REFLECTING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST TO ALL THE MESSENGER ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH 200 E. GRANDVIEW AVENUE ZELIENOPLE, PENNSYLVANIA 16063

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1 REFLECTING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST TO ALL THE MESSENGER ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH 200 E. GRANDVIEW AVENUE ZELIENOPLE, PENNSYLVANIA JANUARY 2017 MAY 2018 The gift of the Holy Spirit Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Acts 2:2-4 Twice Jesus showered the disciples with the Holy Spirit. First, when they were hiding behind locked doors, and the risen Jesus came among them. Jesus breathed on them and said Receive the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus breathed on them, Jesus called the disciples, saying As the Father has sent me, so I send you. The disciples followed Jesus call and they started to share the good news of Jesus resurrection. A little while later the followers of Jesus were gathered together for worship, as they did regularly. Acts 1:15 tells us that Peter stood up among the believers and together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty persons. The number had grown from 12 disciples and some others who followed Jesus to 120 followers. That tells us that the first disciples had done a nice job of inviting others to come and worship the risen Lord with them. They had heard Jesus call and responded faithfully. And while they were gathered together, the Holy Spirit came among them and filled each one of them with the Holy Spirit. Each one of them was given the gift to speak another language that they had not been able to speak before. This gift was given to them with a purpose. It was not given to them so they could tell everyone that they could now speak this new language. The gift of the Holy Spirit and the ability to communicate in another language was given to them so they could share the good news about Jesus with those who had traveled to Jerusalem for the Pentecost festival. The early church had grown quite nicely already. But now God was calling these 120 followers of Jesus to share the good news of hope and new beginnings with others who needed to hear a word of hope and who lived in other places and other countries. Now God calls us to share the hope we have found in Jesus with others who need to hear some good news and receive some hope. Now God calls us to reflect the light of Christ to all. Now God calls us to invite family members and friends to join us for worship here at English Lutheran Church, and to show hospitality to all who visit by making them feel welcome. Lord, guide us and shower each one of us with your gift of hope in the midst of the challenges of life, and where we face endings grace us with new beginnings. May you sense the stirrings of the Holy Spirit in your life, Pastor Margarethe 1

2 May Thoughts - Sr. Mildred Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed on the ground. Mark 4:26 As May begins my thoughts are turning to planting and to growing. Everywhere I see signs of new growth. The grass is green, leaves reappear on the branches and flowers are blooming. Growth surrounds us and as Disciples of Christ we are hopeful that our faith should be growing. In Mark 4 Jesus tells the parable of the sower and he writes Jesus also said This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground; the seed sprouts and grows, though he doesn t know how. Mark 4:26. It is important that our faith is active and growing. In April Pastor Margarethe, Cindy Ayres and I attended a seminar about the decline in membership in mainline congregations. This dilemma is of real concern in our churches. We have been called by Jesus to spread the good news. Jesus said before he ascended into heaven, Therefore go and make disciples baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them. Matthew The message is clear that we need to be inviting people to follow Jesus. Why are we so hesitant to talk about our faith story and how we see real evidence that Jesus is resurrected and is among us? If we believe in Jesus teachings and that he dwells within us, we need to proclaim that truth to others seeking a reason to be hopeful. During this month of May, we will celebrate Pentecost the arrival of our Comforter, Companion, Helper and friend. The early disciples were waiting for the arrival of the Holy Spirit to help them in their call to spread the word about the Son of God who came into the world to interpret God s will for the world to be saved. God always provides his disciples with a way to spread hope in a world of fear. The story about the arrival of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is found in the book of Acts. We need to read the book of Acts to understand the coming of the Holy Spirit and the formation of the early church. We read about how those frightened disciples were transformed into bold believers who had a story to tell. They left their prayer room and stepped into the public spaces knowing they had a message which the world needed to hear. They knew that they were called to glorify Jesus name by their words and their actions. The way they prepared for their mission was to pray and break bread together. They devoted themselves to the apostle s teaching and to fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 The book of Acts reminds us that the early disciples knew they were called to baptize and form communities of faith proclaiming the gospel message. Peter s speeches are grounded in repeating the story of Israel about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Then they tell about God s promise fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus. Peter heals people in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk. Acts 3:6 The challenge before us today is how do we become like the members of the early church and become a place where faith is shared and there is not a person in need. We need to be a place where love is practiced and shared. This is what an Easter and Pentecost church looks like. My hope is that we will find ways to listen for the Spirit s wind blowing into our lives. The Spirit comes to help us bring healing and hope to the world. We have been called at this time to witness and to bring hope. Listen God is calling. We have the faith planted within us and now we must find the boldness to share that faith with renewed confidence. Come Holy Spirit! May the peace of Christ dwell within you. Sister Mildred QUOTES AND PRAYERS FOR APRIL The world s favorite season is spring. All things seem possible in May. Edwin Teal O God, may your servants be set on fire with your Spirit, strengthened by your power, gifted with your wisdom and filled with your grace to bear witness to your kingdom in our world. AMEN. From Disciplines 2015 O God, send forth your Spirit to renew your creation and use us as part of the process. AMEN From Disciplines

