Messiah Lutheran Church, ELCA 3091 Bordentown Ave. Parlin, NJ Church Office (732) Parsonage (908)

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1 Page Vision Statement We are a welcoming family of Christians committed to renewing our witness to our Lord, Jesus Christ through prayer, hope, healing and service. November Messiah Lutheran Church, ELCA 3091 Bordentown Ave. Parlin, NJ Church Office (732) Parsonage (908) Like us on Facebook Pastor Rev. Nancy A. Nardi Music Ministry Edna Pilch Frank Roser, Jr. Church Council President Daniel Fields Vice President Scott Paul Secretary Edna Pilch Financial Secretary Noelle Ebler Treasurer Karen Astrom Council Members Dan Bassuk Sandy Check Denise Friedman Phillip Giannace Bryan Marciante Frank Roser, Jr Dot Torre Carolyn Zeh Newsletter Staff Edna Pilch Kathy Antonitis Members of Messiah The primary holiday that dominates November (even though it s at the end and in spite of the stores already getting out the Christmas stuff) is Thanksgiving (this year on the 23rd). Our church calendar starts the month off with another important observance: All Saints Day (the 5th). The first is a national holiday that celebrates the blessings and beginnings of new life for those who came to this new land. The other is a holy celebration of the beginnings and blessings for those who, through death, have begun a new chapter in their lives in Christ. Thinking about those two celebrations, I was wondering: Is there a difference between thankfulness and gratitude? I went to the dictionary first. The definition of the first is: the expression of gratitude for a benefit. Gratitude is defined as: the quality of being thankful. These definitions seem to say that being thankful can simply be an occasional act while gratefulness is more a state of being. These definitions highlighted the thought of DJ Wilson in his article The Principle of Gratitude : The basic difference is that being thankful is always for something given (at a 2017 given moment) while being grateful only requires developing the capacity - being grateful for what is. Obviously not all of life is positive. Being thankful for a moment filled with joy and goodness is certainly appropriate, like we do on Thanksgiving Day as a nation. Being grateful for all that happens in life, understanding that the Lord promises good even from those circumstances that are difficult, trying and maybe even deeply distressing (like the death of someone we loved) calls for a distinctive view of life. Faith in the Lord does that. That, I believe, is the reason for the Apostle Paul urging all to make thankfulness a quality practiced daily, not matter what. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 Is there a difference between thankfulness and gratitude? Maybe! But maybe not! Especially if we work at and pray for the grace to receive all of life, each day and every circumstance, as a gift that the Lord will use to bring blessings and even new beginnings for us and for those we share this wonderful journey of life. His Peace,

2 Advent Family Coffee Hour Sunday, December 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Join us on Sunday, November 26 as we give thanks for all that God has graciously provided to us. Please bring canned goods for our food pantry as you are able. All members and friends of Messiah are invited to share in this event as we begin the Advent season! A pot-luck brunch will be held after worship. Some highlights will be the lighting of the outdoor Christmas tree, and a living nativity. We will also be making Christmas crafts and singing holiday songs. Please join us for fun and fellowship! Messiah s Voice Page 2 COMING EVENTS Sunday School 9:00 a.m./sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. Coffee Hour Weekly Following Worship *Sign-Up if Attending November 1 All Saints Day November 5 All Saints Sunday Daylight-Saving Time ends Tricky Tray Coffee Hour Confirmation Class 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. November 11 Veterans Day November 12 Congregational Meeting 11:00 November Confirmation Retreat November 20 Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 23 Thanksgiving Day November 26 Thanksgiving Worship Service Christ the King Sunday December 3 *Advent Family Fellowship 11:00 a.m. their faith journey. Congratulations to the following young adults who reaffirmed their Baptism on Reformation Sunday, October 29: Erika Crowdell James Crowdell Ryan Cupo Jacqueline Dembowski Madison Hicinbothem Tatiana Whitaker We offer our prayers as they take this exciting new step on Sunday, November 12 Our annual Congregational Meeting will be held on November 12 following the worship service. Please make every effort to attend as important items of business will be discussed, including: Committee & Financial Reports Election of new Council Members Council Members: Please get your reports to the church office by Wednesday, November 1st for copying and collating. Thank you!

