The Parishioner. For Everything There Is A Season Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

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1 The Parishioner Volume 23, Issue 7 A Publication of St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran July 2018 For Everything There Is A Season Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 Summer has at last arrived and some of the most quoted words of the Bible come to mind from the Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3:1-15. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under the sun: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance In my own life the summer season is an important time for work mixed with vacation, leisure, and reflection a time to listen for God s guidance in a different way from other seasons of the year. Usually by the time summer comes, I am burned-out, having given all I have to give over the past year. My reserves are used up and I am not at my best for the people around me and for the Lord. As you have heard me say before, spending a week or more at the beach is my place to get away from always being on the go and doing, to take some intentional time to be quiet, to be still, to let God clean things out that are packed down deep inside of my heart and soul, and to ask God to renew me for a new season of life and ministry as is His will. The familiar verses quoted above from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 represent all the seasons and important matters of our lives. They represent the flow of life for all of us. Some are happy times, others sad; some are productive while others seem wasteful; some inspire peace and others bring pain. Yet all are necessary for us to learn, grow, and evolve in our spiritual lives and as the human beings God created us to be. Ecclesiastes is realistic. Some seasons of life are easy to live: the spring-time moments of new beginnings; the summer moments of easy, and hoped for care free living; and the autumn seasons of bountiful harvest. Other gifts of God are not so easy to identify, such as the transitional storms that often usher in a new and often difficult time of life; the oppressive heat of summer, or the bitter cold of winter. And we are reminded in these verses that although new beginnings are usually preferred over endings, we should remember that every new beginning requires an ending sometimes even a death. These seasons require us to look beyond outward appearances and to peer much deeper into the meaning of life for their significance. Ecclesiastes humbly reminds us of our limitations and finiteness as well as our seasons of happiness and strength. We read in Ecclesiastes 3:11, God has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into a person s heart, yet so that one cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Granted those are some pretty deep thoughts for summer reflection! We often cannot trace the fabric of God s work. Life doesn t always make sense to us. We do know that God does everything for His glory and out of His plan to bring us and others to salvation. He promises that everything will be used for the good, in those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28) The Parishioner 1

2 We don t always understand how the specific things that happen in our lives bring glory in the end. But in the meantime, there is a good summertime message here for us. Life is a blend of beauty and mystery. God gives us time to enjoy the fruit of our toil, whether we are employed in the workforce, or a busy mom at home with kids all week, or a retiree. Whatever our station in life, there is joy God intends for us to experience from our labors and toil. We don t always understand how the specific things that happen in our lives bring glory in the end but God has a plan. In the meantime, Stop and enjoy the ordinary. See the beauty of life in the waves of the ocean crashing ashore, in the rain cascading down in a thunderstorm, and in seeing sunlight streaming through the trees while hiking in the woods, the beauty of the summer season in nature and in soul. We are meant to find the beauty of God in the created world and in ourselves, but at the same time we yearn for eternity. We long for something that transcends time. We sense there is something more than just this life. God has put the longing for eternity into the human heart. We give thanks to God for what He has called us to do and who He has called us to be. We thank Him for the jobs we have, the days He allocates to us. We trust that He has a purpose for our times of suffering and trial. We don t master life, and we don t know what the days ahead will bring. But we put our trust in God, and eat and drink every day with joy. We give thanks for our daily bread and each breath we have. We find joy in the ordinary things of life like taking walks, in exercising, in regularly attending church, and in meeting with family and friends. When we see all of life as God s gift, we see the glory of God in the ordinary. Life doesn t require fame, fortune, and everything being right in one s life to find happiness and peace which passes human understanding. Take time during these summer days to once again experience and rediscover the Glory of God in your life. In Christ, Pastor Al Towberman Capital Campaign Digital Sign Donations continue to be accepted for our new sign. Special pink envelopes are available in front of the cry room. If you would like to mail in a donation, please add sign in the memo portion of your check. Goal $20,000 The Parishioner 2

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 ~ Robert Niggel / Wm. Oehlschlager Director of Music ~ Ralph Christy Jr. Assistant Organist ~ Rebecca Veith Bell Choir Director ~ Rebecca Veith Interim Organist ~ Joanne Lozier Children s Hour Director ~ Darcie Pomykata Katie s Kitchen Director ~ Loretta Bachman Council President ~ Elaine Walker Council Vice President ~ Gretchen Pink Council Secretary ~ April Quinn Treasurer ~ Sherry Young Financial Secretary ~ Toni Tassey Congratulations! 2018 High School Graduates Dylan Atkison Tanner Cavalero Joshua Frederick Shawn Marcellus Medical School Graduate Brittany Vogel Thank you Thank you to the friends at St. Mark s who sent me a get-well card this past week. It was very thoughtful of all of you. It warms my heart to know that people care even though I haven t been able to return home since November Your many prayers are appreciated, too. Sincerely, Carole Fibick St. Mark s Family ~ You have left me speechless, and that s not an easy accomplishment, just ask my Mom or Husband. The words Thank you, seem to be an insufficient response to your out-pouring of generosity and kind words of appreciations. I pray that God will continue to guide my service so that I can reflect your abundant love and support to others. So, in the sincere and joyful words of Gomer Pyle, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Wendy Holt The Parishioner 3

4 Camp 2018 The Youth of St. Mark s are going to camp! July 23-27, 2018 Where: St. Thomas Grove, Hooversville, PA When: July 23-27, 2018 Theme: We Believe Suggested Donation: $50 (includes meals and activities) This year's camp will include an adventure in zip lining. 3T Ladies have made school bags to be filled with supplies by the congregation. The empty bags will be available beginning July 15 th to pick up and fill. These school bags are distributed to centers for the needy children in our community. Thank you all for participating in this service project! The bags should be returned by August 5 th so that we can distribute them to Glade Run and The Net Outreach Center before school starts. We appreciate all your help with this project. Our goal is to have 100 bags filled to distribute to needy children in our community! Please contact, Ginny for more information. The Parishioner 4