3 USHERS TOM AND CINDY AYRES COUNTERS CINDY AYRES THOSE SERVING DURING THE MONTH OF MAY One Pastor, many ministers. We all are called to serve in many different ways. COMMUNION SET-UP/CLEAN-UP PEG SCHWEINSBERG SCRIPTURE READER/COMMUNION ASSISTANT MAY 06: MAY 13: MAY 20: BRIAN AND BETH JODON MAY 27: BETTY EISENBROWN BULLETIN DEDICATIONS MAY 06: DAVE AND BARB KAUFMAN MAY 13: JENNIFER DAVISON MAY 20: TOM AND CINDY AYRES MAY 27: PEG SCHWEINSBERG FLOWER DEDICATIONS MAY 06: THE EYLES AND KOHLER FAMILIES MAY 13: OPEN MAY 20: JEFF AND KAREN WAHL MAY 27: TOM AND MARIE GRANT MESSENGER ARTICLE DEADLINE Please submit all articles, minutes and announcements for the June 2018 Messenger no later than Wednesday, May by 12:00pm.. WEEKLY BULLETINS: All items for bulletins need to be submitted to the office by 1:00 pm on Wednesday. OFFICE HOURS: Pastor Margarethe will be in the Church Office Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. CHURCH OFFICE HOURS ARE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY: Bible Study Wednesday, May 23rd at 10:00 am in the library. English Lutheran Church Council Minutes April 18, 2018 Present: Pastor Margarethe, Sister Mildred, Vic Peffer, Wes Schmidt, Peg Schweinsberg, Yvonne Dobrzanski, Jenn Kaufman, Brian Jodon, Dave McAfee, Dave Niedfeldt, Karen Greenawalt, and Karen Wahl The meeting began with an update on Rose Schuring, prayer from Pastor, and council members sharing stories of Rose. Vic Peffer read the words to Abide With Me hymn in honor of Rose. A motion was made by Peg with Brian as the 2nd to make a correction to the March minutes of the Christian Ed report correcting the spelling of the word meal. All in favor. A motion was made by Dave N with Wes Schmidt as the 2 nd to accept the March minutes. All in favor. The purchase of a grieving program (Steven Ministry) called Journey Through Grief was discussed. Motion for purchase with the funds to come from the Christian Education budget was made by Yvonne with Wes Schmidt as the 2nd. All in favor. $100 donation to Harmony Fire District was motioned by Peg with Brian as the 2nd. All in favor. Dave N will take the funds from the same account as last year s donation. Treasurer s Report: Pastor asked for March s income which was $18, Dave M asked for the total amount collected for beehives which was $ Peg made the motion to accept the Treasurer s Report with Dave M as the 2nd. All in favor. Finance: Brian reported that the audit was done on and went well. He also discussed the Kaufman scholarship and redirecting the income to checking account. Brian made the motion with Wes as the 2nd. All in favor. Brian also made a motion for the fee to be deducted from budget not interest. Wes was the 2nd and all were in favor. 55+ Group: Funding for the group was discussed. Wes motioned for the funds to be deducted from the Fellowship budget with Peg as 2nd. All in favor. Worship and Music: The committee s next meeting is during the week of Vic reported that there was some work done on the organ after Easter. Susan said it s fine for now, but more work will be needed in the future. Pastor, Sister, Brian, Peg, Vic, and Jenn attended the Collaboration meeting held on at Passavant. The 7 churches in the area were present and discussion on collaboration between one or more churches was held. This could 3

