FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH JULY/AUGUST 2015 NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH JULY/AUGUST 2015 NEWSLETTER The Rev. Michael J. Bodnyk (610) (Pastor s Cell #) 3355 MacArthur Road Whitehall, PA faithlutheranwhitehall@rcn.com (610) Fax (610) Chris Schmidt President, Church Council cascolry@aol.com Church Council Monday, August 3rd 7:00 pm ***NOTE*** NO MEETING IN JULY Pew Communion The Gathering Place Tuesday, July 7 th & August 4 th at 1:00 pm

2 From the Pastor July-August 2015 Dear Partners in Ministry: Greetings in the name of our risen Lord and Savior! Summer is a special season. During this time, many of us are on a more relaxing schedule. With beautiful sunny days, we gather up the family for trips to the parks and the shore. Vacations give us the opportunity to see our extended families and other parts of our beautiful country. Leisure days during the summer give us a respite from our hectic lifestyles. As we enjoy the beautiful summer that our loving and gracious heavenly Father provides each year, I want us to place this Bible verse in our thoughts: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the Cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). God has given us summers so we can enjoy the beauty of his creation; however, we are never to lose focus on who and whose we are. Whether we are gardening, swimming, biking, walking, or cutting the grass, we should be fixing our eyes on Jesus. As wonderful as the summer season is, it can be a distraction to fixing our eyes on Jesus and cause us to take our eyes and thoughts away from him. Rather than focusing on Jesus, we can let our activities interfere with our spiritual growth and nourishment. With God s strength, we can enjoy our summers and still keep on our focus on him. As we fix our eyes on Jesus this summer, please keep me and the other church staff members in your prayers. Please also continue to be faithful in your worship attendance, either here at home or wherever you find yourselves during summer vacations. I encourage you to bring in or send in your weekly offerings so that the Word of God might be proclaimed year round. And when you are worshiping in other places, bring a bulletin home for me. I love to see what others are doing! Also remember that, besides our 9:00 am Sunday worship, we have many other activities this summer: Vacation Bible School, Iron Chef Breakfasts, our Car Show and Craft/Vender Fair, Camp. May God grant that all of us will find ourselves refreshed and renewed during these summer days and months. May he give us a safe and enjoyable summer as we fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. May God bless us that we might continue our faithful stewardship of the blessings he has entrusted to us. In Christ, Pastor Bodnyk

3 In attendance: Pastor Michael Bodnyk Norma Hrozencik (delegate) Kathy Schaeffer (delegate) 2015 NEPA Synod Assembly Report Held May The Friday Assembly started with a worship service led with music by Ken Medema. Ken participated throughout the assembly with inspirational music from different genres, which had an appeal to a variety of personal preferences. Bishop Samuel Zeiser gave an overview of the new three-year program: NEPA Synod Unleashed for Reformation 2017 culminating in 2017 at the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. The emphasis of this assembly was to move forward in our faith by encompassing an unleashed attitude in our churches using the technologies and resources available to us. We need to be unleashed to reach out and go beyond the walls or the church buildings and to think outside the box. The reports from the various committees and department heads provided information on what s happening at the Synod Level as well as the church at large. o The full reports are available in the church office. Elections took place for Synod Council positions and Church Wide Assembly positions. o It was only necessary to cast two ballots to conclude the elections The Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger presented the Keynote Address. He is a professor and the Library Administrator at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. o This was a biography of Martin Luther and connected his life to our Unleashed Mission. o This was a fantastic presentation given in two parts over the Assembly days. The Saturday Assembly started with a very moving Festival of Worship Service. The following resolutions were discussed, voted on and all adopted: o A resolution concerning divestment and reinvestment o A resolution on welcoming and giving pastoral care to GLBT people and their families o A resolution encouraging churches to allow same gender marriages in church facilities. o A resolution supporting marriage equality o A resolution in support of solar power at the Phoebe Hospital in Liberia (PV photovoltaic power for Phoebe) Acknowledgment of retirements and recognition of Rostered individuals new to the synod. Highlighted was a new trial program Susquehanna County Church Without Walls SWAC which has become part of the unleashed vision. (Prs. Mike Bennethum & Jira Albers) Bishop Zeiser announced that the 2016 Synod Assembly will be held in Allentown at the PPL Center (7 th & Linden)

4 Summer Sunday Worship Schedule 9:00 am **Please note** June 21 st thru September 6 th One service no Sunday School PEW COMMUNION Tuesday July 7 th August 4 th 1:00 pm The Gathering Place **Please note Pew Communion is usually the first of each month. If you prefer grape juice rather than wine for Communion, please bring a blank Communion Card to pastor On June 7 th, 15 young people became members of Faith throught the Rite of Confirmation. These youth include: Austin Michael Bilous Avery Elizabeth Druckenmiller Hailey Julia Druckenmiller Jordan William Euculano Sabrina Elizabeth Haller Jillian Elizabeth Hess Juliet Le Claire Hower Erica May Juliano Grace Ann Kemmerer Connor Richard Miller Alexandra Carson Reinhard Gabrielle Grace Reinhard Ryan Christopher Schmidt Julia Dianne Thomas Charles Cooper Ward V We pray that, in the years to come these fifteen will actively remain faithful to the promise they made before God. Baptisms Brianna Elizabeth Tagliavia Alexa John Bender Jacqueline Scharnitz Jean Ebert

