much today as it has ever been. The Lutheran Church has brought these gifts of God to you and your family as well as mine. Let us praise Him and give God our thanks this Thanksgiving Eve of Reformation 500. God loves you for all of eternity. Freely. That will never change. Thanks be to God! In Christ, Pastor Al Towberman Annual Congregation Meeting Sunday, November 12 th Following the 10:15 AM Worship Service Please encourage each other to attend the Annual Meeting this year on Sunday, November 12 th following the 10:15 am Worship Service. Please note that there will only be one service on November 12 th. The Finance Committee has given many hours of service in putting together a proposed Budget for The Council has worked hard at creating an Agenda for the meeting so that each item to be discussed will stay on schedule. Council plans on concluding the meeting at 12:15 pm so that folks can get to lunch and other activities planned for the Sunday afternoon. *Please plan to attend and bring your copy of the Annual Report that was mailed to each home of St. Mark s Lutheran Church members. The Parishioner 2

3 Annual Convocation Saturday, November 11 9:00 am 3:00 pm (8:30 am Registration & Continental Breakfast) St. John s Lutheran Church 218 N. Jefferson St., Kittanning, PA We encourage everyone to participate in this annual event in our life together as a mission district! Sign up at the Wittenberg Door SMLC Information Center. Serving Christ Together Ministers: St. Mark s Staff and Council Officers The People of St. Mark s Senior Pastor Pastor Towberman awt@stmarksbutler.org Parish Administrator Mary Ellen Tack maryellen.tack@stmarksbutler.org Administrative Assistant Vicki Schiffer vicki.schiffer@stmarksbutler.org Dir. Children/Youth Ministry Darcie Pomykata youth@stmarksbutler.org Sextons Aaron Minister Director of Music Assistant Organist Interim Organist Bell Choir Director Children s Hour Director Katie s Kitchen Director Council President Council Vice President Council Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary John Lingenfelter / Larry Rettig Robert Niggel Ralph Christy Jr. Rebecca Veith Joanne Lozier Rebecca Veith Darcie Pomykata Loretta Bachman David Rodgers Ron Morrison April Quinn Sherry Young Toni Tassey Women s Thank-Offering Week-end November 18 th & 19 th We encourage everyone to come this weekend to hear what the Lord has to offer, not only to women, but to ALL! **Elaine Walker will be giving a temple talk** The Parishioner 3

4 SMLC Celebrates Christ the King We will gather for Festival Weekend Services on November 25 th and 26 th to celebrate the reign of Christ the King and His victory over sin, the power of evil and death. Holy Communion will be celebrated at all worship services as the Church Year draws to a close. Pastor Storm will be bringing God s word as Pastor Towberman is away. SMLC Confirmation Schedule November 2017 Pastor Al Towberman, Wendy Holt, and Chris Deal November 5 November 19 *Take Sermon Notes Sunday Morning or Saturday at Church 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon Class Martin Luther Film and Discussion +Homework: Read Luther Book before class +Memorize the names of the next eight books of the Old Testament (through Jeremiah) 4:30 6:00 PM Sunday Afternoon Class Monarchy Chapter 7, pages King David and King Solomon Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 1 Samuel 17: , 23-37, 41-51; 1 Kings 3:3-15 +Homework: Answer written questions on page 31 +Memorize the names of the next eight books of the Old Testament (through Jonah) Thank you from Texas To: St. Mark s Lutheran Church My name is Mia Hernandez. I am 12 years old from Bloomington, Tx. My family and I survived Hurricane Harvey. I would like you to know that I received a beautiful quilt that ya ll sent our way. I would like ya ll to know that it is very comforting to me. Thank ya ll for everything ya ll sent our way. May God Bless ya ll and keep ya ll safe at all times. Please keep my family in prayers to get our house fixed. THANKS AGAIN, GOD BLESS. Love Mia Thank ya ll so much for the quilt. May God Bless ya ll for many years! Cabrera Family *Bloomington, Texas LOVES ya ll The Parishioner 4