4 be many different things such as sharing a pastor or holding combined events like VBS. Council will discuss further in coming meetings. Property: We will continue to use Barnhard for lawn services. There were repairs to the fascia on the education building, shingles on the parsonage, and flat roof totaling $ Doors/locks continue to have issues. Also, the red doors on Grandview need secured. Calls to the locksmith are not being returned. Dave M. will try calling again and will move on to other locksmiths if needed. The door exiting the library was found open. A slide bar will be added for more security. SMOC: The beneficiary for the May 11 th Circle of Friends concert will be the Schuring family. The youth trip expenses were finalized. The cost for all 8 members traveling is $ Funds raised for the youth trip thus far total $6933. There are a few more fundraisers being planned and each person traveling will be asked to contribute $200 each. Rose s Well donations were discussed. The donations will be entered on a separate line as a Good Samaritan Fund and will be dispersed twice a month when payroll checks are written. This was motioned by Karen Wahl with Brian as 2nd. All in favor. Fellowship: Nothing currently planned. Pastor asked Karen Greenawalt if it would be possible to put together a coffee social following the April 29 th service and visit of Pastor Peter. Karen said the request was manageable. Christian Ed: The youth are preparing for Youth Sunday on Curriculum is being discussed for next year s Sunday School program. We are discussing the desire to have adult clearances for those working with children and youth for everyone s safety. A World Hunger meal is being prepared for the May 6 th Sunday School class. Confirmation Camp will be at Camp Lutherlyn July 7-13, VBS is July 23-26, 2018 at Zion Lutheran. A motion was made by Brian to accept all committee reports with Dave M as the 2 nd. All in favor. Pastor s report: Pastor, Sister, and Cindy Ayers went to Invitational Church s Synod workshop. There will be a prayer vigil on at 7:15 in Bassler Hall. The first 55+ gathering will take place on Wednesday, May 9 th at 12:30 pm in Bassler Hall. The Youth Gathering trip budget is $ Pastor will take a vacation day on with Pastor Suzie filling in. Sister s report: Nothing to report Karen Wahl motioned for acceptance of pastoral reports with Yvonne as 2 nd. All in favor. Welca will be having a rummage sale in June and is willing to split the funds with the youth s Houston trip. Brian, Karen W, and Jenn committed the youth to helping at the rummage sale, but requested the profits go toward the Schuring family. Motion to adjourn by Dave N with Karen Wahl as 2 nd. All in favor. Next Council Meeting: May 9, 2018 Respectfully submitted, Jenn Kaufman Council Vice President I am grateful for for all who are sharing prayers for and meals with the Schuring family Pastor Nathaniel Christman and his son Zachary for sharing the presentation on bees all who helped read the Passion story on Palm Sunday the beautiful Palm arrangements by the Mussig family all who helped with the readings on Good Friday Susan Dinger and the choir for the beautiful music during Holy week and Easter Elisa Walker playing her trumpet to make Easter Sunday special all who played chimes on Easter Sunday all who contributed flowers to decorate the sanctuary on Easter Sunday Beth and Tim Allmann for putting the outside cross up Pastor Peter Asplin s visiting English Lutheran Church Cindy Ayres and Jen Davison for preparing the food for the Women s retreat all who attended the Women s retreat and made it a successful event all our Sunday School teachers the young people who led worship on Youth Sunday all who helped them prepare for the skit Sandy Reidmiller who wrote the script and for donating the beautiful puppets Maddox for drumming on Youth Sunday all who donate flowers to decorate the sanctuary for Sunday worship 4