5 THE REV. ROBERT L. GEORGE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND The following criteria have been set up as guidelines for awarding the Rev. Robert L. George Scholarship. Application form should be returned to the church office as soon as possible. Applications are invited from the following categories of students: 1. Undergraduate students who are pursuing pre-ministerial studies at an accepted degree granting institution. 2. Seminary students pursuing divinity degrees or other students pursuing church related positions. (Youth director or music director would be examples.) 3. Other undergraduate students pursuing service related occupations. (This is a broad category and is meant to be so...i.e. teaching, social work, etc.) 4. Other individuals pursuing additional education or training beyond high school. (Examples may be business schools, technical schools.) All applicants must be members in good standing of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church. Applicants must complete and return the standard application form to the church office by July 31, Grants from this scholarship fund will be made on an annual basis, 1/2 of the scholarship will be awarded in August and the remaining in January, and will be for a specified term (normally one academic year). One scholarship may be awarded based on available funds and a qualified applicant as determined by the Scholarship Committee. An additional scholarship may or may not be awarded based on availability of funds. The scholarship recipient is strongly encouraged to attend the designated church service to be recognized. FAITH S CHURCH PICNIC & RALLY DAY WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 th We are looking for volunteers! Contact Thomas Smykowski Picnic Chairperson at (610) Scholarship Committee

6 CHURCH CHATTER Happy Birthday to Michael John Bodnyk, Jr. who will celebrate his birthday on July 26 th and to Sandy Bodnyk who will celebrate her birthday on August 29 th. Best wishes to both of you from members and friends of Faith! Miller/Keystone Blood Drive at Faith Monday, August 10 th 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm To donate and schedule a time contact Judy Ehret at (610) The Over 80 s Birthday Party will be held Wednesday, August, 19 th in Parker Hall. Please RSVP by calling the church (610) The deadline is Friday, August 7 th. Dear Faith Family and Friends: Thank you so much for all the well wishes during my recent surgery. I am so thankful for my family and friends at Faith. Sally Buchmiller JOIN US IRON CHEF S BREAKFAST the following Sundays: July 12 th & July 26 th after 9:00 am worship August 9 th & August 23 rd after 9:00 am worship September 20 th updates to follow in the upcoming newsletter FREE WILL OFFERING Dear Faith Lutheran Friends, Monday was a rainy dreary day. However, a ray of sunshine arrived at our home. When John and I received a beautiful altar flower arrangement from our friends at Faith Lutheran. It proved that a ray of sunshine can be provided by the caring thoughts of others in our lives. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Betty and John Noll

7 ROOF REPLACEMENT UPDATE The roofing contractors have been selected and replacement should begin shortly. The vicarage will begin soon and the church as well. Additional work needs to be done on the steeple, it will have to be removed and returned to the manufacturer in Kentucky for re-cladding and modification. Something you may not see has been completed. An underground pipe system has been installed to take rain water away from the south side of the church. We thank everyone who has been contributing weekly to the roof fund or gave a one-time donation. Property Committee Food Pantry needs are. tuna, pancake syrup, pancake mix, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned fruit, canned meats, soup, vegetables, boxed potatoes, hamburger helper, pasta sides (rice or noodle) coffee and tea. Snacks, pretzels, crackers, fruit snacks, cake mixes, condiments, etc. Many thanks for your continued support of this important ministry. Monetary donations are always welcome: Please make check payable to WHITEHALL FOOD PANTRY Our gift in thanks to God for our many blessings given anonymously. CHRISTIAN ED ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 27 through July 31 st. Closing program on August 2 nd. Enrollment forms are available in the narthex, church office or in our newsletter. Needs: crayons, glue sticks, construction paper, and apple juice. Thank you for your support and donations. Rally Day will be held the same day as our Church Picnic, Sunday, September 13 th. We hope to see you all come out to enjoy this day of fun and fellowship!

8 VBS THE WEEK OF JULY 27 TH VBS is held Monday through Friday 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. All children ages 3 through Grade 6 are invited to attend. We ask that your child is potty trained or that you stay and enjoy the experience with your child. There will be a closing service at the August 2 ND worship service. If you are interested in helping at VBS or would like to make a donation (to defray the costs) please contact Karen Euculano or Joanne Gantz-Jalowiecki. We could really use your help in making this a wonderful experience for the kids this summer. 7 th ANNUAL WHEELS OF FAITH CAR SHOW & CRAFT FAIR SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 TH 9:00 AM TO 3:00 PM (RAIN DATE - SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 th ) Bring your car and show it! If you re a vendor, reserve a table! If neither of the above apply to you just come out and enjoy the fun! There will be lots of great cars to check out, browse and shop the crafter and vendor tables, stroll the grounds and listen to the DJ. There s always good food, fun and fellowship! CAMP RHYTHMO 2015 July 6 through July 17, 2015 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm WOF Committee July 20, through July 24 th Summer Music Theatre Workshop 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Faith Lutheran Church 3355 MacArthur Rd, Whitehall, PA Registration forms & questions

