St. Timothy. Epistle from

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1 Epistle from St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church June 2016 Volume 21, Issue 10 Sharing our faith by sharing God s love! I once asked a teacher friend what he most enjoyed about his profession. His answer: June, July, & August! He really was a dedicated special education teacher; however, his humorous response has a serious side to it. Of all the seasons of the year, summer comes closest to be a sabbatical for many people. Somehow, the pace of life seems to slow down a bit as the days grow warmer and more humid. Not only are dress codes relaxed, but commitments to social functions and community activities also are fewer. Even life at church is pretty laid back. Summer brings with it a sense of freedom, and there is more to this freedom than escaping the incessant demands of the rat race. It s not just a freedom from all those obligations. It s a freedom to read a novel, listen to music, enjoy a stroll, or doze off in the back yard or on the deck. This comes close to the true meaning of Sabbath. The third commandment points to much more than getting away from work or other commitments. God knows that what we need every so often, is time to reconnect: reconnect with our own thoughts and feelings, reconnect with our family and friends, reconnect with the Spirit of God who lives inside each of us. As we move toward those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, may you bask in the warm sunshine of God s love, free to be that person God has created you to be. St. Timothy Mission Statement Nurtured and sustained by God s love, we are called and inspired to share His love with our neighbor, to make God s story known, and to help our neighbors near and far so that all may experience God s love.

2 Page 2 Epistle from St. Timothy June 2016 June Worship Calendar Sunday Morning Services 10:30 a.m. Adult Forum 9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Services 9:30 a.m. (beginning June 19) Date Day Special Events Readings June 5 Sunday Pentecost 3 1 Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 30; 10:30 a.m. Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17 Congregational Meeting after Worship June 12 Sunday Pentecost 4 2 Samuel 11:26 12:10, 13-15; Psalm 32; 10:30 a.m. Final Sunday School Galatians 2:15-21; Luke 7:36 8:3 Praise Worship Outdoor Worship Service/Picnic NOTE: Adult Forum and Sunday School programs will resume in September June 19 Sunday Pentecost 5 Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28; 9:30 a.m. Service of the Word Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39 Father s Day June 26 Sunday Pentecost 6 1 Kings19:15-16, 19-21; Psal 16; 9:30 a.m. Galatians 5:1,13-25; Luke 9:51-62 Moving? New ? Change Your Phone No.? We constantly struggle in this mobile society we live in to keep up with everyone s current mailing and contact information. We are asking everyone to make sure the information we have is up-to-date by completing the form below and either mail it to the church secretary or drop it in the offering plate. Name NE PA SYNOD WEB SITE or for information about our synod ELCA WEB SITE for information about our national church Address City State Zip Code Home Phone Home Phone Cell Phone (optional) Home Phone Work Phone (optional) Home Phone Home Phone Please send my copy of the newsletter to me via: M include in Directory M omit from Directory M include in Directory M omit from Directory M include in Directory M omit from Directory M include in Directory M omit from Directory M Mail (Post Office) M PLEASE PLACE COMPLETED FORM IN OFFERING PLATE OR DROP IN THE MAIL. ST. TIMOTHY s office@sttimothylc.org FIND MORE ADDRESSES AT: Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/sttimothyallentownpa Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/sttimapa EPISTLE FROM ST. TIMOTHY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH is a publication of St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA). EPISTLE FROM ST. TIMOTHY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Published monthly except August by St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, 140 South Ott Street, Allentown, PA Questions or comments may be directed to the Editor, Epistle from St. Timothy, St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, 140 South Ott Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania

