Emmanuel News. Vol. LVII, No. 6 September 2017

Transcription

1 Emmanuel News Vol. LVII, No. 6 September 2017 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:2-4 Our Mission Statement: We are called by the Holy Spirit and therefore commit ourselves to invite, nurture, and equip everyone with faith for daily living and Christian service that all may know God s saving love through Jesus. Sunday Worship Schedule: 8:30 - Traditional Worship 10:30 - Praise & Joy Worship 9/3 & 9/10 11:00 - Praise & Joy Worship 9/17 & 9/24 Special Events Coming Up Grandparents Day - Sept. 10 Rally Day - Sept. 17 Annual Picnic - Sept. 17 after late service Congregational Workshop Sept. 30 Pumpkins delivered - Oct. 14 Fall Craft Festival - Oct. 21 Annual Mtg - 70th Anniversary Party- Nov 19

2 Emmanuel News September 2017 Page 2 Message from Pastor Ben The View I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). A Worthy Life I am not a patient person. If you were to ask my parents they might actually say that I am one of the most impatient people they know. My need for speed in everything is made all that much worse by the fact that I partially grew up in, and now live in, the age of the internet. With the internet you can find anything immediately. Want to know how your sports team did last night? Go online to your favorite sports website. Want to know where the closest pizza shop is? Search for it on Google Maps. Want to know what the Maryland state sport is? Just Google it. (I just did, it s jousting and lacrosse. Jousting, seriously?!?!) St. Paul writes to me, and all those impatient just like me, in Ephesians 4 when he tells us that a life of faith that is worthy of the calling to which we have been called involves patience. While we ve all been called to different vocations, at Emmanuel we ve all been called to be one work in common Christian. That is, to live a life that is characterized by God s grace and mercy given to us. And a life worthy of God s grace and mercy involves patience. Yikes! I m in trouble. Thank God for His patience with us, however. Despite our daily sins, God patiently bears with us and is always willing and merciful to show us His grace and forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9). That s the kind of patience God desires from us, and the kind of pa- tience we need from each other at this stage in our interim process. I know waiting is hard, believe me, I know. Yet, patience is what we owe our Call Committee, and to each other. If we are willing enough to just be patient and wait on the Lord, we might be pleasantly surprised what the Holy Spirit has to say to us. Let s be patient, and open the ears of our hearts in prayer to listen to what and where the Holy Spirit is guiding us. Congregational Workshop As you know, the next step in the interim process is the Congregational Workshop held here at Emmanuel on Saturday, 30 September. The entire congregation is welcome and encouraged to attend this event. While this will also be my first time at a congregational workshop, I would suspect that the mission and vision of Emmanuel Lutheran will be a part of the discussion. Did you know Emmanuel Lutheran has a Mission Statement? It s found on the first page of this newsletter. If you don t know what it is take a moment right now and turn to the first page and read it. Seriously, go read it! Please, pretty please! As we patiently await the 30th of September, let us specifically ask God how we are putting that mission statement into action at Emmanuel, and also how we want to put it into further action in the future. If we patiently await God s answers to these questions we are sure to have a fruitful, encouraging, and enjoyable Congregational Workshop. That s the view from here, Rev. Ben Umberger

3 Emmanuel News September 2017 Page 3 Blessings from Cam The Lord has certainly blessed us this summer. Here it is August and I can sleep with the windows open and have had to mow the lawn at least once a week. We didn't have the oppressive heat and humidity that we normally have every July and August. The Lord has blessed our congregation in many other ways, too. Volunteers stepped forward for the many activities we had going on during the summer. Our lawn is being mowed, our flowers are tended to and the church is clean and maintained. VBS was a great success. We are moving forward on an alarm system for the school and the air -conditioning has been replaced. Our food pantry, chemo caps, and the church finances of the church are being taken care of. We have Sunday School, Adult Bible Studies, and Rally Sunday starting this month. The Call Committee is planning the Congregational Workshop; and the annual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival are also being planned. All of this is happening because of VOLUN- TEERS. I will admit, back in May, I was concerned not much would happen during summer or fall. Once again the Lord gave me that pat on the back and a gentle smile (I would think, He would grow tired of my worrying) and said all would be well, just have faith. I see the Holy Spirit working in the church, waking us up to the fact we are the body of Christ. We are the hands, feet, arms and heart to make the Lord s work happen here at Emmanuel. I also want to say, what a blessing it is have Ben as our interim pastor. His guidance and steadying influence for our congregation has been a Godsend. Our next big milestone is our Congregational Workshop on September 30. At that time, we, as a congregation, will decide what we stand for and where we will be going. This will allow prospective ministers to see if the Holy Spirit is calling them to our church. I want to thank all of you for making our church the friendly, kind and caring place it is. While some were hesitant to volunteer, it was not from an unwillingness to serve, but from a fear of not serving well enough. I have certainly seen the opposite. Working together we will continue to be a blessing to the community and our Lord! Yours in Christ. Cam Stickley Women of the NALC The ladies of Emmanuel will resume their meetings on Monday morning, Sept 12th at 10 AM. Plans for the upcoming Fall Festival and craft fair will be on the agenda. We invite all the women of our church to attend this meeting. If we all work together, we can make it a great success. The date is set for Saturday, Oct. 21st from 9 AM to 2 PM. Help will be needed to set up tables on Saturday morning at 8AM. Also, the day before the craft fair, meeting time is 6 PM. Suggestions and ideas are more than welcome. Help in manning the tables on Saturday will also be needed. Please come and help us. Ethel Lovelace

