Mount Calvary Lutheran Church

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net) Members of Mount Calvary, Ministers Continuing in the Covenant of In his meditation for the third Wednesday evening gathering during Lent, Pastor Diehl continued a consideration of each of the

1 CHURCH NEWSLETTER June 2016 Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Rooted in the Past; Sheltering the Present; Reaching Out to the Future; Empowered by the God of the Ages P. O. Box South Main Street Mt. Jackson, VA (540) Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Virginia Rev. Matthew A. Diehl, Pastor Members of Mount Calvary, Ministers Continuing in the Covenant of In his meditation for the third Wednesday evening gathering during Lent, Pastor Diehl continued a consideration of each of the five promises made at Lutheran baptism: to live among God s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth? When each worshiper was asked what it means for them to keep the third covenant to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed the worshipers posted these responses. To tell someone about God and the good that he does and by doing good deeds Be a good steward, friend, daughter, and sister. Giving rather than receiving in all things. To tell others about Jesus Christ our Savior and to try to live the way he taught us HOPEFULLY by how I live, what others see; by what I say, what other hear; by what I do to lead others to Christ Share God s word; go to church Means I have to say it, not just do it. Be a good person Visit neighbors when they are ill; offer help wherever needed. To know that God is with us and all people Faith - Hope To treat others with respect and care. To be conscientious and thoughtful; other-focused I feel that by doing good for others, I know that Christ is happy that I have found a wonderful faith in him. Pray for all helping others who are in need somehow by giving to charity To be a good Christian and to share all the love God has given to me with everyone Blessed To be faithful, thankful for all my blessings and carry out the word of God each and everyday God always wants us to hear the good news.

2 FROM PASTOR DIEHL Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Dear Friends in Christ, For the past two years, we ve had one child (Leah) in elementary school, one (Rebecca) in middle school, one (Ben) in high school, and one (Josh) in college. As a result, like many families, we often find ourselves scrambling all over the place and double-checking our schedules to make sure we have everything covered. It seems that long gone are the days of being sure that everyone will be home together at the same time for supper each night. In the approaching summer season many of us will begin hard work outdoors, breaking up the soil, planting, and tending flowers and gardens. Many of us will take vacations, attend family reunions and picnics, spend time at the pool, play sports... the list could go on and on. I ve noticed, as I m sure you have too, that people are just getting busier and busier. There is such a wealth of opportunities that surround us and our children that it would be easy to have something planned every day and night of the week. I suppose there s nothing wrong with activity, but it seems busyness is entirely different. With all of this busyness, it s easy to begin having thoughts like: I don t have as much time to go to church. I ll just let it slide a little bit for now. God will understand. I m too busy to read my Bible. I ll pray twice as long tomorrow since I don t have time today. It s amazing how our own sinful nature will try to rationalize our sin and keep us from having a healthy relationship with God. And yet, the whole time God is patiently waiting with open arms saying, Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) Worshipping together as a family is a wonderful way to step away from the busyness of life and to find that rest together in God s presence. Being in the presence of God in worship allows us to temporarily escape into a place where our sins are forgiven, our moral compass gets re-aligned, we are fed and nourished at the Lord s Table for the life of faith, and the true peace that passes all understanding is given. Jesus offers us rest. Each week as we gather as God s faithful people to worship, we are given the opportunity to rest in the presence of God. Jesus offers the yoke of discipleship to those already weary and carrying heavy burdens. To anyone who shoulders the weight of worry or pain, Jesus offers a lighter load in exchange. The One who staggered beneath the weight of the cross knows well the illnesses and injustices that drag us down as we get too busy. The King, triumphant and victorious, yet gentle and humble of heart, comes to share our crushing burdens and deliver us from our busyness in this life. Come to me... We do not have to try and prove our worthiness. We do not have to acquire any special wisdom. We can come as we are. We are invited to find Jesus in worship where sisters and brothers bear one another s burdens as we pray, for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs. We simply cannot experience being a part of the body of Christ if we do not meet regularly and join ourselves to a community of believers. As is often the case, our busyness comes down to priorities. For example, we make spending choices based on what is important to us. In the same way, we order our days and schedules in such a way that we budget time for what is important to us. If time in worship and prayer and being in fellowship with the community of faith are important to us, we will make time for them. I know we re all busy. Nevertheless, in the midst of our busyness, I encourage you to remain faithful to the Lord this summer in word and deed. Join your brothers and sisters in the faith each week on the Lord s Day and relax for an hour or so in the loving arms of our gracious and forgiving God. Come, find rest for your souls. I look forward to greeting you in church next Sunday. Peace in the Lord,

THIS SUMMER, Mount Calvary will make two changes to summer Sunday

Beginning June 12 th, we will begin using Setting 10 of our worship

This setting, which uses well-known hymn melodies for responsive

For the Sundays of July and August, two worship services will

Both services will include Holy Communion.

include regular Sunday worship in their summer plans.