3 June 2016 Page 3 St. Timothy s Endowment Fund Antibiotics Needed or Not Needed? Antibiotics are frequently in the news. Most of us have been accustomed to receiving an antibiotic when being treated for an upper respiratory infection. In today s times, however, antibiotics are losing their popularity for some of their common uses of the past. Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. Locally, physicians are looking more closely at the use of antibiotics. Do not get upset the next time you go to your physician for a cold and you do not receive a prescription for an antibiotic. When an antibiotic is used for the wrong reason, like a viral infection, it will wipe out both the good and the bad bacteria in your body. Over time, this has led to antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can affect all of us. MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is an antibiotic resistant super bug. It causes painful skin infections that are contagious and very difficult to treat. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization consider MRSA to be such a great concern that they are urging health care professionals to limit antibiotic use in order to prevent the development of additional super bugs that cannot be treated. The best defense against infection is to reduce your risk with frequent and proper hand-washing. A simple thing to do, but it prevents bacteria from entering your body through open skin areas, your mouth, nose, and eyes. Additional things you can do are: Get an annual flu vaccine. Stay up to date with boosters of other vaccines like tetanus, whooping cough, etc. Handle food safely refrigerate perishables; wash produce; avoid cross contamination.óó Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm to contain germs. If offered an antibiotic, ask if it is really necessary. It may be more prudent to wait a few days and observe the outcome. Adapted from A Healthy You Lehigh Valley Health Network What Is the Purpose of the Endowment Fund? The purpose of the fund is to enhance the mission outreach of St. Timothy, not for the everyday operation of the church. How Are Contributions to the Fund Made? Through outright gifts of cash, outright gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, real estate, or other property, gifts of paid-up life insurance, will bequests, charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts. How Are Contributions Used and Distributed? Scholarships or grants are given to members of St. Timothy for college, seminary, nursing or medical school. Grants are given for church related camping or leadership conferences, for training which enables members to grow in Christian faith and service to God and his people. Grants are also given for community outreach including grants to colleges, seminaries, social service agencies, and other special programs for persons of our community who are in need. Only monies generated in the form of dividends from the fund are available for distribution. Who Oversees Investments and Distributions of Income? The church s Endowment Committee is composed of five members of St. Timothy s congregation: Charlotte Cruse, Lucille Stephens, Anne Ritter, Rick Coleman, and Bill Krill. The committee meets quarterly or as needed based on requests. The committee reviews investment performance and requests for distribution from the fund. The amount distributed is based on the dividends earned and the number of requests received. The Current Status of the Endowment Fund. As of the quarter ending on March 31, 2016 the total balance in the fund is $147, comprised of: The Original Fund ($49,406.66) and the Berger Fund ($97,615.88). There are additional funds that were bequeathed to the church from the Marlea Fritzinger estate which are in the process of being transferred to the endowment fund. For questions about the fund, please see one of the Endowment Committee members.

4 Page 4 Epistle from St. Timothy June Graduates Bobeck, Kaleigh Kaleigh will be attending Elizabethtown College in the fall where she will major in Occupational Therapy. Christensen, Ethan Ethan is finishing his high school career as a member of the top 1% of his class at William Allen High School. A very active student, Ethan is a member of many of the clubs and organizations at William Allen, including the Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) club, William Allen Construction Company (WACC) and the William Allen High School Chorale. Ethan will be attending American University in Washington, D.C. this coming fall majoring in Economics and plans to study law in the future. Oswald, Josh Josh will be attending Pennsylvania College of Technology in the fall. He will be in the Ford ASSET program as an automotive technician, and will receive an associate s degree when he completes his schooling. Rohrbach, Sofia After graduating from William Allen High School, I will be attending THE Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I plan to major in Business Industry and Management while there. I also plan to hopefully study abroad at some point at my time at OSU. Although I will not be furthering my competitive swimming career at Ohio State, I do hope to stay involved and join an intramural team as well as continue in the arts and hopefully pick up some new sports/hobbies. I am mainly excited to explore this new, unfamiliar city. I will miss home a lot, and especially my great high school, my friends, being in my chorale group at school, and of course my wonderful parents and sister. I am incredibly excited to embark on this next chapter of my life, however also very nervous, so I would like to give a general thank you to the congregation as a whole for being so supportive throughout the years and also guiding me as I ve grown as a person, and in the church. Sofia B. Rohrbach DEADLINE for the JULY-AUGUST NEWSLETTER JUNE 15!