5 All Saints Day November 5, 2017 The Festival of All Saints celebrates the mystery of God s presence and the power of God s Grace in ordinary people. In the waters of baptism, we enter into the Communion of Saints. In the bread and wine of Holy Communion, we are nourished by Christ and united with all the Saints. On All Saints Day, we especially give thanks for loved ones who are part of the Great Cloud of Witnesses with God in Heaven. This morning, we remember in prayer those from St. Mark s Church and friends & family who have entered the Church Triumphant this past year. All Saints Day reminds us that there comes a time for each of us to give our loved ones back to God. Just as He first gave them to us and did not lose them in the giving, so we have not lost them in returning them to Him ~ for life is eternal, love is immortal, and death, the entrance to the Joy of Heaven for those who have faith in Jesus Christ. This year, we remember, with thanksgiving and gratitude to Jesus Christ Our Savior: Dorthia V. Jackson Mildred A. Blatt Marilyn R. McPerson Jean R. Baxter Dorothy E. Warheit George Cliff Schenn David L. Campbell Evelyn M. Hillberry James R. Snyder Augusta N. Dlutowski Clyde Richardson, Jr. Theresa E. Stirling L. Virginia Bishop John C. Tassey Jean L. Hines Richard Potochny Janet B. Shedio Allene D. Luppe Joan M. Bachman C. Marvalene Heyde Ward W. Trostle, Jr. Carol L. Fleeger Glen O. Bachman *Christmas Floral Memorial Flowers Due Sunday, November 12, 2017** The Parishioner 5

6 st. mark s Thanksgiving Celebration Wednesday Evening, November 22 nd at 7:00 PM Thank you, Lord!! Mark your calendar to pause and join in worship, thanking our God from whom all blessings flow! Music by our Sanctuary Choir and Director of Music, Ralph Christy Jr. Invite your friends and neighbors to join your family in worship and a time of fellowship in the Chapel with pumpkin and apple pie and coffee following the service. Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wonderful works to humankind. For He satisfies the thirsty, And the hungry He fills with good things. Psalm 107:8-9 Eve Bible Study Ladies, join with other women for EVE Bible Study who meet at 3:00 pm in the Church Lounge, the fourth Tuesday of each month. This month: Tuesday, November 28 th. the lesson will be The Enlightenment of the Holy Spirit from the study book, Come, Holy Spirit. If you would like more information, contact Anne Thanksgiving Food Vouchers Just a few weeks until Thanksgiving! If you have someone within the congregation who is in need, please fill out the form below and place it in the offering plate or call the Church Office at We will once again help our neighbors in Butler through Catholic Charities (screened & approved) with a $50 Thanksgiving Voucher. We respond to God s mercy to us to help others. If you are inclined to contribute, mark Thanksgiving Vouchers in the memo portion of your check. Thank you in advance for your kindness. Vouchers will be distributed on Monday, November 20 th from 1:00 pm 3:00 pm in the Church Office Reception area. Recipient Name: Sponsored by: I will pick up and deliver voucher Recipient will pick up voucher The Parishioner 6

7 3T (Tea, Talk, and Task) 3T meets the first Monday of each month at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall. They make pieces of quilt tops, finishing the quilts and knotting them. The group is also clipping coupons for military families across the seas. A lite lunch is often available. Men and women are welcome to join! If you are interested in joining, please contact Virginia Rettig at or Carol Scott at Attention Bakers!! It s time to get out the cookie cutters, pie pans, and rolling pins The Annual Bake Sale will be held December 2 nd & 3 rd. Please bring your goodies to the church on Saturday, December 2 nd by 1:00 pm. Baked Goods will be available for purchase Saturday evening. 4F Stuffed Pork Chop Dinner Bake Sale (Food, Fun, Family, Friends) Sunday, December 3, 2017 Fellowship Hall 11:15 am 12:30 pm $10 Adult Dinner $3 Child s Dinner $2 Child s Peanut Butter & Jelly or Hot Dog All proceeds go to St. Mark s General Fund, for the Good of the Church Reservations due by Wednesday, November 29 th. Take outs available. Come bring your friends and family!! NAME #Adult Dinners #Child PB&J #Child Dinners #Child Hot Dog The Parishioner 7