Our worship will include special music provided by the organist, the

The service will also feature the singing of favorite hymns recommended

Suggested hymns for which room could not be found within the June 5 th

3 THIS SUMMER, Mount Calvary will make two changes to summer Sunday worship. Beginning June 12 th, we will begin using Setting 10 of our worship liturgy. This setting, which uses well-known hymn melodies for responsive singing, was last used during the summer of 2011 and will be familiar to our church family. Setting 10 will be used through Sunday, August 28 th. For the Sundays of July and August, two worship services will conducted: a 9 o clock service and an 11 o clock service. Both services will include Holy Communion. These changes encourage our church family and our summer visitors to include regular Sunday worship in their summer plans. On Sunday, June 5 th, Mount Calvary will celebrate its fifth annual. Our worship will include special music provided by the organist, the vocal choir, the handbell choir, vocalists, and instrumentalists. The service will also feature the singing of favorite hymns recommended by our church family during May. Suggested hymns for which room could not be found within the June 5 th service will be used within Mount Calvary s summer worship services. You are encouraged to come participate in this annual homage to the Lutheran church s rich musical heritage. The Church knew what the psalmist knew: Music praises God. Music is well or better able to praise him than the building of the church and all its decoration; it is the Church's greatest ornament. Igor Stravinsky ( )

Congregation Council Meeting Summary The Mount Calvary Congregation Council met in regular session at 7:00 Monday evening, May 16.

If you would like for Pastor to visit you at your work place, contact the church office (477-4428; mcoffice@shentel.net).

The June 12 th worship service will include recognition of our graduates and the annual blessing of quilts made by our Quilters Guild for Lutheran World Relief.

Submitted by Barb Pifer Council Secretary Shop AmazonSmile and Support Mount Calvary! AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way to support Mount Calvary every time you shop on-line.

4 Congregation Council Meeting Summary The Mount Calvary Congregation Council met in regular session at 7:00 Monday evening, May 16. These announcements were shared: Pastor Diehl is beginning to do some workplace visitations. If you would like for Pastor to visit you at your work place, contact the church office ( ; Pastor will be unable to attend the Synod Assembly held in Roanoke, June If you would like to represent Mount Calvary at this gathering, please contact the church office. The June 12 th worship service will include recognition of our graduates and the annual blessing of quilts made by our Quilters Guild for Lutheran World Relief. Following the service, a reception will be held, honoring our graduates and members of the Guild. Diane Steadman and Kay Whetzel were welcomed to the Altar Guild. Submitted by Barb Pifer Council Secretary Shop AmazonSmile and Support Mount Calvary! AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way to support Mount Calvary every time you shop on-line. When shopping at AmazonSmile, you'll find the exact same low prices, huge selection, and convenient shipping, with the added bonus that the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your purchase to our church! The purchase price is the amount paid for your items minus any rebates and excluding shipping and handling charges, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) you will need to select "Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Mt. Jackson, VA." Be careful in making your selection there are 56 "Mount Calvary's" listed! Amazon will remember your selection and then every purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a financial gift to our church! Remember: you must always begin shopping at smile.amazon.com to support our church. Tell your family and friends about AmazonSmile!

June Baptism Anniversaries This month, these members of the Mount Calvary church family can celebrate the date of their birth into God s family through Holy Baptism.

These donations will help fill up our shoeboxes for girls: dolls Play-Doh beads harmonicas decks of cards hair bows Legos jump ropes kazoos small crafts hairbands McDonald s toys Slinkys puzzles

Support the Mount Calvary Day Care Center and don t cook dinner on Wednesday, June 15!