5 June 2016 Page 5 Lutherans are taking action! ELCA advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs, and projects around the world and in communities across the United States. Our faith calls us to learn more and speak out on issues affecting our vulnerable neighbors and the forces threatening creation. THE GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY ACT ADVANCES Both chambers of Congress passed their versions of the Global Food Security Act, a top priority of ELCA Advocacy. Congress must now reconcile the two bills and send the final legislation to the president to sign. Our advocacy will continue to ensure that a final bill will be sent to the president s desk by the end of this year. The bill provides congressional authorization to Feed the Future, a U.S. government initiative charged with combating chronic hunger and food insecurity around the world. It ensures that every dollar spent accrues value in global productivity, expands opportunities for education, reduces violence and helps those who suffer from food scarcity. Through Feed the Future, countries are able to increase agricultural and nutritional investments. As a result, farmers are able to feed their families, communities, and can contribute to their countries economic growth. Washington, D.C. Amy Reumann, Director of Advocacy for the ELCA ( Chronic hunger and food insecurity are problems not just in third world countries, but also in the United States, in Pennsylvania and in the Lehigh Valley. Stay tuned for how you can assist in educating policy makers about the ways these problems can be addressed. Mary Sue Schnell We pray weekly for our members at home. Every month we highlight a portion our list of homebound members so that you can send cards, and perhaps visit! Here is this month s list (birthday in italics): Dorothy Brunone, TBA (October 10) Sharon Clark, Good Shepherd Home, Raker #216, 543 St. John St., Allentown, PA (February 5) Steven Hader, Moravian Hall Square, 175 W. North St., Nazareth, PA Barbara Fletcher, 916 Coldspring Rd., Apt. 4, Allentown, PA Pat & Al Nork, 1231 St. Basil St., Allentown, PA (Pat September 22) June birthdays are: Madelon Umlauf, Country Meadows, 450 Krocks Rd., #308A, Allentown, PA (June 2) Ms. Emily Flowers, Good Shepherd Home, Raker #204B, 543 St. John St., Allentown, PA (June 3) Mrs. Ruth Reichenbach, Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Rd., Health Center #541, Allentown, PA (June 25) Dear friends, On behalf of the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Band, we would like to thank you for your donation of 7 bags of food. Because of your caring and sharing, we are able to feed those less fortunate in our community. We are currently serving between 200 and 250 families per week. Again, thank you for your donation. Sincerely, Margaret Rosenberger AAEFB Corresponding Secretary

6 Page 6 Epistle from St. Timothy June 2016 Free Will Benefit Dinner Zion s Lutheran Church 5901 Kings Highway + Old Zionsville (next to the Old Zionsville Post Office) Saturday, June 18, :00 PM - 7:00 PM Turkey, Hamburger and Pork Barbecues Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Fresh Salad, and Beverages Dessert Make your own Sundae All free will offering received will go directly to the Ben Yorgey Foundation For more information, call the church office

7 June 2016 Page 7 The Recycling Corner Have you ever wondered how to recycle some of the items around the house? How to be better stewards of God s earth and help others at the same time? Here are some of our ongoing projects: ARTICLES WHERE TO PUT THEM PERSON IN CHARGE Sheet blankets...coatroom by upstairs restroom...quilting committee Soda cans...coatroom by upstairs restroom...nancy Fennell (for Scouts) Men s socks in good condition...coatroom by upstairs restroom...nancy Fennell (Alliance Hall) Toiletries (from hotels/motels)...coatroom by upstairs restroom... Nancy Fennell (Alliance Hall) Card fronts (from greeting cards)... Coatroom by upstairs restroom... Nancy Fennell (St. Jude s Home for Children) Eyeglasses....Coatroom by upstairs restroom...nancy Fennell (Center for Visually Handicapped) Good used sneakers...coatroom by upstairs restroom...nancy Fennell (Alliance Hall) Plastic bags...coatroom by upstairs restroom...nancy Fennell (Food Bank) Styrofoam Peanuts...Coatroom by upstairs restroom...nancy Fennell Mailbox) Styrofoam blocks, cups, plates and trays (meat, cookies, etc.) Nancy Fennell Bethlehem Recycling) General Mills box tops for education; cash register receipts from Redner s & Fairgrounds Market; Campbell s labels...appropriate boxes in narthex...cheryl Christensen Rubber Bands*... Coatroom by upstairs restroom... Nancy Fennell (*from newspapers) Current Calendars....Cabinet in narthex...anyone who can use them Empty printer, fax machine or desktop copier cartridges....coatroom by upstairs restroom...nancy Fennell FundingFactory) Old cell phones....coatroom by upstairs restroom...nancy Fennell FundingFactory) Women s and Men s business attire and accessories (for The Perfect Fit / First Impressions for Men ) (Must be Clean, Good Condition/gently used laundered/ironed) IN SEASON ONLY!!!...Coatroom by upstairs restroom...gloria Hinrichs Thanks for your help and cooperation with these projects!

