Holy Trinity Lutheran Church October 2014 Growing in Faith, Making a Difference, Open to All

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1 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church October 2014 Growing in Faith, Making a Difference, Open to All The earth is the LORD s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it (Psalm 24:1) Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17) Dear brothers and sisters in faith, One of my favorite book series is J.R.R. Tolkien s Lord of the Rings. If you ve read the books (or seen the movies) you probably remember the kingdom of Gondor. For centuries Gondor had lived without a king, and while they waited for the king to return, the land was ruled by a steward. The steward had all the power and command of the king, but without the king s title and honor. His job was to use the power and responsibility entrusted to him in order to look after the kingdom until the king returned. He was to constantly remember that his power was not his own it came from the king, and the steward was to use that power in the same way the king would: for the well-being of the entire kingdom. Even the steward s throne, which was smaller and placed below the king s throne, was supposed to remind him that he was a steward ruling on the king s behalf. When the king finally returned at the end of the story, Faramir the last steward of Gondor knelt at his feet and surrendered his office, overjoyed that the king had come again at last. The identity of steward is at the core of our understanding of stewardship. Psalm 24 declares that all things in this world belong to God, who is Lord and King over all. Those things which we have are not our own, but instead are entrusted to us by God. This includes our time, our skills and talents, our jobs, our possessions, our relationships, and even our financial resources. In the book of James we read that all of these things, indeed every good gift we have in life is from God. This means that we are also stewards of the kingdom God s kingdom! God has given these gifts to us so that we can use them to look after and grow God s kingdom here on earth. Our time, talents, and possessions are not our own, but we have been entrusted with them by our Lord and we are tasked to use them for the good and well-being of all. We have been called to remember that we are not the king, but are instead stewards, using what we ve been given to work on the king s behalf. How does this change the way we view our time, our talents, and our resources? How does this impact the way we think about and use those gifts in our own lives? Over the next few days, take some time to consider all that our good and gracious God has entrusted to you. We have a lot to be thankful for. And then consider how you are called to be a good steward of such abundant gifts. It s a question we ll be considering together in worship this month, and it s one that shapes the way we understand and use the gifts in each of our own lives as we eagerly await the return of the King. your co-worker in Christ,

Growing in Faith Congregational Council Meeting Minutes Blurb September September 10, 2014 The Congregational Council met at 6:30 on Wednesday, September 10, 2014.

In his report, Vicar Josh reviewed some highlights from his first two months at Holy Trinity, including having done more than 30 visits and completing a successful August Wednesday Night VBS.

Like Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Facebook to see updates about all of our upcoming events.

The Council discussed forming a committee to develop a Youth & Volunteer Protection Policy.

2 Growing in Faith Congregational Council Meeting Minutes Blurb September September 10, 2014 The Congregational Council met at 6:30 on Wednesday, September 10, A brief summary of the points discussed: Tonight we welcomed Vicar Joshua Ferris to his first Council Meeting at Holy Trinity. In his report, Vicar Josh reviewed some highlights from his first two months at Holy Trinity, including having done more than 30 visits and completing a successful August Wednesday Night VBS. Michelle Haslam, the Council President, reported that our Giving Garden has yielded more than 200 pounds of produce which has been donated to the Narberth Community Food Bank! Like Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Facebook to see updates about all of our upcoming events. Lots has been going on with the Property Committee, including several needed repairs and updates to the Annex. The Council discussed forming a committee to develop a Youth & Volunteer Protection Policy. Look for our new logo, which is currently in development, and will strive to incorporate Holy Trinity s mission: Growing in Faith, Making a Difference, Open to All. If you would like a copy of the complete minutes from the most recent council meeting, please kristine_delmonte@hotmail.com. Next Church Council Meeting Our next Church Council meeting will be held Wednesday, October 1 st at 6:30 pm at the church. Adult Bible study "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me." These powerful words were written by Paul in his letter to the Galatians. Starting this fall our congregation will gather to study the book of Galatians, which is an incredible source of hope and guidance for the Christian life and a clear declaration of Christ's love and grace for all. If you'd like to join us, please contact the church office to let us know what day of the week and time would work best for you. All ages are welcome to join us as we learn about God, the Bible, and each other! Sunday School Holy Trinity's Sunday School continues to meet each week in October. All children in preschool through grade 6 are invited and welcome to join us during church for a fun and meaningful time together. We'll dismiss with our teachers following the Children's Chat, and return together at the end of the service. Confirmation Our confirmation class will continue to meet on Sunday evenings during October. On October 5 we'll discuss the 4th and 5th commandments. We'll take October 12 off for Youth Group, and then work through the 6th-9th commandments on October 19 and 26. Please pray for our confirmation students and teachers during this intentional time of formation and learning! Youth Ministry Holy Trinity's Youth Group invites everyone (including friends!) in grades 6-12 to join us as we grow together, have fun, and look good. In the upcoming month we'll be gathering on Sunday, October 12th after church to cook food and share a meal with some of our homebound members. We're also going to go have some fun in a Corn Maze on Saturday, October 25th! Check your inbox for updates, information, and RSVP requests as we get closer.

Choir We are so thankful to have the choir back with us in worship each week!

