Volume 22, Issue 6 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church June 2017

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1 The Parishioner Volume 22, Issue 6 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church June 2017 What Will the Future Hold? It s the same question being asked everywhere; what is the future of our church? As we ask that question in our own congregation, it is being asked throughout most of the congregations of our Mission District. How do we attract more young people and parents with children and interest them in church? Attendance and church giving is not what it once was. Most of our congregations in southwestern Pennsylvania are comprised of an older active membership. The question is raised over and over again, What will our congregation be like years from now once the older generations is no longer with us? We live, as you know, in an area of the country that has less children and young adults than the generation before us. (In the City of Butler it was announced last week that the number of children and youth has decreased by 18% in the city school system since the year 2,000.) We live in a time when religion is not valued in the culture to the extent to which it was even ten years ago. So with schools consolidating, and deficit school and city budgets, and people thinking that the Church is not particularly important in their lives what does the future look like for the church, including our own congregation? Our St. Mark s Leadership Team will be giving thoughtful consideration to matters like these in the coming months as we look to God s future for our own congregation. There are no easy answers but this I can assure you as we deal honestly with concerns before us God has a good future for His Church. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God is at work as much now as when the Church grew from a small number of people in Jerusalem and spread throughout the world. People were attracted because of the significant relationships Christians developed with their neighbors through acts of care and service to the greater community that didn t know Jesus. One must always be honest when we say we want to attract more youth, children and young people. What is the motive? Is it institutional survival or a genuine desire to reach people in mission and out of love for Christ? I think there is too much of the former and not enough of the later that has been a major factor in the decline of mainline Christianity in recent years. Two other perspectives I think are helpful in dealing with the major question before the Church is our concern regarding how to reach younger generations with the gift of the Gospel. Pastor Don Brandt wrote an article entitled; Addressing Generational Challenges, in our NALC National Church Newsletter this past December, quoted a 2016 study from Fuller Seminary Youth Institute. The article was also published in the Christianity Today magazine because of its importance to most mainline denominations. Young adults and youth from 250 congregations were involved. I ll share the full article with you in next month s newsletter. In brief Brandt says: I found the results of this study a powerful argument for the importance of relationally-focused ministry ministry that deliberately prioritizes mentoring friendships between older adults and young adults and/or teens. The Parishioner 1

2 A second perspective comes from Pastor Gemechis Buba, Assistant to the Bishop for Missions in the NALC. He says that a long time problem in the Lutheran Church developed from a structural model for being the church which worked well in the 1940 s 1960 s but which no longer works for effectively reaching people today especially younger generations. In the typical Lutheran Synod he says we would send our benevolence to the synod and the national church and they would be responsible for mission. Most congregations made themselves responsible primary for worship and nurturing ministries for those already within the church. This, he says, killed Lutherans learning how to share the Gospel and being responsible for witnessing and proclaiming the faith. Now we see the outcome: Each of the mainline denominations (whether more conservation or liberal in theology) that employed that vision and strategy has dwindled. And they continue to dwindle. There is clearly something wrong with that mission strategy. He then goes on to say, That is why in the NALC, we are embracing a different strategy for mission. That is why we are Congregationally-Focused. Congregations must learn to be missional to justify Christ s purpose for their existence. Rather than the national church being responsible for mission and planting new congregations, our structure puts this responsibility back in the hands of the local congregations. That being said, it takes time to change a congregation s mind-set and culture. The old way of thinking that we became use to was that it s the members responsibility to come to church and give their financial support and the pastor and somebody else s responsibility to witness the faith and be about Christ s mission. Your ideas and thoughts are valued as we continue the conversation at St. Mark s. Our Leadership Team will be offering a variety of ways for you to respond. There will be idea/suggestion boxes placed in church for your written thoughts; the Leadership Team will be having temple talks; several congregation forums will give further opportunity for us to be guided by the Holy Spirit. How do we reach younger generations for the right reasons with the message of the Gospel? In Christ, Pastor Al Towberman 2017 Confirmation Class Pentecost Sunday June 4, 2017 This year s Confirmands were examined by the Church Council on Tuesday evening, May 9 th. Then at the 10:15 worship service on Pentecost Sunday, June 4 th, this year s Confirmation Class will affirm their Baptismal Vows and make their commitments to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This special rite of the Church begins an even fuller and more active Christian life for those confirmed. Bibles and corsages will be presented by the congregation and a reception will be held in our confirmands honor following the service. Congratulations and God s Blessing to this year s Confirmands: Ryan Beunier Raegen Neff Sydney Reott Trey Sarver Support our Confirmands with your presence on Confirmation Sunday and with your encouragement as they continue to grow in their ministry and faith at St. Mark s. The Parishioner 2 The Birthday of the Church Wear Red for Pentecost ~