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6 St. Mark s Annual Picnic August 18, 2018 Join us at the Masonic Shelter in Alameda Park on Saturday, August 18 th from 2:00 7:00 pm It s that time of year again for our Annual Picnic! Come join us for worship, fellowship, food, and fun in the sun! Activites will include Bingo, yard games, swimming and dinner. We will conclude the picnic with worship that will include Holy Communion! We are currently accepting BINGO game prize gifts! Please drop your prize donation in the church office. As usual, please mark your donation for the Bingo prizes. Mark your calendar to enjoy all or any part of the day s activities! Bring your favorite picnic dish to share! Watch future Cornerstone Bulletin inserts and August Parishioner for more details! *There are 19 picnic items throughout this newsletter! Find ALL 17 items and be the first one to bring their winning newsletter in to the church office AFTER JULY 9 TH will be presented with a prize! Good luck! NOMINATING COMMITTEE It is that time of year again to find people to run for Council and the Nominating Committee for Please pray that God will raise up the people to do His ministry at St. Mark s, to be the leaders of the church and grow the congregation. If you are interested or can suggest someone, please contact one of the following: Charles Tanner Chair Gretchen Pink Liaison Peggy Morrison The Parishioner 6

7 From the desk of our Council President Our council had a busy night reviewing upcoming events and plans for the future. Pastor s report included the Lutheran Lay Renewal Conference was held Saturday, June 23, We continue to work on the plans for the vision of the future for St. Mark s. The NALC Convocation will be held in Denver on August 13 th August 17 th. The theme this year is Empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Women s Bible Study this year was on the Holy Spirit as well. It was very informative. I invite all to join us at Eve Circle study in the future. You will see times and information about upcoming lessons as we get closer to the fall studies. Pastor Towberman listed times he would be away and who would be preaching in his place. His Pastoral Acts and Calls are always noted as to Hospital calls, home visitation and home communion as well as sermons and funerals. Sherry Young presented a deposit and expenditures for this last month. It was noted that we had to withdraw several times from the investments. Comparing this year s attendance in Sunday school and church was very close last year s attendance. The giving was up slightly. It is good to have these figures to compare. It helps in our planning for the future. One action was taken to transfer one of our family s to another church in another town. Committee reports were given. The Communications Committee are working on a Pay Pal account to be set up for those who wish to contribute on-line. The Memorial committee had several donations totaling $ Worship and music said that the sound system has been checked. The system seems to be in good working order, although sitting in the back seems to be better for those who have trouble hearing. We will continue to review the church membership so our records reflect the actual membership rolls. This will not only help us keep better records, but will help us to keep in contact with some who have not been in attendance. This ongoing process, takes a great deal of time and dedication by our council and staff. Thank you to those who have taken on this large task. Other subjects that were addressed at our meeting were the upcoming visit to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter on September 11-12, We are hoping to have a full bus load. The information is in the area at the elevator on the main floor. There is also a sign to show the progress of our Capital Campaign that will enable us to upgrade our outdoor sign. We are moving right along with this project. A big thanks to Wendy for her effort in guiding our young people along their journey in their Christian development. The council also wants to thank the woman of the church for a wonderful afternoon of food and fellowship with the over 80 luncheon. In Christ, Elaine Walker, 2018 Council President The Parishioner 7

8 July 1, 2018 ~ Guest Pastor, Pastor Jim Neal July 1, 2018 ~ Holiday Worship Services July 4, 2018 ~ / Office Closed for INDEPENDENCE DAY July 7, 2018 ~ Guest Pastor, Pastor Jim Neal July 8, 2018 ~ Aaron Minister, Robert Niggel July 23-27, 2018 ~ Youth Camp: Hooversville, PA Join us for Worship this Summer A Congregation of the North American Lutheran St. Mark s Evangelical Lutheran 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 8

9 July Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Saintly Seniors (90 + years young) July Birthdays ~ Velma Wee (07/07) Yva Schoerner (07/16) 1 Pastor Neal Preaching 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC 8 2 9:00 3T 6:15 Softball Lutherlyn #2 St. Mark s vs PBC & Office Closed For Independence Day 5 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 12 Independence Day Is a time to remember our freedoms and thank God for them. FOR YOU WERE CALLED TO FREEDOM, BRETHREN: ONLY DO NOT TURN YOUR FREEDOM INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FLESH, BUT THROUGH LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER. GALATIONS 5: Velma Wee Pastor Neal Preaching 6:00 Worship / HC 14 Bob Niggel Preaching 8:00 & 10:15 Worship 15 6:15 Softball Lutherlyn #2 St. Mark s vs St. Gregory 16 1:00 Prayer Shawl :00 Katie s Kitchen 6:15 Softball Middle Lancaster St. Mark s vs ZEL 20 6:00 Worship / HC 21 8:00 & 10:15 Worship/HC Man Named Luther Yva Schoerner :00 Katie s Kitchen :00 Worship / HC 28 8:00 & 10:15 Worship Youth Camp: Hooversville, PA, :00 Evangelism 5:30 Worship/Music 5:00 Katie s Kitchen 6:00 Worship / HC 29 8:00 & 10:15 Worship **Please remember that the and Office will be CLOSED July 4 th in observance of INDEPENDENCE DAY.** The Parishioner 9