No matter your experience and skill, you are invited to join the choir as you're able.

How about a leafy sea dragon? The kids who came to VBS each Wednesday night in August do!

We even got to meet some weird animals in person, thanks to Dave Steiger s insect zoo and some pets brought in by a neighborhood camper.

3 Choir We are so thankful to have the choir back with us in worship each week! The choir is open to people of all ages, and is a great chance to connect with people in our congregation and lift up your voice in worship. No matter your experience and skill, you are invited to join the choir as you're able. If you're interested or would like more information, please contact Martha deheyman ( or wdmd@sdlifestyle.com). Another Successful Vacation Bible School! Do you know what an axolotl is? How about a leafy sea dragon? The kids who came to VBS each Wednesday night in August do! Our theme this year was Weird Animals, who taught us that even when you re scared, feel left out, are different, or do something wrong, Jesus loves you. We even got to meet some weird animals in person, thanks to Dave Steiger s insect zoo and some pets brought in by a neighborhood camper. We hosted campers each week (about half members and half from the local community), and provided dinner, games, Bible stories, and cool science activities for all. In keeping with our animal theme, we also raised money for God s Global Barnyard. This is an ELCA organization that purchases farm animals for families and communities in need. Together we raised $150.00! Of course, as they say it takes a village, or in this case a congregation, to make it work. Thanks to all our fantastic volunteers - the kitchen crew led by Kim Crews-Englehard, our resident scientist Kristine DelMonte, the Youth Group members who handled games and helped out wherever needed, and all the others who allowed the program to run smoothly each night - and, of course, our energetic and enthusiastic Vicar. All the kids had a great time while learning an important message - God loves you and is with you always. Women's Book Holy Trinity Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 PM In the Community Life Center Discussing: Take This Bread, A Radical Conversion by Sara Miles Mine is a personal story of an unexpected and terribly inconvenient Christian conversion, told by a very unlikely convert. Sara Miles Early one morning, for no earthly reason, Sara Miles, raised an atheist, wandered into a church, received communion, and found herself transformed embracing a faith she d once scorned. A lesbian leftwing journalist who d covered revolutions around the world, Miles didn t discover a religion that was about angels or good behavior or piety; her faith centered on real hunger, real food, and real bodies. Before long, she turned the bread she ate at communion into tons of groceries, piled on the church s altar to be given away. Within a few years, she and the people she served had started nearly a dozen food pantries in the poorest parts of their city. Take This Bread is rich with real-life Dickensian characters church ladies, bishops, millionaires, schizophrenics, and thieves all blown into Miles s life by the relentless force of her newfound calling. Here, in this achingly beautiful, passionate book, is the living communion of Christ. Engaging, funny, and highly entertaining... Miles comments, often with great insight, on the ugliness that many people associate with a particular brand of Christianity. Why would any thinking person become a Christian? is one of the questions she addresses, and her answer is also compelling reading. Booklist Please sign up on the bulletin board in the CLC and let Kristine DelMonte know if you d like her to buy you a book for $ Bring a friend!

Making a Difference Social Ministry The Social Ministry Team would like to thank all of you for your donations during the summer months for the Narberth Food Bank.

The Welcome Church is a church without walls, a specialized ministry for people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.

We request that the item you will donate be new, in recognition of the new beginning of the recipient.

4 Making a Difference Social Ministry The Social Ministry Team would like to thank all of you for your donations during the summer months for the Narberth Food Bank. The personal products as well as the canned goods were greatly appreciated. Our Mission of the Month (MOM) for the month of October will be to support the Welcome Church in Philadelphia. The Welcome Church is a church without walls, a specialized ministry for people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. On October 26 th in the CLC we will have a SHOWER of bedroom, bathroom and kitchen basics for Welcome Kits which we will give as a gift to a person moving from homelessness in to an apartment. We request that the item you will donate be new, in recognition of the new beginning of the recipient. The list will be posted on the Social Ministry Board in the CLC and you will have a chance to choose the gift you would like to donate. November MOM. We will collect Turkeys for Grace Lutheran Church and the Cranfest. Last year this Mission was well received, start thinking cranberry. There will be more conversation regarding this project next month. Thank you for all your support. We are the Helping Hands of Jesus. Susan Snow Giving Garden Update The Giving Garden has truly lived up to its name. As of this writing, it has produced nearly 300 pounds of vegetables all of which were donated to the Narberth Community Food Bank. It has been a collaborative effort involving over 35 volunteers from Holy Trinity, Narberth Food Bank and the community at large. I can t think of a more demonstrable way of expressing our mission statement: Growing in Faith, Making a Difference and Open to All. As most of us begin to think about putting our own gardens to sleep for the winter, the Giving Garden volunteers yearn to do more. So we will be taking out the tomatoes and eggplants this week and will be trying to squeeze in one last crop of greens in their space. We are also meeting with our partner on this project, Triskeles, to plan ahead for the spring. With two growing seasons under our belt, we feel that we have a better idea of what the guests at the Narberth Community Food Bank need and what we can manage with the existing team of volunteers and are able to make better decisions about what we will be planting in the spring. So while it looks like our garden is starting to rest, the work will continue and we still need your help with watering, weeding, feeding and harvesting. We welcome help from everyone and no gardening experience is necessary. Please reach out to Michelle Haslam or Pat Brubaker to find out more. "God's Work, Our Hands" Sunday Thank you so much to everyone who participated in "God's Work, Our Hands" Sunday on September 28th! For the second year in a row, the ELCA has designated one Sunday as a time for the entire church to get out and serve our neighbors nationwide. Serving our neighbors is an important part of our church's identity, and is an expression of our faith in Jesus. While each church that participated did something a little bit different, each one shared God's love. At Holy Trinity we gathered for a brief time of worship together at 10:15am, and then split into teams to serve the community. Some of us remained at the church to assemble personal care and hygiene kits for the Narberth Community Food Bank, ensuring that clients who visit receive some basic supplies that allow them to care for themselves. Another group went down to the nature trail that runs along Haverford Avenue to clean up any litter and spruce up the trail that is used by so many people in our community. Still others went to a home in our community to help complete some basic projects with ElderNet, an organization that works with senior citizens in the area. Afterwards we gathered back at Holy Trinity to eat and share together. Thank you so much for helping to do God's work through your hands, and for taking the time to love and serve our community. We are the hands and feet of Jesus!