5 June Baptism Anniversaries This month, these members of the Mount Calvary church family can celebrate the date of their birth into God s family through Holy Baptism. Nicole Seal June 4 Becca Diehl June 22 Pat McKee June 5 Melanie Hepner June 23 Todd Holtzman June 13 OPERATION: Christmas Child Last month, we focused on OCC boys. This month, it s OCC girls turn! These donations will help fill up our shoeboxes for girls: dolls Play-Doh beads harmonicas decks of cards hair bows Legos jump ropes kazoos small crafts hairbands McDonald s toys Slinkys puzzles Etch-a-Sketches Place your donations on the narthex table anytime this month and THANK YOU for your continuing support of OPERATION: Christmas Child. Help MCDC at Arby s on June 15! Support the Mount Calvary Day Care Center and don t cook dinner on Wednesday, June 15! For the fifth month in a row, Arby s restaurant in Woodstock is donating 15% of meal purchases made between 5:00 and 8:00 on Wednesday evening, June 15, to our Day Care Center. The donation applies to both eat-in and take-out orders. Get your dinner from Arby s on June 15 and help our Day Care Center purchase supplies, furniture, and other items to assist in the care of their children.

Hello, everyone! We are getting ready to start our summer program. We have so many fun things planned for the summer!

Our school age children will also be taking several trips as well.

Winner. They have graduated from our preschool program and will moving on to kindergarten in the fall! We would like to congratulate Anabel Jimenez, our assistant director.

They have been a big help at the center and we will miss them very much. We would like to wish all of you fathers a happy and wonderful Father's Day!

6 Hello, everyone! We are getting ready to start our summer program. We have so many fun things planned for the summer! We will be going to the park to play and to have picnics several times this summer. The children will also have ice cream every Wednesday and go to the pool every Friday. Our school age children will also be taking several trips as well. Congratulations to our friends Cayleb Armentrout, Karmyn Bauserman, Emmett Brenneis, Logan Garcia, Riley Knupp, Zoe Luden, Angelique Moreno, Mattie Payne, Cohan Tusing, Leah Washington, and Avarose Winner. They have graduated from our preschool program and will moving on to kindergarten in the fall! We would like to congratulate Anabel Jimenez, our assistant director. She will be getting married on June 25 th. Best wishes to Anabel and Angel! Our high school volunteers, Katie and Aniqua, will be leaving us this month. They have been a big help at the center and we will miss them very much. We would like to wish all of you fathers a happy and wonderful Father's Day! Regina and the MCDC Staff Graduate Recognition During the worship service, Sunday, June 12, Mount Calvary will honor and give thanks for these 2016 graduates: Bekka Bodanske Stonewall Jackson High School Dakota Downey Stonewall Jackson High School Olivia Proctor Stonewall Jackson High School Josh Diehl Roanoke College, Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training Hunter Downey Blue Ridge Community College, Associates Degree Emma Proctor George Mason University, Bachelor of Arts in Music Following worship, our graduates will be recognized at a reception during which each will have the opportunity to share their plans with their church family and receive congratulations for their accomplishments.

Blessing of the Quilts On Sunday, June 12, the sanctuary will be more colorful than usual when dozens of quilts crafted by our Quilters Guild are draped over the pews and over the communion and

During the morning s worship, these quilts will be blessed in preparation for their delivery to Lutheran World Relief and ultimately to areas across the globe to comfort and warm those displaced by

This year, we will be blessing 56 quilts prepared by the Guild members: June Hyde, Mary Ann Mahoney, Pat McKee, Anita Miller, Crystal Minnick, Barb Pifer, Debbie Price, and Mickey Williams.

7 Blessing of the Quilts On Sunday, June 12, the sanctuary will be more colorful than usual when dozens of quilts crafted by our Quilters Guild are draped over the pews and over the communion and gallery rails. During the morning s worship, these quilts will be blessed in preparation for their delivery to Lutheran World Relief and ultimately to areas across the globe to comfort and warm those displaced by natural disasters or civil unrest. This year, we will be blessing 56 quilts prepared by the Guild members: June Hyde, Mary Ann Mahoney, Pat McKee, Anita Miller, Crystal Minnick, Barb Pifer, Debbie Price, and Mickey Williams. Since the Guild s creation nine years ago, the quilters have created an impressive 413 quilts! a lamp to my feet. First Reading 1 Kings 17:17-24 First Reading Isaiah 65:1-9 The Psalm Psalm 30 The Psalm Psalm 22:19-28 Second Reading Galatians 1:11-24 Second Reading Galatians 3:23-29 The Holy Gospel Luke 7:11-17 The Holy Gospel Luke 8:26-39 First Reading 2 Samuel 11:26 12:10, First Reading 1 Kings 19:15-16, The Psalm Psalm 32 The Psalm Psalm 16 Second Reading Galatians 2:15-21 Second Reading Galatians 5:1, The Holy Gospel Luke 7:36 8:3 The Holy Gospel Luke 9:51-62

Saturday morning, June 18, our Hands of Harmony Ringers will be taking their music to the residents of Greenfield of Woodstock.