8 Key: [F] = Fellowship Hall [L] = Lounge [P] = Pastor s Office [NV] = Nave [N] = Nursery [LB] = Library [YR] = Youth Room [LP] = Land of Promise SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY pm Allentown Hiking Club [F] 7:30 pm Senior Choir Rehearsal [NV] 7:30 pm Venture Crew [F] pm AARP [F] 3 6:30-11 pm Chess Club [L] 4 9 am Property Committee Clean-up and Weed Event 5 Pentecost 3 8 am-3 pm The Barn Special Event [LP] 9:30 am Sunday School [F] 10:30 am Worship ~11:30 am Special Congregational Meeting 6 OFFICE CLOSED 7 pm Boy Scouts Meeting & Picnic [F & LP] 7 OFFICE CLOSED 9 am-12 pm Quilters [L] 3:30 pm Worship & Music Committee [L] 6:30-8:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal [NV] 6:30 pm Cub Scouts Meeting & Picnic [F & LP] 8 6 pm Choirs Jess & Carol Keller s home 9 2 pm Daybreak Mission Team 6 pm Scout Leader Meeting [F] 10 6:30-11 pm Chess Club [L] Pentecost 4 6:30 am St. Paul s Mission Team 10:30 am Praise Worship [LP] ~11:30 am Pot Luck Picnic [LP] 13 OFFICE CLOSED 9 am Property Committee 7 pm Boy Scouts [F] :30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal [NV] 7 pm Cub Scouts [F] 7:30 pm Council Meeting [L] AARP in Parking Lot 15 7 pm WOW Service [LP] 7:30 pm Venture Crew [F] JULY/AUGUST NEWSLETTER DEADLINE :30-11pm Chess Club [L] Synod PPL Center, Allentown 18 Synod PPL Center, Allentown 19 Pentecost 5 FATHERS DAY 6:30 am St. Paul s Mission Team 9:30 am Worship Rite of Wholeness 10:30 am Blood Pressure Screening [L] 20 OFFICE CLOSED 7 pm Boy Scouts [F] 7 pm Mental Health Support Group [L] 21 9 am-12 pm Quilters [L] 6:30 pm Cub Scouts [F] 22 7 pm WOW Service [LP] 7 pm AA Board [F] 23 6 pm Scout Leadership [F] pm Word Fellowship [F] 6:30-11 pm Chess Club [L] Pentecost 6 9:30 am Worship 27 OFFICE CLOSED 7 pm Boy Scouts [F] 28 6:30 pm Cub Scouts [F] 29 7 pm WOW Service [LP] AARP in Parking Lot Operation Sunshine in Parking Lot 30

9 Volume 24, Issue 6 June 2016 SYNOD NEWS Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA World Hunger Challenge A challenge from two members of a NEPA Synod congregation: If the special offering for ELCA Word Hunger received at the 2016 Synod Assembly totals $15,000, we ll match the $15,000! These members are deeply committed to supporting the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. When they learned that every synod assembly receives a special offering for ELCA World Hunger, they wanted to make the most of the opportunity. They are confident that our congregations can raise the $15,000 by the time Assembly 2016 meets. How to meet the Challenge Announce the challenge in newsletters and worship bulletins. Receive congregational offerings in the weeks before the assembly and have your voting members bring a check with the total to place in the assembly special hunger offering. Encourage members to make special gifts to the Hunger Appeal. Use ELCA World Hunger Appeal resources for 2016 to learn more about this ministry. Belleman s Mission Team at work in South Carolina Over the past 13 years, mission work has become a primary goal for the congregation at Salem Belleman s Church in Mohrsville. It began with the first trip to a Navajo Indian Reservation in 2003, and there have been nearly 30 trips and about 100 participants since. The focus of the trips generally revolves around natural disasters, such as the storms and flooding which occurred across South Carolina in October Parts of the state received more than 20 inches of rain from October 1-6. The Belleman s Mission Team planned their trips around helping that region. The group coordinated with the DRSI (Disaster Recovery Support Initiative) in West Columbia, South Carolina to work March 29-April 1, The jobs involved demolition, concrete work, flooring, and drywall. Damage to the trailer at one site led to some mold issues. Part of the team secured and sealed the roof while others removed moldy drywall and flooring, replacing the damaged areas with new materials. The group of eight was featured on the local news in West Columbia ( news/flood-victims-receive-neededhelp-/ ).