3 Messiah s Voice Group & Committee Updates Page 3 SPECIAL TRICKY TRAY COFFEE HOUR Sunday, November 5 This is YOUR newsletter; please contribute! Articles for the December issue of Messiah s Voice are due by November 15. If you have anything to share, please write up and give to Edna or to Edna.pilch@gmail.com. Thanks! Here are just some of the wonderful things that our Social Ministry Committee, led by Dotty Wriolie, has been working on this past month: 1. Gave away fresh veggies to families from ours and neighbors gardens. 2. Gave 10 pairs of glasses to Lion's drive. 3. Gave away more backpacks; 105 is current number. 4. Gave two large bags to drive for Puerto Rico 5. Gave away items Loree Roser gave me. 6. Delivered food and supplies to families that church helps. 7. Found a bookcase for a little girl who loves to read. It was put out for big pickup and I cleaned it up for her. 8. Sending tea tags out to a teacher for school project. 9. Got free juice for altar guild for communion by using coupons that we given to me 10. Started getting sizes for angel tree. 11. Sent cards to those who are sick and need encouragement. 12. Have three gallon bags to drop off at Ronald Mc Donald house On Sunday, November 5th there will be a special Tricky Tray Coffee Hour. We are asking for donations of holiday themed and other gift baskets. Due to limited space we are asking you to bring your gift baskets on: Sunday, October 29 Saturday, November 4 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. or Sunday, November 5 before 9:00 a.m. If you have some time to spare on Saturday, we are looking for volunteers to help us set-up between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Proceeds will go toward our building and grounds fund. Prayerfully consider your giving, as we are operating at a shortfall. May God bless you for your generosity. November Pantry Needs Adult and kids cereal Stuffing mix Tuna Tomato Sauce Kindly check expiration dates, please! Thank you for your donations! Our 2017 Budget: $114,324 Budget through 9/30/17: $ 85,743 Income 9/30/17: $ 75,279 Shortfall of budget: $ -10,464

4 Messiah s Voice Page 4 Helping Hands TURKEY DONATIONS Our freezer is ready and waiting for the birds. If you can donate an extra turkey, ham or vegetable lasagna, please do. During November we also ask that if you are able, you bring in food items to help us make Thanksgiving baskets for needy families. Through the generosity of the people of Messiah we can make a difference in the lives of a family who may have not had a real holiday dinner. Thank you! 500th Anniversary A great time was had by all on Saturday, October 14, when Messiah celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The festivities began with a moving worship service, lovingly led by Pastor Nancy. Our friends from the 7th Day Adventist Congregation joined us with a special treat: a performance by their Youth Choir. It was lively and beautiful! We proceeded to VFW Memorial Post 4699 banquet hall for more entertainment: the nailing of the 95 theses on the Cathedral door, acted out by Scott Paul and his son Kyle, and musical performances by our Reformation Band, led by Frank Roser. Our Host Martin Ed Chin Luther kept the program rolling, even adding some Luther trivia to the evening. All then joined in to sing the Reformation Polka! Then a delicious dinner was served and we danced the night away to a variety of songs played by DJ Tony Negron. Many thanks to him for his hard work that night, as well as providing the photo booth, which was enjoyed by all. We thank the Reformation Committee for all their efforts getting this evening together: selling ads, printing the program, purchasing flowers, ordering food, decorating, etc., etc. So many hands worked on this labor of love and it was so appreciated by all who had the honor to attend. Thank you! Messiah s Thank You Column Thank you to Pastor Nancy for blessing our beloved pets on October 7, and to Carolyn and Rebekkah Zeh, Carrie Negron and Ellen Weaver for helping with snacks that day. Thank you to all who participated, and to our pets for being so well-behaved. Thank you to Karen Astrom for running the Luther Bookstore which contained many inspiring items for sale. Thank you to all who worked so hard at planning and executing our 500th Reformation Anniversary Worship service and gala dinner dance. Your efforts are appreciated. Thank you to the Sunday School teachers and helpers who helped the children prepare and perform the skits and songs in church the next day. Thank you to our volunteer office staff, our Altar Guild, Fellowship Committee, Buildings and Grounds helpers and all other behind the scenes workers who continue to tirelessly contribute to the success of our little church with the big heart. If we have missed anyone, please know that your labor is appreciated as well. It takes many hands ot make light work. Doing it all for the Glory of God! Our church is in need of the following items. Please help if you can. Toilet Paper Paper Towels Small Plates Thanks for your generosity!