Open to All Got Email? If so, have you shared your email address with the church office?

5 Open to All Got ? If so, have you shared your address with the church office? is a quick and easy way for the church to communicate, and we're working to make sure that everyone is included and no one is left out. Please share your address with a quick message (holytrinitynarberth@gmail.com) or call ( ) to the church office. Picture Day is Coming! Have you heard the news? October 5th is Holy Trinity's picture day! After worship on Sunday a professional photographer will be present to take some group photos of our congregation. We're hoping that all of our members and friends can be there, as we'll be using these photos on the church website and around the building. Please help to spread the word so that everyone can be included. Celebrate with us October Name 4 Gracie Sandlof 8 Mike Mastrogiacomo 11 Violet Kerns 11 Demetri Traynham 15 AJ Engelhard 18 Rachel Sarnacki 19 Dorothy Adams 19 Owen Folk 28 Christina Recchiute 30 Celeste Starankovic Financial Snapshot Member Giving 2014 vs 2013 June, July, Aug 2014 June, July, Aug 2013 $25, $24, Year to date 2014 Year to date 2013 $67, $65, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Telephone: holytrinitynarberth@gmail.com Church Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 am 2:00 pm Vicar Josh Ferris, Resident Intern Michelle Haslam Council President Mary Williamson Council Vice President Kristine DelMonte Council Secretary Martha deheyman, Choir Director Christopher Ertelt, Organist Dale Morris Office Manager The Messenger is published monthly Copy deadline is the 2 nd Sunday of the month Newsletter Articles Due Please submit your monthly newsletter articles to the church office by the 2 nd Sunday of the month. Thank you.

6 OCTOBER th Sunday after Pentecost 10/5/14 18 th Sunday after Pentecost 10/12/14 19 th Sunday after Pentecost 10/19/14 20 th Sunday after Pentecost 10/26/14 ALTAR CARE Altar Guild Altar Guild Altar Guild Altar Guild COUNTERS Nancy Hall & Louise Hoffman Nancy Hall & Louise Hoffman Nancy Hall & Louise Hoffman Nancy Hall & Louise Hoffman USHERS Dave Steiger & Al Gebhart, III Carter Williamson & Demetri Traynham Tom DelMonte & Owen DelMonte Jan Doan & Alan Herold LECTOR Martha deheyman Anne Hoffman Christopher Ertelt June Duncan COMMUNION ASSISTANT Louise Hoffman Bruce McCluskey Anne Hoffman Dave Steiger COFFEE HOUR The Steigers Anna & Al Herold Kristine DelMonte Maryanne Folk ACOLYTE Royce Engelhard Noel House Eddie Williamson Will House NURSERY Emma House John Williamson Emma House John Williamson SUNDAY SCHOOL Kim Crews-Engelhard & Ana Herold Carter Williamson & Aaron Simms Marianne Folk & Alan Herold Kim Crews-Engelhard & Ana Herold

7 OCTOBER 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY :00 Social Ministry 5 10:15am Worship 7:00pm Confirmation Church picture day after worship! 12 10:15am Worship Youth Group Project after worship 6 3:30 Yoga 13 3:30 Yoga 7 2:30 Finance :30 Church Council :00pm Confirmation :15am Worship 7:00pm Confirmation 3:30 Yoga 7:00 Annual Conference Mtg. 6:30 Worship and Music Youth Group Corn Maze 26 10:15am Worship 7:00pm Confirmation 27 3:30 Yoga :00 - Women s Book Club 31

196 Woodbine Avenue Narberth, Pa 19072 holytrinitynarberth@gmail.com 610.

8 196 Woodbine Avenue Narberth, Pa Sunday Worship - 10:15am Office open Tuesday - Thursday until 2:00pm

Growing in Faith, Making a Difference, Open to All

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church February 2016 Growing in Faith, Making a Difference, Open to All Why do you see the speck in your neighbor s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you