5 all who support English Lutheran Church with their time, talents and financial offerings all those who are eager to grow spiritually all those whom I have forgotten to mention who make English Lutheran Church a loving and caring faith community all the members of the church for sharing God s love and reflecting Christ s light with one another, with our community, and our world Kathy Maxwell and all who have helped prepare the dinner for Rose Schuring s funeral and helped with the set up and clean up May 2018 Thank you Thank you Thank you Vision for English Lutheran Church A Christ-centered community. A culture of spiritual growth. A culture of gratefulness to God and one another. A culture of invitation and welcome. 55 PLUS: All folks 55 years or older are invited to join us for a potluck luncheon on May 9 th and to hear a presentation by Pastor Ralph Kusserow speaking about his experiences as a missionary in Malaysia and Tanzania. Please sign up on the bulletin board for the luncheon. We will eat at 12:30 in Bassler Hall and the presentation will follow at 1:30 to 2:30pm Volunteer(s) needed for Communion setup/clean up for the coming months. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Volunteer period is per month but if you can t do the entire month, please let Peg know. Thank you. Confirmation: We will celebrate Viktor Jodon s confirmation on Pentecost, May 20 th, during our worship service. Think Spring! It s time to start thinking of Spring and soon it will be Mother s Day. The Sunday after Mother s Day will be May 20 th and the 7 th annual All Daughter Tea. The time is 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm There will be good food, all kinds of tea and entertainment. Tickets are available now. They are $7 for adults, $3 for girls under 12. If you need a ticket or are willing to set a table or provide food, see Jennifer Davison or call her at Need for a 2-bedroom handicap apartment: Pastor Dorothy Worth is currently in the hospital and will be looking for an apartment in the Zelienople area. Please let Pastor Margarethe know if you are aware of a place. You are invited to CAMPBLAST at Lutherlyn on Saturday, May 12 th, 2018 from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm! Everything is free! Join us for a day of fun that highlights all that Lutherlyn has to offer. Horseback riding, campfire, crafts, gaga ball, archery, high ropes course, zipline, bouldering room, hikes, nature activities, canoeing, hay rides, games, sports, archaeology, rockets, kayaking, biking, tours, great food and More! Go to to register. $100 off for FIRST-TIME campers using code: ELCA18. This code applies to the registration fee for Summer 2018 (June, July & August) and applies to Lutherlyn s residential week-long programs. Half week programs (Young Folks & Sampler) get $50 off for FIRST-TIME campers using code: CARD18. This does not apply to Family Camp, Confirmation Camp, Day Camps or Small Fry Days. You must be a FIRST-TIME summer camper. No additional discounts may be combined with this offer. Appalachia mission trip will happen from June 10 th through June 15 th. Confirmation camp at Camp Lutherlyn will be held on Sunday, July 8 th through Friday, July 13 th this year. Stay-at-Home mission in Millvale will be held June 17 th through the 22 nd. It is for Junior and Senior High youth who have completed 6 th grade through 12 th grade. Youth Gathering: Eight members of English Lutheran Church will be attending the Youth Gathering in Houston in June. Please pray for the group during this time of preparation. 5

6 Rescheduling the Painting Party! Please note the painting party is going to be rescheduled for another date, to be announced. Stay tuned! WELCA Rummage Sale: WELCA is hosting a benefit rummage sale on June 8 th and 9 th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday. Please begin to bring your gently used items and place them on the stage area in Lower Bassler Hall. Every piece of your trash is someone else s treasure. Most things are acceptable. NO CLOTHING PLEASE. NO TVS PLEASE. Please call Cindy Ayres with Vacation Bible School: Please let Pastor Margarethe know if you are interested in helping to prepare for this summer s Vacation Bible School event which will be held Monday, July 23 rd through Thursday, July 26 th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. FOOD CUPBOARD NEEDS Canned fruit, instant oatmeal, pasta, pasta sauce, taco kits, rice/pasta sides, beans, stuffing, Chef Boyardee, peanut butter, jelly, egg noodles, spices and seasonings, salsa, Mac & Cheese, pancake mix, syrup and toiletries. Please remember that we collect items on the 2 nd Sunday of every month. THE ZELIENOPLE-EVANS CITY MEALS ON WHEELS is always looking for volunteers for their program. Whether it be helping in the kitchen for two hours once a month or driver/delivering for two hours once a month. They can accommodate your schedule. Meals on Wheels operates Monday-Friday 8:30 am-12:30 pm. Packers schedule is 8:30 am- 10:30 am and drivers schedule is 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Any questions: call Barb Kaufman at or the kitchen at Attention Married Couples: Plants and grass need tending to grow healthy and strong, and so does your marriage! Registrations are also being accepted for the fall Weekends: September 14-16, 2018 at Spruce Lake Retreat in Canadensis, PA; October 19-21, 2018 at Olmsted Retreat Center in Ludlow, PA; and November 9-11, 2018 at Hampton Inn Berkshires in Lenox, Massachusetts. Two nights lodging, 5 meals for each of you, and all supplies are included with your $100 per couple registration fee, plus toward the end of the weekend you will be given an opportunity to make a confidential contribution of whatever amount you wish to help cover expenses and ensure the continuation of the program. To be sure to get the Weekend of your choice, sign up TODAY. Simply go to: choose the Weekend desired, and pay the $100 registration fee with your credit card, or mark the option to mail a check. For questions, please contact Northeast US Contacts for Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber, at or fjschamber@comcast.net ************************************************************************* Ready Yourselves Youth Ranch 2018 is a designated outreach that the SWPA Women's group is doing this year. The camp is located in New Brighton, PA. The program is free for all children 8-18 years of age. All eligible kids come once a week for 90 minutes sessions in which they do a chore (because we believe it is good to serve) and learn to ride horses. In that session time, our mentors incorporate the love and hope of Christ. On the bulletin board is a flyer which lists donation suggestions You can make checks payable to: SWPA Women of the ELCA and designate to RYYR. Please mail the check to: Susan Brown 341 Godfrey Road Leechburg, PA You can check out Ready Yourselves Youth Ranch on the web at The Circle of Friends concert will take place on Friday, May 11 th at 7:30 pm at St. Peter s Reformed Church. Donations are being collected to support the Schuring family. 6