5 Messiah s Voice Page 5 Limited time only! Subscribe to Living Lutheran magazine for just $12.95 (reg. $19.95) That's 35% off subscription price! The magazine features: Stories and commentaries from the 3.7 million members and 9,300 congregations that make up the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Resources that help you deepen your faith Monthly reflections from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Coverage of religious news, events, and social issues Hurry! This rate expires November 15! To subscribe: 1. Visit LivingLutheran.org/subscribe, promo code: SAVE35 Or 2. Call and mention this offer. + Christian Symbol + Crown A crown, of course, symbolizes royal authority. As a Christian symbol it represents both Christ as King of kings (Revelation 17:14, for example) and the eternal life promised to Christ s followers: Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10, ESV). No one has ever become poor from giving. Anne Frank

6 Messiah s Voice Messiah s Youth Page 6 November Sunday, November 5 Confirmation Class 11:00 1:00 Help with Tricky Tray Friday, November 17 Leave for Among the Wolves Retreat Sunday, November 19 Return from Among the Wolves November 5 Kaitlin Loglisci & Eric Martinez November 12 Zeh Family November 19 Kathryn Crowdell & Santino Whitaker November 26 Sarah Paul & Maximus Negron If unable to serve, please find someone to fill-in. Christmas Show Rehearsals The following Sundays, after Worship: November 5 (Parts to be handed out & title of the play chosen. 11am-12pm) November 12 November 26 December 3 December 10 December 17 (last practice) December 24 presentation of play Congratulations to all our children who received their Bibles on Bible Sunday. Congratulations to our young adults who made their Confirmation on Reformation Sunday. Many of us brought our pets to the Blessing of the Animals. Pastor Nancy blessed many of God s furry friends who are dear to our hearts. A fun time was had by all at the Reformation Celebration Dinner. Sarah Check and Sara Paul took part in the musical portion of our entertainment, while Kyle Paul helped Martin Luther nail the 95 Theses to the church door. Messiah s 3 rd, 4 th, an 5 th graders did a wonderful job with writing and presenting the play for our Sunday Sermon on Oct. 15. Thank you to Scott Paul, who was Martin Luther. Bravo to Jackson, who sang a song after the play with his dad, Kenneth and his little brother, Kenneth III. Our Confirmation children will be going on their annual retreat, Among the Wolves. Please remember to check the acolyte/crucifer schedule. If you can t be there on your scheduled day, please make arrangements for a substitute. Also, Sunday School starts at 9 a.m. We will be starting play practice on the Nov. 5 th after church service from 11a.m.-12p.m. The play will be presented on Dec. 24th, Christmas Eve at 9:30 a.m., so mark your calendars. Thanking you in advance for taking time out of your busy lives, so your child/ren can attend play practice. Sunday, October 22 During Worship, the following children were presented with new Bibles: Dean Brown Jackson McMahon Brendan Read Alex Read Angel Lilly Baxter Giovanni Thomas Zingariello Congratulations!

7 Messiah s Voice Page 7 A collection of inspiring thoughts, gathered by our members Thank you, veterans! On Veterans Day, we honor men and women who ve served and sacrificed in one of America s armed services. On November 11, 1918, America and her allies signed a truce with German leaders, ending World War I. In 1919, President Wilson decided the United States should remember with gratitude the end of that war and honor military members by marking Armistice Day, or truce day. In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day, honoring veterans of every era. Veterans Day highlights our country s quest for peace, justice and freedom throughout the world. Followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, pray for unity among all nations and for the day when nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore (Isaiah 2:4, NIV). Counting blessings Numbered lists grab our attention. In the checkout aisle or on the internet, we gravitate toward headings such as 10 ways to lose weight by summer! or 3 simple steps to acing that test! Ancient Jewish sages urged people to count out and speak at least 100 blessings, or statements of gratitude, each day. What would happen if we intentionally listed 100 blessings daily? Can you imagine?! What if the first blessing we counted was simply the day itself? Thank you, God, for this brand new day! Bless my use of this day, Lord, that I might glorify you. Scripture encourages such awareness and promises an additional blessing in return: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12, NIV). Time to Thank, Time to Share Thanksgiving is a time to share. A roasted turkey stuffed with care, potatoes, yams and buttered rolls are passed around in festive bowls. But first we thank our God above and share with others his great love. The dish served last is always best a slice of pie for every guest. MaryAnn Sundby Everyday saints Everyday things, relationships with other people, daily work, love of our family all these may breed saints. Jesus of Nazareth taught us to live every hour of the day as saints. Every hour of the day is useful and may lead to divine inspiration, the will of the Father, the prayer of contemplation holiness. Every hour of the day is holy. What matters is to live it as Jesus taught us. And for this, one does not have to shut oneself in a monastery or fix strange and inhumane [regimens] for one s life. It is enough to accept the realities of life. Work is one of these realities; motherhood, the rearing of children, family life with all its obligations are others. Carlo Carretto, Letters From the Desert Christ our feast Christ is not only a remedy for your weariness and trouble, but he will give you an abundance of the contrary, joy and delight. They who come to Christ do not only come to a resting place after they have been wandering in a wilderness, but they come to a banqueting house where they may rest, and where they may feast. They may cease from their former troubles and toils, and they may enter upon a course of delights and spiritual joys. Jonathan Edwards