4 Emmanuel News September 2017 Page 4 Birthdays 9/1 Erin (Fitzgerald) LaPier, Jennifer (Rodey) Watson 9/2 Walt Kinder 9/3 Brian Prather 9/4 Dennis Cornell Sr., Jack McFarlan, Tony Novitske 9/5 Leslie Melendez 9/6 David Couture 9/9 Livvie Mellinger, Henry Kinder, Kierstin Vitkauskas 9/11 Doug Watson 9/12 Bob Hoffman 9/13 Lisa Allen, Doug Treff 9/14 Mike Slichter 9/15 Sandra Dimler 9/17 Michael Glorioso, Lydia Kelly 9/18 Edward Messerschmidt 9/19 Hunter Hartzell 9/20 Vince Glorioso, Roy Rodey 9/21 Alex Shores, Dylan Treff 9/22 Joyce Gilbert 9/24 Betty Beckett 9/26 Marie Leary 9/28 Janice Cornell, Abigail Kay 9/29 Patrick Siemek, Cole Harrison Anniversaries 9/4 April & Shaun Snyder 9/5 Robin (Konrad) & Daniel Stern 9/6 Arlene & Tony Novitske 9/30 Angie & Carl Treff 9/30 Adrienne & Mike Trout VBS VBS was a huge success and I would like to thank all those who helped us Conquer the Day. VBS was based on Roman 8:37, In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. We had children attend on any given day. We learned and acted out stories about David who went from being a shepherd and using his staff and slingshot to protect the family s sheep, to defeating the giant Goliath, to becoming King of Israel. We also heard amazing stories of modern athletes who excel in sports and in life by working hard and making good choices. It was a joy to hear both young and older children reciting Bible verses from memory and to watch them participating in sports, dancing, and singing out songs of praise to God. Also making crafts that went along with the theme for the week. Most importantly we had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with one another. Thanks to the VBS staff and congregation for all your support. Kelly Chemo Cap Ministry On Thursday morning, Sept 14th at 10 AM the Ministry will begin its 13th year of helping Cancer patients cope with the stress of their illness. Anyone interested in bringing a little joy and hope to the patients at the Tate Cancer Center, will you please come and join us in preparing the head coverings that they really appreciate receiving. Also, anyone who would be interested in making baby blankets for the Linus Project for children is invited to join us. All baby yarn for the blankets and 4- ply yarn for the hats is available at our meetings at no cost. Ethel Lovelace

5 Emmanuel News September 2017 Page 5 Operation Christmas Child This November, we have an incredible opportunity and I hope you will be a part of it. Once again our congregation will be participating in an International outreach project called Operation Christmas Child. Some may have heard it referred to as the Shoebox Ministry. This important ministry is sponsored by Samaritan s Purse which is part of Billy Graham s ministry, For the past 20 years, individuals and families have filled shoeboxes with small gift items, toiletries, school supplies and anything else that would fit inside. These boxes are collected and shipped to orphanages, hospitals, refugee camps, slums and churches in mostly war-torn countries. Also inside these boxes are bible lessons that tell about the love of Jesus Christ. Many of these children have never received a gift. And for some, this may be the only opportunity they will ever have to hear the Gospel. How do I get started? Decorated boxes are available at church or you may use a shoebox (of similar size) from home. Choose to shop for a boy or girl. Choose the age of the child: 2-4 years or 5-9 years or years. Then have fun shopping for your child. Kids love variety and some suggestions are listed below. School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, scissors, etc. Toys: Matchbox cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch, Slinky, small LEGO or building kits; cards and card games, small travel games; deflated soccer ball (found at Five Below) and a ball pump (Dollar Tree or Walmart) Hygiene items: toothbrush (individually packaged), mild bar soap (place in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. Other: T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches with batteries, wind-up flashlights, spoon, cup, small tools, sewing kit, fabric squares, flip-flops, tote bag, pouch, costume jewelry, stickers, band-aids, etc. PLEASE INCLUDE A NOTE TO YOUR CHILD. THIS IS ONE OF THE THINGS KIDS LOVE TO RECEIVE. YOU ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO SEND PHOTOS OF YOURSELF/FAMILY/PETS,ETC. Kids want to put a face to the gift they have received. DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; warrelated items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; candy; toothpaste; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as glass containers or snow globes; aerosol cans; toys that contain liquid such as glitter balls from the dollar store; and bubbles. CANDY AND TOOTHPASTE ARE NO LONGER AL- LOWED IN BOXES DUE TO CUSTOMS ISSUES WITH RECEIVING COUNTRIES. Please remove all excess packaging from items when possible. Most countries aren t able to deal with trash and it also allows for more items to be packed into boxes. Pack your box and attach the recipient label to the top. Include $9 inside your shoebox to pay for shipping. Rubber band your box closed but do not tape your box shut for safety reasons. Also all your items must fit inside the shoebox and allow the box to close properly. All Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes are due back to church no later than November 12, so they can be taken to our local collection center. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Deb Adler (410) or doglady@southernpotteries.com You can find the Let s be friends letter in the back of the newsletter that can be added to the shoe box.