8 A BIG thank you to all who came out for the 4F Dinner on October 14 th! It was great to see everyone! With all of your support, we raised $ for the Good of the Church. SAVE THE DATE FOR DECEMBER 3 RD. THE ANNUAL BAKE SALE AND STUFFED PORK CHOP DINNER WILL BE SERVED AT 11:30 AM, FOLLOWING SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES! St. Marks ~ I really appreciate that someone thought to send me a birthday card. I cannot believe that I am going to be 97 years old! I do go to church but I miss St. Mark s. Blessings to all ~ Janet Rettig Thank you Dear Friends ~ Thank you for your generous donation to Meals on Wheels. Your financial support helps us continue in our mission to assist the homebound of our community. This fall we are celebrating forty-eight years of service in Butler. The generosity of individuals like you make it possible for our organization to exist and our community a great place to live. Sincerely, Mary Pataky, Director Butler Meals on Wheels, Inc. Ladies of St. Mark s ~ Your love and creativity in designing the beautiful lap blanket that I received will be put to a good use. I was really surprised to have gotten one. St. Mark s Lutheran Church Congregation ~ Your kind expression of sympathy and friendship will always remain in our memories. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Again, Thank you and God bless all ladies involved. In Christ s love, Darlene Stevenson The family of Joan M. Bachman Attention ALL! Right after 10:15 am Worship Service Sunday, November 5 th, you are invited to join the Youth in FELLOWHIP HALL to celebrate the REFORMATION 500! Guest Speaker will be Walt Marr 12:30 pm there will be a Soup Potluck. Bring a veggie (cut up and ready to add) before church to add to our Beef Vegetable Soup, a loaf of bread, a side dish or a dessert. 1:00 pm join or watch the Jousting Competition! 2:00 pm paint with the group! The Parishioner 8

9 The Parishioner 9

10 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesda y Saintly Seniors 1 (90 + years young) 9:30 Children s Hour - Daylight November Birthdays Savings Time James Barnhart (11/06) Florence Yost (11/12) ends Esther Marie Miller (11/25) James Brewster (11/26) 5 All Saints Day 8:00 & 10:15 Worship / HC 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church 4:30 Confirmation 12 Annual Mtg One Service **Flower Orders Due** 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Worship 10:15 Children s Church 19 Women s Thank-Offering 8:00 & 10:15 Worship / HC 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church 4:30 Confirmation :00 3T 5:00 Church Closed 13 5:00 Church Closed 20 1:00-3:00 Thanksgiving Vouchers 5:00 Church Closed :00 Evangelism 6:30 Bell Choir 14 6:30 Bell Choir 7:00 Church Council 21 6:30 Bell Choir 28 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 8 9:30 Children s Hour 1:00 Prayer Shawl 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 15 9:30 Children s Hour *Parishioner articles due 5:30 Worship & Music 7:00 Sanctuary Choir 22 5:30 Sanctuary Choir 7:00 Worship Coffee and Pie reception 29 2 Thursday Friday Saturday 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 7:00 Christian Ed 9 12:30 Katie s Kitchen Steering Committee 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 16 5:00 Katie s Kitchen O F F I C E :00 Wedding Rehearsal 10 5:00 Church Closed 17 6:00 Wedding Rehearsal C L O S E D 4 2:30 Crouse/Titler Wedding 6:00 Worship / HC 11 9:00 Mission District Convocation 6:00 Worship / HC 18 Women s Thank-Offering 2:30 Edwards/Titunyemi Wedding 6:00 Worship / HC 25 Pastor Storm 6:00 Worship / HC Pastor Storm 3:00 Eve Bible Study 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church 5:00 Church Closed 6:30 Bell Choir 6:30 Sanctuary Choir The office will be CLOSED November in observance of Thanksgiving. The office will resume regular office hours Monday, November 27 th. Office hours are Monday Friday 8:00 am 5:00 pm. The Parishioner 10

11 13 Orders Due November 12 Christmas Floral Memorials Poinsettias Each poinsettia arrangement includes three 8 ½ Poinsettia plants in foiled pots. Plants are grade A nursery quality. Cost: $19.50 Outdoor Wreaths Members are invited to donate a Christmas Wreath. They will be hung outdoors to adorn the Church for the community to share in love of God s Son. (12 wreaths are needed) Cost: $15.50 Floral Gifts: Please make check payable to St. Mark s Lutheran Church with Floral Gift in the memo. Order forms and checks/cash may be placed in the Offering Plate or given to the Church Office by November 12 th. Please indicate whom you wish to remember with your gift: In Memory Of In Honor Of Name: Given by: # of Poinsettias Cost: # of Wreaths: Cost: TOTAL COST: The Parishioner 11

12 November 5, 2017 ~ The Festival of All Saints November 11, 2017 ~ Mission District Convocation Veteran s Day, November 11, 2017 Take time to thank veterans for their service to our country! We give thanks for you in thought and in prayer. November 12, 2017 ~ Annual Meeting November 12, 2017 ~ Christmas Floral Memorials Due November 18-19, 2017 ~ Women s Thank-Offering Weekend November 22, 2017 ~ Thanksgiving Eve Service November 23, 2017 ~ Thanksgiving November 23-24, 2017 ~ OFFICE CLOSED November 25-26, 2017 ~ Christ The King Weekend A Congregation of the North American Lutheran Church 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 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