Blessings, and an arrangement of Amazing Grace followed by a ring-along of Amazing Grace with the bell choir accompanying the audience s singing this beloved hymn.

One Morning. In addition to supporting our worship services, Mount Calvary s handbell choir enjoys taking its music ministry to various communities around the Valley.

8 Saturday morning, June 18, our Hands of Harmony Ringers will be taking their music to the residents of Greenfield of Woodstock. In addition to other sacred music, the morning will include an opening fanfare of bells, a medley of the hymns It Is Well With My Soul and Shall We Gather at the River, a rendition of Count Your Blessings, and an arrangement of Amazing Grace followed by a ring-along of Amazing Grace with the bell choir accompanying the audience s singing this beloved hymn. During the secular part of the program, Greenfield residents will certainly enjoy hearing our ringers play several well-known tunes, including In the Good Ol Summertime, Beautiful Dreamer, and Early One Morning. In addition to supporting our worship services, Mount Calvary s handbell choir enjoys taking its music ministry to various communities around the Valley. Brothers and sisters in Christ, I wanted to take second and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the care package I received from y'all before my final exams. I have always appreciated receiving snacks from my church family throughout my four years at Roanoke and will certainly miss the taste of home it brings me. You all have supported me with prayers and care packages throughout my entire time at college and it means more than you can understand. Thank you again. Josh Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Thank you so much for continuing to send me the newsletter from the church. I am unable to come to church and the newsletter helps me feel involved with the church. I am very grateful and I so enjoy reading the newsletter. God bless. Emma M. Smith Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Open Door Food Pantry, Inc. acknowledges your May donations of $ Your willingness to help support the Food Pantry is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Ruth B. Williams, Treasure

In our prayers for healing, let us remember our members: Dorothy Bean Gloria Chambers Luella Clark Mary Anne Fadeley Frank Funkhouser Frances Gerow Jeanette Jones Delores McDonald Stephanie Melbourne

Donnie Pifer Dale Bennett, friend of Paul and Laura Ryman Joe Bolil, friend of Lynn Holtzman s family Alice Coffelt, friend of Reba Thompson Vicki Couvillon, friend of Barb Pifer William R.

9 In our prayers for healing, let us remember our members: Dorothy Bean Gloria Chambers Luella Clark Mary Anne Fadeley Frank Funkhouser Frances Gerow Jeanette Jones Delores McDonald Stephanie Melbourne Geraldine Whetzel and our family and friends: Doug Baker, relative of Paul Ryman Lauren Barnett, daughter of Tammy Barnett Lorenzo Bean, husband of Dorothy Bean Billy Beckinstrater, great-nephew of Donnie Pifer Dale Bennett, friend of Paul and Laura Ryman Joe Bolil, friend of Lynn Holtzman s family Alice Coffelt, friend of Reba Thompson Vicki Couvillon, friend of Barb Pifer William R. Dellinger, nephew of Shirley Dellinger Linda Diehl, mother of Pastor Diehl Carol Fleming, friend of Laura Ryman Mary Beth Foltz, sister-in-law of G.B. and Susan Foltz Iona Frye, friend of Mickey Williams Judy Gadikian, sister of Bill Steadman Robert Grace, brother-in-law of Mary Ann Mahoney Mike Grim, son of Dorothy Bean Larry Heltebran, step-father of Steve Povlish Addison Hoffman, 5-year-old friend of John and Crystal Minnick Stella Hottle, friend and neighbor of Mary Ann Mahoney Rev. Crockett Huddle, friend of the Mount Calvary family Kathleen Kirkalay, cousin of Mary Ann Mahoney Nellie Lesemann, friend of Reba Thompson Isabele Lineweaver, friend of Mickey Williams Tabitha Long and family, friend of Emma Proctor Donna Mason, sister of Bill Williams Barbara McDonald, aunt of Lisa McDonald Miller Spencer McIntosh, father of Noel Frye Shirley McWilliams, niece of Frances Gerow Patricia Miller, daughter-in-law of Jim and Anita Miller Judy Moomaw, first cousin of Anita Miller Sam Mumpower, friend of Mary Anne Fadeley Debbie Neff, friend of Donnie Pifer Patsy Painter, cousin of Anita Miller Verna Ryman, mother of Paul Ryman Wilson Ryman, friend of G.B. and Susan Foltz Pastor Franklin Senger, former pastor of Mount Calvary Neil Showalter, friend of Donnie Pifer Linda Stoneburner, friend of G.B. and Susan Foltz Ryan Tomoff, friend of Susan Foltz Mary Sue Van Huss, cousin of Anita Miller Mary Jane Williams, mother of Bill Williams Ruth Williams, friend of Mickey Williams The month of June brings us well into the longest season of the church year: Pentecost. The Day of Pentecost celebrated this year on Sunday, May 15 marks the birth of the Christian church when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples as tongues, as of fire, and they began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4a) This miracle empowered the disciples to carry the word of God, the story of Jesus, and salvation to people of all nations, giving birth to the Church universal. For this reason, the Day of Pentecost is often referred to as the birthday of the Church. Beginning on the Day of Pentecost, the Pentecost season continues through most of the summer and autumn, encompassing as many as twenty-eight Sundays, depending on the date of Easter. This year, the last Sunday of Pentecost the Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost occurs on November 13. Red is the liturgical color for Pentecost Sunday, symbolizing the tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended on that first Pentecost. However, green is the liturgical color for the season of Pentecost itself and represents the growth and life of the Church.