7 Easter Sunday celebration. April 1,

8 THANKS BE TO YOU, LORD JESUS CHRIST, MOST MERCIFUL REDEEMER, FOR THE COUNTLESS BLESSINGS AND BENEFITS YOU GIVE. MAY WE KNOW YOU MORE CLEARLY, LOVE YOU MORE DEARLY, AND FOLLOW YOU MORE NEARLY, DAY BY DAY PRAISING YOU, WITH THE FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, NOW AND FOREVER. English Lutheran Prayer Request Audrey Badger Don Burgess Von Davis The Family of Rose Schuring The Family of Clara Burr The Family of Charles Reader The Family of Dave Dembowski The Family of Dean Harvey The Family of Don Minich The Family of Dominic Mangano (Ward family) The Family of Bob Cole Christina Dindinger David English Kimberly and Mark Holbien (friends of Marlene Mussig) Jack Kochy (friend of Carole Mussig) Jim Maxwell Danny Barto (Carole Mussig s nephew fighting cancer) Debbie Campbell (Dave McAfee s niece fighting cancer) Craig Kohler (car accident) Joanne Dobzranski (fall) Sally Trump (Marie Grant s sister fighting cancer) Pastor Dorothy Worth Please pray for United Lutheran Seminary during a difficult time IN THE MILITARY Ken Brennan Jr. Brandon Wahl If you have asked to have someone on the extended Prayer List and would like them to remain on the list, please call the office. Otherwise we will remove them from the extended Prayer List rejoicing with them in their good health. A good day was had by all at the Women s Retreat on Saturday, April 21 st. Our retreat leader, the Rev. Liddy Barlow, the Director of Christian Associates in Pittsburgh, helped us explore ways in which God uses human writers to tell God s story. We shared some fun and creative activities and even wrote a song. 8

9 May 2018 ~Church Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 am 1:00 pm. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 6:00 pm Boy Scouts 6:30 pm Choir 3 7:00 pm Cub Scouts (Tiger Den) :15 am Sunday School 5:00 pm Confirmation (SP) 7 3:45 pm Social Ministry :30 to 2:30 pm 55 Plus Luncheon 6:30 pm - Choir 6:30 pm Girl Scouts 7:30 pm - Council 10 9:45 am - Quilters 6:00 pm Cub Scouts 11 7:30 pm Circle of Friends St. Peter s Reformed :15 am Sunday School 14 6:00 pm Quilters 6:30 pm Christian Ed 15 9:00 am - Quilters 6:00 pm Boy Scouts 16 6:30 pm Choir 17 7:00 pm WELCA Tomorrow! 20 9:00 am - Pentecost and Confirmation 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm All Daughter Tea :00 pm Youth Gathering group 6:00 pm - Quilters 28 Office CLOSED in Sanctuary 7:00 pm Pre- Assembly Caucus 23 6:30 pm Choir 7:30 pm Prayer Vigil MESSENGER DEADLINE 30 6:30 pm Choir 24 9:45 am - Quilters

10 June 2018 ~Church Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 am 1:00 pm. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Blessing of Graduates Scholarship Presentation 4 6:00 pm Youth Gathering Group 5 7:00 pm Youth Gathering Parents Meeting 6 6:00 pm Boy Scouts 7 6:00 pm Cub Scouts 8 RUMMAGE SALE! 9 RUMMAGE SALE! Tomorrow! 10 10:20 am Youth Gathering Group 11 6:00 pm - Quilters 12 9:00 am - Quilters 6:00 pm Boy Scouts 13 6:30 pm Girl Scouts 7:30 pm - Council 14 9:45 am Quilters Synod College 15 Synod College 16 Synod College 10:00 am to 2:00 pm - Quilters :00 pm WELCA :00 pm - Quilters 26 in Sanctuary 27 Youth Gathering in Houston 28 9:45 am Quilters Youth Gathering in Houston 29 Youth Gathering in Houston 30 Youth Gathering in Houston MESSENGER DEADLINE 10

11 The Messenger For Family and Friends of English Lutheran Church 200 E Grandview Avenue Zelienople, PA, Return Service Requested 11