8 Messiah s Voice Janette Rosario Jonathan Webb Adrianna Barth Martin Luther Angelina Ascolese Page 8 Priscilla Christudass Katelynn Hoyt Michael Astrom Isabella Negron Carrie Negron Anniversaries 20 Joe & Stephanie Loglisci COFFEE HOUR HOSTS NEEDED Fellowship is free, but we need YOU for the Joe! Please consider hosting a Coffee Hour. Minimal donations required: just some coffee and a few snacks. The Fellowship Committee will set up and clean up. Thank you in advance! November 5 Help Needed November 12 Help Needed November 19 Help Needed November 26 Help Needed Please look for the following sign-up sheet on the small bulletin board near the front door: Advent Family Luncheon And on the long bulletin board in the hall: Coffee Hour Sign-Up Eternal Light Candle Sign-Up Parting Words An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. Irv Kupcinet

9 Vision Statement: We are a welcoming family of Christians, committed to renewing our witness to our Lord, Jesus Christ through prayer, hope, healing and service. November Messiah Lutheran Church 3091 Bordentown Avenue, Parlin, NJ Church (732) Fax (732) Parsonage (908) Page 9 5 S u n M o n T u e Wed T h u F r i S a t 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship All Saints Sunday Tricky Tray Coffee Hr. Confirmation Class 12 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Congregational Meeting 11: :00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 1 2 Council Members Reports for Congregation Meeting were due Yesterday!! Veterans Day Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Among the Wolves Confirmation Retreat at Fairview Lake Camp through Sunday :00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Christ the King Sunday Communion Assistants Nov. 5 Frank Roser, Jr. Ed Chin Nov. 12 Karen Astrom Carolyn Bundschuh Nov. 19 Ann Surina Carolyn Zeh Nov. 26 Kathy Antonitis Dan Fields Readers / Prayer Assistant Nov. 5 Dan Bassuk Dan Bassuk Nov. 12 Ed Chin Kaitlin Lepre Nov. 19 Dan Fields Pirkko Pattanayak Nov. 26 Kaitlin Lepre Kathy Antonitis Worship Asst. / Bread Baker Nov. 5 Jessica Loglisci Val Olszewski Nov. 12 Jenna Gervase Carolyn Bundschuh Nov. 19 Kathy Antonitis Sandy Check Nov. 26 Erika Crowdell Patty Crowdell Counters Nov. 5 Mike Nardi Val Olszewski Nov. 12 Ann Surina Kathy Antonitis Nov. 19 Betty O Leary April Chin Nov. 26 Ed Chin Frank Roser, Jr. Ushers Nov. 5 Krysta Brown Ann Surina Nov. 12 Ed Chin Dan Bassuk Nov. 19 Kathy Antonitis Debbie Jackson Nov. 26 Karen Astrom Donald Bruce If you are unable to serve on your assigned week, please find a replacement and let the office staff know by the Wednesday prior to your assigned Sunday. Thank you! Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26 Greeter Debbie Jackson Carmen Melendez Carrie Negron Pirkko Pattanayak Altar Servers Nov. 5 Kaitlin Loglisci Eric Martinez Nov. 12 Zeh Family Zeh Family Nov. 19 Kathryn Crowdell Santino Whitaker Nov. 26 Sarah Paul Maximus Negron

10 Page 10 SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 a.m. WORSHIP 9:30 a.m. Coffee Hour Weekly Following Worship Special Events November 1 November 5 November 11 November 12 All Saints Day All Saints Sunday Daylight-Saving Time ends Tricky Tray Coffee Hour Confirmation Class 11:00-1:00 Veterans Day Congregational Meeting 11:00 a.m. November Confirmation Retreat November 20 Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 23 Thanksgiving Day November 26 Thanksgiving Worship Service Christ the King Sunday December 3 *Advent Family Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Messiah s Voice MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH Reverend Nancy A. Nardi 3091 Bordentown Avenue Parlin, NJ Address Correction Requested We are happy to send you our newsletter, but if you prefer we don t, please contact us and we will remove your name from our mailing list. Visit us on the web and on Facebook