1 Cameron Seal 2 Jeanette Jones William Silvious 4 Gloria Chambers 6 Jessica Roberts 5 Pastor Diehl 8 Katherine

June Hyde 12 Linda Tilley 12 Mickey Williams 13 Charles Whetzel, III 14 Roman Frye Christopher Whetzel 15 Ronald

10 1 Cameron Seal 2 Jeanette Jones William Silvious 4 Gloria Chambers 6 Jessica Roberts 5 Pastor Diehl 8 Katherine Hepner Ernie McKee 9 John Dodson 6 Jill Vogel 10 Tammy Barnett 7 Christopher Johnson Jansen Price 11 Ben Diehl 11 June Hyde 12 Linda Tilley 12 Mickey Williams 13 Charles Whetzel, III 14 Roman Frye Christopher Whetzel 15 Ronald Wilkins 16 Vickie Rea 17 Pat Funkhouser 17 Pastor Scott Paradise 18 Lauren Barnett 19 Jamie Ryan 19 J. P. Price 20 Jennifer Runyan 20 Sarah Ryman 21 Goldyene Harris 24 Debbie Price Hayden Pence 26 Jeff Kerlin Tara Price Hannah Ryman 22 Frances Hines Bill Steadman 23 Colby Green 27 Micah Miller 27 Crystal Miller 30 Katlin Nebgen 30 Christine Paradise 31 Shelley Nebgen

VBS starts this month! Evenings at 6:00!

10:1-18) Jesus Feeds 5,000 People (John 6:1-14; Mark 6:30-44) Jesus Tells About a Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) Jesus Tells About a Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)

VBS is going to be fun, but VBS would be more fun with YOU there! Classes are available for pre-schoolers through adults.

IMPORTANT NOTE: During the worship service Sunday, June 19, a special offering will be received to support our 2016 VBS program.

11 VBS starts this month! Evenings at 6:00! Sunday, June 26 through Thursday, June 30 At Barnyard Roundup, VBS-ers will learn about Jesus through five Bible stories: Jesus the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18) Jesus Feeds 5,000 People (John 6:1-14; Mark 6:30-44) Jesus Tells About a Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) Jesus Tells About a Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) Jesus Appears to Mary in the Garden (John 20:1-18) At VBS, you can meet new friends, do fun activities, sing songs, make crafts, eat snacks, and more! VBS is going to be fun, but VBS would be more fun with YOU there! Classes are available for pre-schoolers through adults. Register to attend on the sign-up sheet posted in the narthex. IMPORTANT NOTE: During the worship service Sunday, June 19, a special offering will be received to support our 2016 VBS program. This offering will assist covering the costs of VBS teaching materials, food and beverages for the dinners and snacks, and craft supplies. Thank you in advance for supporting Mount Calvary s Vacation Bible School! Sunday Attendance Sunday School Worship Offering Received* May $2,795 May $2,903 May $2,041 May 22 [n/a] 39 $2,616 Averages $2, *Budget needs per week: $3,229

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church

CHURCH NEWSLETTER November 2018 Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Rooted in the Past; Sheltering the Present; Reaching Out to the Future; Empowered by the God of the Ages ` P. O. Box 484 5983 South Main Street