9 SCHEDULE FOR VOLUNTEERS JUNE 28 TH THROUGH JULY 26 TH June 28 th July 5 th July 12 th July 19 th July 26 th Liturgists Art Frye Pat Wotring Shiryl Decker Kathy Schaeffer None Needed Communion Assistants None Needed Bobbi Kling None Needed None Needed None Needed Altar Guild Rosemarie Haffner & Jane Ramer Cathy Haller & Kathy Stofflet Sara Laub & Donna Ziegenfuss Diane Batza & Beckie Ward Nancy Buskirk & Bobbi Kling Acolytes Kayla Endy Alex Rummel Jillian Hess Erica Juliano Grace Kemmerer Crucifers Gabrielle Reinhard Austin Bilous Avery Druckenmiller Hailey Druckenmiller Connor Miller Lectors Sue Stahler Tom Colburn Adriana Minnich RJ Kemmerer Rhynier Minnich Narthex Greeters Rhynier & Adriana Minnich Open Roger & Lucille Reichard Pat & Dean Wotring Dan & Gail Herzog Ushers Usher Team # 2 Usher Team # 3 Usher Team # 4 Usher Team # 5 Usher Team # 6 Flower Sponsors Jim Schaffer Jim Schaffer Sara Laub Open Jane Ramer Bulletin Sponsors Jim Schaffer Jim Schaffer Paul & Kris Eichelberger Marianne Prince Jane Ramer Coffee Hour Baker Iron Chef Breakfast Iron Chef Breakfast Iron Chef Breakfast

10 JULY 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :00 PM - 3:00 PM Community Justice Panel 2 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Zumba :00 AM - 11:00 AM Prayer Group 1:00 PM PEW COMMUNION 5:15 PM Weight Watchers 8 9 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Zumba :00 AM Iron Chef Breakfast :00 AM - 11:00 AM Prayer Group 5:15 PM Weight Watchers 15 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Community Justice Panel :30 AM - 1:30 PM Camp 21 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Camp 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Prayer Group 5:15 PM Weight Watchers 22 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Camp 23 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Camp 24 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Camp :00 AM Iron Chef Breakfast 8:00 PM AA Meeting 27 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Vacation Bible School 28 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Prayer Group 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Vacation Bible School :00 PM - 8:30 PM Vacation Bible 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Vacation School Bible School 31 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Vacation Bible School 1

11 SCHEDULE FOR VOLUNTEERS August 2 nd through August 30 th August 2 nd August 9 th August 16 th August 23 rd August 30 th Liturgists Chris Schmidt RJ Kemmerer Pat Wotring None Needed Norma Hrozencik Communion Assistants Chris Schmidt None Needed None Needed None Needed None Needed Altar Guild Nancy Buskirk & Kris Eichelberger Rosemarie Haffner & Jane Ramer Sara Laub & Beckie Ward Donna Ziegenfuss & Pat Walschburger Diane Batza & Bobbi Kling Acolytes Jordan Euculano Julia Thomas Cooper Ward Ryan Schmidt Gabrielle Reinhard Crucifers Juliet Hower Jade Gravely Justin Mattison Alexandra Reinhard Kayla Endy Lectors Judy Ehret Pat Wotring Pat Walschburger Mike Miller Deb Whittaker Narthex Greeters Mike & Carol Miller Gloria & John Senchak Art & Lee Stoneback Tom & Deanna Smykowski Bob & Sue Stahler Ushers Team # 7 Team # 8 Team # 9 Team # 1 Team #2 Flower Sponsors John & Yolanda Elek Ellen Smith Open Open Norma Hrozencik Bulletin Sponsors John & Yolanda Elek Ellen Smith Ernie Kotsch Dale & Cheryl Mohr Norma Hrozencik Coffee Hour Baker Iron Chef Breakfast Iron Chef Breakfast

12 AUGUST 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday & CLOSING PROGRAM VBS 9 10:00 AM Iron Chef Breakfast 11:00 AM Wedding Nansteal/Hyde 3 7:00 PM Church Council :00 AM - 11:00 AM Prayer Group 1:00 PM PEW COMMUNION 5:15 PM Weight Watchers 11 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Prayer Group 5:15 PM Weight Watchers :00 PM - 8:00 PM Zumba 12 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Community Justice Panel :00 PM - 8:00 PM 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM Zumba Communities That Care :00 PM - 7:00 PM Faith Blood Drive Miller/Keystone :00 AM - 11:00 AM Prayer Group 5:15 PM Weight Watchers :00 PM - 8:00 PM Zumba 9:00 AM - 3:00 PMFELC Car Show 23 10:00 AM Iron Chef Breakfast :00 AM - 11:00 AM Prayer Group 5:15 PM Weight Watchers 7:00 PM ZUMBA 26 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Community Justice Panel