6 Emmanuel News September 2017 Page 6 New Security System Solar Panels In an effort to increase security for the Montessori School and the Church, an access control system will be installed on the front doors of the church early this month. There will be a keypad mounted on the exterior of the building that will operate a lock on the front doors. Montessori parents will be given keychain fobs that activate the lock, and visitors to the school will be able to communicate with the staff via an intercom system. The goal is to prevent unauthorized people from entering the building. Visitors to Emmanuel will have a separate intercom system connected to the church office which will operate during the church s business hours. People and outside groups who normally access the building through the kitchen door can continue to do so. There will be a bit of a learning curve as people get used to the new security system. Please be patient as we work through any issues that arise. Please, let me know if there are any questions. Charles Helping Hands Wishing Well Emmanuel s Women of the NALC invite you to participate in saving pennies for their Wishing Well located in the Lobby. We ask that you bring any extra pennies you may save during the week. Our goal is to collect miles of pennies which turns out to be 83,321. Pennies are counted and we keep you informed in Emmanuel News. All pennies received are used whenever a special appeal comes to our attention. As of August 20, 2017 we are traveling toward our 14th mile with 7,616 pennies. Thanks to you! The solar panels installed on the Fellowship Hall roof have generated 6000 kilowatt-hours of electricity since the beginning of the year. You ask how much power is that? We would be able to power or keep seventeen (17) 60 watt light bulbs on, 24 hours per day, since January 1st using that amount of electricity. In terms of dollars, Emmanuel has been able to save $840 thus far on its BGE bill in Energy Tip for the Month: LED bulbs use only about 20%-25% of the energy and last up to 25 times as long as traditional incandescent bulbs. They come in a variety of colors, and some are dimmable or offer convenient features such as daylight and motion sensors. My Day on the Mission Field We are in the process of identifying a new missionary to receive our support. In the meanwhile please continue supporting this important ministry. Enter names on the chart you wish to remember or honor and then place your contribution ($2 per date is suggested, but feel free to give more) in an envelope with your name and envelope number on it, indicating amount enclosed. Mark the envelope: My day on the Mission Field and place it in the offering plate. The following are remembered or participated in our program last month. Please help us to fill in the rest of the days for the year. All the donations go directly to help our missionary. Ethel Lovelace Yvonne Stevens Kitty Garcia Barbara Tipton Ginny Cooper Aaron Stevens Jack Tipton

7 Emmanuel News September 2017 Page 7 70th Reformation Susan Beckner has agreed to help lead a committee to plan for the 70th Anniversary celebration of our church. We would like to hold a luncheon after the Annual Mtg. on Nov 19th. Anyone that would be interested in participating, please contact the church office. Tedd Griepentrog has agreed to do a slide show, using old pictures, etc. Congregational Workshop The congregational workshop is on Sat, Sept. 30th, 2017, time to be determined. Plan on several hours and a luncheon during that time. Recipe of the Month Hot Milk Cinnamon Cake Warm: 1 stick butter or margarine until melted 1 cup milk Beat: 3 eggs 2 cups sugar Add and beat all together: 2 cups flour 1 T vanilla 1 T baking powder Milk/butter mixture Pour into greased and floured 9X12 pan Mix and sprinkle over batter: 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 t cinnamon Pinch of salt Bake at 350 deg. for minutes. EMMANUEL NEWS is the parish paper of Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stoney Creek, MD. It is published monthly, except August, for the purpose of informing members of worship and meeting schedules, special events and concerns of our church family. Most of this information can also be found on our website. Pastor- Rev. Ben Umberger Church Office Phone Office@emmanuellutheranmd.org Website: News Editor - Carville Downes Phone News@emmanuellutheranmd.org Lay President Cam Stickley Vice President Gregory Kline Rec d Sec y Charles E Grey Charles F Grey Corr. Sec y Ginny Cooper Treasurer Renee Roth Financial Sec y Marianne Prather Other Councilpersons: Weezer Allen, Jr. Dennise Stickley John Roth Adrienne Trout Michael Dausch William Beckner Rhonda Moore Missionary Open The deadline for the October issue of Emmanuel News is Sunday September 17. Please anything you would like to share with the congregation (pictures, recipes, community events). Thank you!

8 Emmanuel News September 2017 Page 8 Sunday Servants Schedule If you as a volunteer cannot serve when you are assigned, contact the coordinator listed below. USHERS - Mike Glorioso: LAY READER - (8:30AM) Bonnie Phelps: GREETERS - Bill Tayman: NURSERY Tina Jones: ACOLYTES, AUDIO/VISUAL, WORSHIP ASSISTANTS (11:00AM), CASH COMMITTEE Office Administrator:

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