10 White Privilege Conference Last year the synod's Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Team applied for a Youth and Young Adult Innovation Grant made possible through the Campaign for the ELCA and received $10,000 to focus on healing the wounds of racism. Five youth (David Bowen, Rayna Carr, Billy Garrison, Tim Garrison), two college students/bear Creek Staff (Jenna Hanzel and Kelsi Kegerize), Pastor Maritza Dolich, Associate in Ministry Karen Matthias- Long, and Bishop Zeiser used some of the funds to attend the White Privilege Conference in Philadelphia, April The conference provided many opportunities to learn about racism and privilege through keynote presentations, workshops, movies, affinity groups, and action groups. The next step for this group is to determine how to share their experience with youth and young adults in the synod, moving from knowledge to action. They will be part of the Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Team report at the synod assembly and will have a display in God's Playground. A process to decide the ELCA's future directions The ELCA is a young church at only 28 years old. It is a good time to take a look at where we are as God s people and try to understand what God has in store for us. And we think it is an exciting time to be looking forward together as we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in We want to create a vision for the future ELCA as a church with solid foundations sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and making a difference in the world locally and globally. We want to discover how we can continue to faithfully serve God s mission in the years ahead and reach a shared understanding among church leaders about the ministries that are most important. And we want to assess whether the structures that were set up for this church are right for the future, and as part of this consider how we use our resources in the best possible way. There are many challenges. Until the end of June we are reaching out to people across this church to be part of a conversation on the future of our church. We will be seeking ideas and feedback from as many people and parts of the ELCA as we can reach. This information will be used to analyze and explore what the future church could be. In July we will release a Called Forward Together in Christ Paper that will serve two purposes: to let everyone know the main messages coming through, and to share some options for the future that can be tested through further consultation in August and September. Speak with your congregational leaders about how to get the conversation started in your community. Go to ELCA.org/future for resources and to stay up to date on how to be involved through surveys and local conversations. The November Church Council meeting will consider and approve a statement on future identity, directions and priorities. This will be launched in 2017 as part of the Reformation anniversary commemorations, and then work will begin to implement the directions this church has been called together to take forward. Synod News is published monthly by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA 2354 Grove Road, Allentown PA 18109; nepsinfo1988@gmail.com;

11 June 2016 LMD website: Volume 21, No. 6 The Rev. Jerel W. Gade, Dean Mr. Joshua Fink, Mission District Chair The Rev. Kurt E. Garbe, Assoc. of the Bishop Mrs. Linda Smith, Newsletter Editor July/August 2016 LMD NL news will be due June 17, any information to me at lmd.newslettereditor@gmail.com. Attic Treasures Sale St. John s Lutheran Church (1028 Church Street, Fogelsville) will be having an indoor sale of various attic treasures (new and gently used items including: clothing, toys, books, jewelry, decorations, household items and more). The sale will be held from 8 AM-2 PM on Fri., June 10 th and Sat., June 11 th. There will be lunch items and baked goods available both days. For more info, call or visit We hope to see you there! The Emmaus Chorale presents: In The Good Old Summertime - Join us for a concert of The Emmaus Chorale which is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Sun., June 12 th, at Faith Presbyterian Church, North 2 nd & Cherokee Streets, Emmaus. A freewill offering will be taken. The Chorale under the direction of Laura Rabenold, will celebrate the season with a variety of selections, some with bass, guitar and drums. Included will be Blue Skies by