3 St. Mark s Staff and Council Officers Sr. Pastor ~ Pastor Towberman awt@stmarksbutler.org Parish Administrator ~ Mary Ellen Tack maryellen.tack@stmarksbutler.org Administrative Assistant ~ Vicki Schiffer vicki.schiffer@stmarksbutler.org Director Children/Youth Ministry ~ Darcie Pomykata youth@stmarksbutler.org Sextons ~ John Lingenfelter / Larry Rettig Aaron Ministers ~ Carol Fleeger / Robert Niggel Director of Music ~ Ralph Christy Jr. Assistant Organist ~ Rebecca Veith Bell Choir Director ~ Rebecca Veith Children s Hour Director ~ Darcie Pomykata Katie s Kitchen Director ~ Loretta Bachman Council President ~ David Rodgers Council Vice President ~ Ron Morrison Council Secretary ~ April Quinn Treasurer ~ Sherry Young Financial Secretary ~ Toni Tassey Father s Day Join us as we pray for and give thanks for our Dads. A gift will be given to all Fathers in attendance. Saturday, June 17 6:00 pm Sunday, June 18 8:00 and 10:15 am A Father s Day Message Fathers have an important role in our families today. Good men are harder and harder to find. It takes much wisdom and courage is needed to be faithful fathers in our difficult times. We need to be enabled to bring up children and youth in the nurture and admonition of the Lord as God s Word directs us. As family heads, fathers need to lead by example, especially in matters of the Christian faith. As we honor them with cards and gifts, we need to love, honor and appreciate them far beyond this day and recognize them as God s gifts to us to care for our families, to protect and care for the Christian home, and the Church. Pastor Al Towberman THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone that supported the hosting of Bible Bowl and the Bible Bowl Team. It was a wonderful blessing to fill Schramm Hall with enthusiastic students and adults. Your donations of cookies along with prayers and voices of support helped to make this event an exciting success. The Parishioner 3

4 St. Mark s Lutheran Church 2017 VBS June :30-8:30 pm WHEN: Sunday, June 25 th through Wednesday, June 28 th (VBS ends on Thursday with a family picnic at the Masonic Shelter in Alameda Park) TIME: Light Dinner for all at 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall Parents may drop your children off from 6:00 8:30 pm for an evening of fun! SIGN-UP now! Call the Church office at or registration form available at The Parishioner 4

5 Youth In-Tents Camp 2017 Where: St. Thomas Church Grove, Hooversville, PA When: July 24-27, 2017 Theme: Living Water ~ Living Bread Suggested Donation: $50 (includes meals and activities) Dedication of In-Tents Camp will be July 24, In-Tents Camp offers sound doctrine for our youth along with plenty of summer fun, service opportunities, white water rafting in Ohio Pyle and fellowship. *Call or Text Darcie to register: (724) The Parishioner 5

6 Christian Education News Perfect Attendance Program Congratulations to the following students for having perfect attendance in the month of April: Preschool Dulcinea Clark CJ Quinn 1 st 3 rd Grade Nicole Michel 4 th 6 th Grade High School Katelyn Reott Ryan Beunier Buck Holt Reuben Holt IV JacobPomykata Madison Pomykata Sydney Reott Summer Sunday School The world is filled with chaos all around us; turn any Sunday morning news show on and the voices of discontent and dissention fill the air. Along with balancing work and family struggles, we have to navigate social and political pressures. *Take a break from the noise!* Join your fellow peace-seeking Christians at 9:00 am on Sunday mornings in a Sunday School class. Start your week off with soul-strengthening voices so that you can be a difference for God in a world of disorder and confusion. Adult Sunday School Classes Family Bible Class Teacher-Heather Michel Good News Bible Class Teacher-Don Cavalero Disciples of Christ Teacher-Vonnie Neigh The Seekers Class Teacher-Chris & Spring Deal Summer Movie Study Series, June 11 In Honor of the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation A Man Named Martin by Lutheran Hour Ministries The Life of Martin Luther is one of resolute conviction and steadfast faith. His contributions to the reform of the medieval Church are unparalleled. He courageously stood against unbiblical teaching and sounded the clarion call of salvation by grace through faith. With iron-willed resolve he refused to back down in the face of public abuse and threats on his life. This documentary examines the life and teaching of this great reformer. The program gives important historical background and explains the key doctrines expounded by Luther. With tenacity and bravery, Martin Luther inspired a Reformation that reverberates throughout the centuries. Hope to see you in Sunday School! Wendy Holt, Christian-Ed Team The Parishioner 6

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8 Ministry Highlights: Property Committee Dear fellow parishioners let me say that it is with great gratitude and honor that our committee members serve the Lord thru the Property Committee here at St. Mark s. We are in the process of preparing the outside grounds for the spring and summer months. Some fresh painting will be taking place in some areas of the buildings in the next few months. Lighting will continue to be updated in order to make areas brighter and more energy efficient. The entranceway off of Jefferson Street is in the process of seeing what can be done to make much needed repairs to this entrance way. If anyone is interested in serving on the Property Committee, please contact Reuben Pink at Thank you and God Bless. NEEDED! Prayerfully consider serving the Lord as a Communion Assistant. Servers are needed for all services, but especially at the Sunday, 10:15 am worship service. Training will be provided. If you are interested in becoming part of this ministry, contact Karen or kcooper1400@gamil.com On June 9 th, Reuben Holt IV will graduate High School. I would like to take this moment to thank our St. Mark s family for your support through these important years of growth. I know that your examples of leadership, friendship and strong Christian faith have had a long lasting effect on the person he is and will become. Joyful tears of Thanks to you all, Wendy Holt Musical Notes The Music Department is looking for vocalists and/or instrumentalists to provide special music through the summer months. Please contact: Music Director Mr. Ralph Christy Jr. ( ). American Red Cross Blood Drive Noon 5:30 pm Tuesday, June 27 th at The Moose Lodge, Jefferson Street The Parishioner 8