Irving Berlin; Down By The Riverside arranged by John Rutter; Oklahoma by Rodgers & Hammerstein; Brigadoon by Lerner & Loewe and My Country, Tis of Thee arranged by Richard Nichols. For more information, contact Carole Ann Trout at Zion's Lutheran Church, Old Zionsville is hosting a fundraising dinner for the Ben Yorgey Foundation on Sat. June 18 th, from 4-7PM. All proceeds are going to the foundation. The local foundation seeks to raise funds for graduating high school students with intellectual disabilities across Lehigh Valley and beyond. To learn more about the foundation, go to For more information, call the church office at Presentations at Luther Crest - The public is cordially invited to attend the following presentations in Crest Hall of Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown, PA 18104: Tues., July 19 th, 2:30 p.m. Dr. Manfred Bahmann on "In Bondage to Sin? Luther's Concept of Free Will" Tues., Sept. 20 th, 2:30 p.m. Dr. William Jennings on "Religions of the Presidential Candidates For more information, please contact Rev. Dianne Kareha, Diakon Chaplain for Luther Crest Luther Crest Hosts Theology, Literature, and Coffee - Luther Crest will host a Moravian Theological Seminary-sponsored course, Theology, Literature and Coffee (TLC), which will be held at Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown, on Mons., Oct. 3 rd, 17 th, and 31 st, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Enjoy a time of learning and fellowship as theological themes in selected literature are presented and discussed. Cost for the series is $20 with early registration discount before September 19 ($25 after 9/19/16), beverages will be provided. To register, please contact Moravian Theological Seminary or Books to be discussed are: Oct. 3 rd : To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee ISBN-10: Leader: Nelson Quinones, St. John Lutheran Church, Fogelsville, Oct. 17 th : A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines ASIN: B00E31IHG6, Leader: Ruth Marcon, First Presbyterian Church, Allentown, Oct. 31 st : Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton ASIN: B009O35AXQ, Leader: Nelvin Vos, St. John Lutheran Church, Allentown. Can you provide an hour or two per week to help someone who wants to change their life? St. Luke s at 417 N 7 th St, Allentown still has an ongoing need for volunteers to assist as tutors or substitutes for our growing multi-level ELL Program for individuals who desperately want to learn English. No foreign language needed. Contact Leslie Talago or Pastor Lamb at or stluke@enter.net for class times and orientation sessions. Speakers Available: Luther Crest has a variety of speakers available to speak to congregations, adult Sunday school classes, organizations such as women s and men s groups, Bible studies, senior s groups, and youth groups. Topics include: Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia, Depression, Elder Care, Caring for the Caregiver, Senior Housing Options, Continuum of Care, Living with Loss/Grief Support, Communicating during Times of Conflict, Prayer, and Scripture Studies. For more information or to schedule a speaker, please contact Rev. Dianne Kareha, Diakon Chaplain for Luther Crest Church Council Retreat or Meeting at Luther Crest: We invite your congregation's Church Council to hold a retreat or one of its meetings at Luther Crest. To learn more or to schedule your Church Council retreat or meeting at Luther Crest (with meals optional), please contact Rev. Dianne Kareha, Diakon Chaplain for Luther Crest

12 CALLED FORWARD TOGETHER IN CHRIST A recent from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton introduced an initiative of the ELCA Church Council to be known as Called Forward Together in Christ. In anticipation of the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, it invites the 3.7 million members of the ELCA to consider what kind of church God is calling the ELCA to become. In a related video message Bishop Eaton said, We re asking all of us to think together and to talk together about what our priorities are going to be so we can be as effective as possible in bringing people the good news of Jesus Christ. It s interesting that Bishop Eaton s announcement was released within days of the Wider Outlook Works Festival in Halle/Westphalia, Germany, which combined music and art with speakers and events to offer a transformative experience for people who were