9 Thank you To the Members and Staff of St. Mark s ~ Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts in this time of sorrow! It was greatly appreciated! Our son Richard Perry is now in Heaven and peaceful. God Bless and love, Ilean and Paul Herritt St. Mark s Sunday School Classes ~ Thank you so much for rallying to our call for socks. We have so many homeless people coming to the Grapevine Center, who are in such need ~ some of them just too sick to take care of themselves. These socks will be very much needed and appreciated. It is gratifying to know that the parishioners of St. Mark s have a heart for these people and are so willing to answer our call to help them. Thank you all once again. Sincerely, Bette Peoples, Executive Director Thank you so very much for the beautiful quilt you brought to me in the hospital and for all the thoughts and prayers that all of you sent in helping my recovery. I am so very thankful to all of you. I am sorry I was not in my room when you presented it to me, but I was down having testing done. I include a donation to help with making more quilts for more people who are in need of a religious pick up. Thank you for all of your dedication and hard work. Linda Yount Congregation of St. Mark s ~ Thank you for the rose sent for James passing. It was very much appreciated. Thanks to Rev. Towberman for the services and commitment. In Love & Prayers, Norma Snyder, Pam and Tom Meals on Wheels St. Mark s provides desserts for Meals on Wheels in June. Approximately 140 people receive meals each day. We are accepting cakes, cookies, brownies, quick breads, etc. (no nuts or icing). Baked items should be placed in the Fellowship Hall Kitchen before 9:00 AM, Monday, June 5 th. The Parishioner 9

10 The most enduring symbol of the Lutheran Reformation is the seal that Luther himself designed to represent his theology. By the early 1520s, this seal begins to appear on the title page of Luther s works. Here is how Luther himself explained its meaning: First, there is a black cross in a heart that remains its natural color. This is to remind me that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. Anyone who believes from the heart will be justified (Romans 10:10). It is a black cross, which mortifies and causes pain, but it leaves the heart its natural color. It doesn t destroy nature, that is to say, it does not kill us but keeps us alive, for the just shall live by faith in the Crucified One (Romans 1:17). The heart should stand in the middle of a white rose. This is to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace it puts the believer into a white, joyous rose. Faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). This is why the rose must be white, not red. White is the color of the spirits and angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). This rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that a joyful spirit and faith is a beginning of heavenly, future joy, which begins now, but is grasped in hope, not yet fully revealed. Around the field of blue is a golden ring to symbolize that blessedness in heaven lasts forever and has no end. Heavenly blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and better than any possessions, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal. *From: Letter from Martin Luther to Lazarus Spengler, July 8, 1530 [WA Br 5:445]; tr. P. T. McCain* Following are various versions of the seal as it has appeared over time since the Reformation. The first version was used in Luther s writings in the 1520s for the first time, and was in black and white, with Luther s initials. A colorized rendition of the seal began appearing as printers began to include color images in Luther s works. Each one was laboriously painted by hand. ~~~ The Parishioner 10

11 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :00 Katie s Kitchen 6:00 Finance Committee 6:00 Worship / HC 4 Pentecost Meals on Wheels items due 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 10:15 Confirmation / Reception 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church 11 Holy Trinity 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 New Members Class 10:15 Children s Church 5 9:00 3T *Cornerstone articles due 12 *Cornerstone articles due 6 9:30 Ruth Circle 1:00 Evangelism 13 7:00 Church Council 7 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 14 1:00 Prayer Shawl 8 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 15 *Parishioner articles due 5:00 Katie s Kitchen :00 Worship / HC 17 6:00 Worship / HC :00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church *Cornerstone articles due 5:30 Leadership Team 5:30 Worship / Music 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 6:00 Worship / HC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Children s Church *Cornerstone articles due NOON Blood Butler Moose Lodge VBS Alameda 5:00 Katie s Kitchen The Parishioner 11

12 June 4, 2017 ~ Pentecost / Confirmation / Recognition of Sunday School Teachers June 5, 2017 ~ Meals on Wheels items due June 18, 2017 ~ Father s Day June 21, 2017 ~ First day of Summer June 25-28, 2017 ~ VBS 5:30 8:30 pm June 29, 2017 ~ VBS Picnic@ Alameda Park A Congregation of the North American Lutheran Church St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran Church 201 West Jefferson Street Butler, Pennsylvania Phone: Fax: Website: NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 92 BUTLER, PA Parish Hours: 8:00 AM -- 5: 00 PM Monday - Friday CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED WORSHIP SERVICES Saturday: 6:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 & 10:15 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM The Parishioner 12