interested in initiating the celebration of the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation. This event included a presentation by Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches. Dr. Tveit s presentation included the pronouncement that It makes a lot of sense both to celebrate and to face the challenges of today in the light of the legacy of the Reformation. Dr. Tveit continued by suggesting that our celebration of the 500 th Anniversary should include a focus on repentance. He said, Repentance means change, change to a better direction Repentance is an attitude open for change to what is good. It means alertness to the critical voice, understanding the dimension of tragedy, and willingness to name what is wrong. Repentance comes from hearing carefully the voice of God s total forgiveness. And he concluded with, we can change to focus on the needs of the other; particularly those who need more attention for the sake of justice and peace This is about making the best values of the Reformation a living reality today. It s unique that these two pronouncements occurred within the same time frame, since there is obviously a close relationship between what Dr. Tveit said and what our Bishop and the ELCA Church Council is asking us to contemplate during the Reformation s 500 th Anniversary year. The ELCA is contemplating that the next year will include: Conversations across the church about the future Consultations on the directions and priorities that emerge Decisions as a church about where the ELCA is headed In summary, the challenge coming out of both Halle/Westphalia and Chicago is that we contemplate what is involved in making the best values of the Reformation a living reality today. Pastor Richard Stough LMD Secretary OPERATION SUNSHINE 36 S. 8 th St, Allentown, PA Phone: : Mon 11-3 Wed LMDopsunshine@aol.com Web site: Paula & Dick Skelly Co-Trip Coordinators Day of Trip Emergency Number Operation Sunshine is a non-profit fellowship opportunity within our Mission District, run solely by volunteers. Please join us and invite your friends as we enjoy a variety of venues together. **************** SOLD-OUT WAITING LIST ONLY June 29 (Wed.) - Doolan s Shore Club, Spring Lake, NJ FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION SOMETHING NEW FOR OPERATION SUNSHINE TRAVELERS!! Enjoy a fantastic meal at a beautiful location when you join Operation Sunshine at Doolan s Shore Club for their 4th of July Celebration. USO madness with comedy and music of America from Broadway to San Francisco, from Texas to the Heartland. Veteran s Flag Salute, Bob Hope humor and more. Complete luncheon, one hour open bar, salad, choice of three entrees, dessert, coffee/ tea & wine/soda during lunch. SOLD-OUT WAITING LIST ONLY July 13 (Wed.) Fulton Theatre FOOTLOOSE August 25 (Thurs.) Rainbow Comedy Playhouse IS THERE LIFE AFTER 50? - Three couples, all past fifty, have been friends forever. Once a year they get together for a mini vacation and to catch up with their lives. This year, the ladies have chosen a health spa for their destination, what a fun time. Oops, they haven t told the husbands yet! Bus leaves St. Timothy s at 10 AM and will return approximately 6 PM. Cost $84 Payment Deadline: Thurs., Aug. 4 th ***************MULTI-DAY TRIP****************** TASTE THE FLAVOR OF VERMONT Tue, Sept. 13 to Fri, Sept 16, 4 Days/3 Nights in the Killington area of Vermont. Experience the tastes of a Maple Sugar Farm, Ben and Jerry s Ice Cream, Cabot Cheese, Woodchuck Hard Cider and visit a Marble Museum, Danforth Pewter, an Alpaca farm and the popular Vermont Country Store. 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners, 1 with entertainment and 1 live cooking demonstration. Call the office for flyer. Cost $600 pp based on double occupancy, $690 for singles. October 13 (Thur.) Penn s Peak Bill Haley s Comets The Comet s Rock and Roll Show is an energetic entertaining show featuring fun, comedy, dance and music that keeps the crowds laughing, clapping and singing along to all the oldies and classic rock favorites. With the harmonies and choreography of the two poodle skirted and car hop uniform. All luncheon shows come complete with a family style meal including the ever popular Penn s Peak Pot Roast, all non-alcoholic beverages (alcohol available for purchase). Bus leaves St. Timothy s at 10:30 AM and will return approximately 4:30 PM. Cost $80 Payment Deadline: Thurs., Sept. 22