Beaver Lutheran Church COMMENTARY

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Beaver Lutheran Church COMMENTARY Vol. 30, No. 11 Thanksgiving Novemb

Our fellowship hall was transformed into a small macaroni-n-cheese factory to feed the hungry of western Snyder County.

In just under three hours we packaged 20,000 nutritionally-complete servings of macaroni-n-cheese.

..5 Festive Song Poinsettias Birthdays & Anniversaries...6 Lay Assistant Schedule...7 November Calendar...8 This event could not have taken place without help from our community.

1 Beaver Lutheran Church COMMENTARY Vol. 30, No. 11 Thanksgiving November 2016 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Holy Communion 10:15 a.m Route 522, Beaver Springs, PA Meal-Packaging Event Draws 60 Volunteers Saturday morning, October 2, was a beehive of activity at Beaver Lutheran Church. Our fellowship hall was transformed into a small macaroni-n-cheese factory to feed the hungry of western Snyder County. Five assembly lines were humming as raw ingredients were measured, mixed, weighed, packaged, sealed, and boxed. In just under three hours we packaged 20,000 nutritionally-complete servings of macaroni-n-cheese. These meals were distributed to Meals for Mustangs and the two food banks that serve our area: Five Barley Loaves in McClure and our own Beaver Lutheran Food Pantry. A LOOK INSIDE Meal Packaging, cont th Anniversary Next Time for Baptism Strike Out Hunger Pantry Needs Less Paper Next Newsletter Advent Fair Word from Luther...3 Fire at Beavertown Church Healing Sunday Prayer Bibles for 3rd Graders All Saints...4 Our Guests Pastor s Vacation Council Highlights Fall Back Altar Flower Chart Thanksgiving Meal Sandwich Sale...5 Festive Song Poinsettias Birthdays & Anniversaries...6 Lay Assistant Schedule...7 November Calendar...8 This event could not have taken place without help from our community. Over half of our volunteers came from other churches and organizations including: Five Barley Loaves and the local Methodist churches, staff and students of Midd- West School District, St. John s Lutheran of Mt. Pleasant Mills, and even a local Beavertown family not connected with a local church but who heard about the opportunity and wanted to help. Just as important were our financial contributors who made it possible for us to raise $5,000 in one month: Snyder County Coalition for Kids (Meals for Mustangs), Beaver Lutheran Food Pantry, Moose Lodge of Middleburg, Retired Schoolteachers Association, Trinity Lutheran of McClure, St. John s Lutheran of Mt. Pleasant Mills, Thrivent, WELCA, and the many individuals contributors to our Love Offerings. Of special mention is JaneMarie Galiette of Hartford, CT who trained the volunteers and was our prime cheerleader. JaneMarie represents Outreach, Inc., the non-profit hunger ministry that procured all the materials and raw ingredients. Also of special mention is Pastor Kerry Aucker and the people of St. John s Lutheran of Jersey Shore. Pastor Aucker s congregation was the first in our synod to coordinate such an event. Subsequent events have been held at Camp Mount Luther, Messiah Lutheran of South Williamsport, and Faith Lutheran of Lewisburg. Pastor Aucker Continued on Page 2

2 loans out the assembly line equipment for events in our synod. There was a lot of positive feedback following this meal-packaging event. Let us know if you would like to do it again or if we can encourage another local organization to host and coordinate an event in the future. For more information, go to : Thank you to JaneMarie Galiette from Outreach, Inc. who was our instructor and head cheerleader! 2

Beaver Lutheran is 50 Next Year! A steering committee for next year s anniversary is quickly taking shape.

Our first task will be to choose a date for the primary day of celebration and put together an invitation list.

Because this gift is so rich and meaningful, all the baptisms we celebrate are preceded and followed by learning, conversation, and support from a

Contact Pastor Nathan if you would like to receive the sacrament of baptism for yourself or your children.

How about designating a dollar amount you could pledge toward each strike out your team pitches?

we ll collect it at a special offering for ELCA World Hunger on Sunday, November 6. Together, let s pitch in and strike out world hunger!

3 Beaver Lutheran is 50 Next Year! A steering committee for next year s anniversary is quickly taking shape. Sunday, October 23 following worship you are invited to join them in the lounge and share your ideas to mark this important milestone. Our first task will be to choose a date for the primary day of celebration and put together an invitation list. Holy Baptism Baptism is God s free gift of eternal salvation for all and a gift we nurture in relationship with the church. Because this gift is so rich and meaningful, all the baptisms we celebrate are preceded and followed by learning, conversation, and support from a sponsor. The next opportunity for baptisms is the Easter Vigil in April. Contact Pastor Nathan if you would like to receive the sacrament of baptism for yourself or your children. Strike Out World Hunger This year s World Series begins on October 25. Want to pick a team you want to see win? How about designating a dollar amount you could pledge toward each strike out your team pitches? At the end of the series, win or lose, tally up the strike outs earned by your team pitchers, multiply the total by the dollar amount pledged, and we ll collect it at a special offering for ELCA World Hunger on Sunday, November 6. Together, let s pitch in and strike out world hunger! Pantry Needs Less Paper, Better Stewards In order to be better stewards of our resources we are committing to using less paper on Sunday mornings with our weekly bulletin and liturgy folder. We re also reducing the frequency of our print newsletter to appear seasonally rather than monthly. We will continue to communicate through our weekly e-newsletter and Facebook page, so be sure to sign-up for these if you haven t already. Calendar, lay assistant schedule, and newsletter are always available at beaverlutheranchurch.org and on the information table and bulletin board in the church lobby. Next Newsletter Our next print newsletter will be the Advent-Christmas issue which will cover events for December and January. If you have a church event you d like to schedule you will need to clear that date with the church office by November 14. This insures that your event will be advertised in the newsletter. Advent Fair The season of anticipating the arrival of Jesus will soon be upon us. We ll begin marking Advent following Sunday worship on November 20 with an Advent Fair. Devotions, activities, and crafts will be available for all generations. Hot cider and treats will also be served! Watch for other Advent events in our next newsletter. A Word from Martin Luther You shall not murder. What is this? We are to fear and love God, so that we neither endanger nor harm the lives of our neighbors, but instead help and support them in all of life s needs. Each month, The Pantry operates under a budget. To help out, we are asking our congregation to donate items to supplement the budget. For the month of November we will be collecting Pasta and Sauces. 3

Fire Destroys Old Beavertown Church In the early morning hours of October 11, fire engulfed the former Evangelical Lutheran Church of Beavertown on Orange Street.

Following Jones death, Cathy Whitehead purchased the building and was living in the second story of the old building.

Whitehead s loss, we give thanks for this building that was home to one of our predecessor congregations.

The original bell still calls out every Sunday morning from our bell tower outside (along with the original bell from our other predecessor congregation, St.

) This loss recalls the 19th century Danish Lutheran hymn by Nikolai Grundtvig: Built on a rock the church shall stand, even when steeples are falling; crumbled have

13 Individual prayers for healing and anointing will be offered during worship on November 13.

Anointing with oil, first given in baptism, tells us again that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked forever with the cross of Christ, who is health and salvation

Inspire us to seek your enduring justice for all this suffering world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

4 Fire Destroys Old Beavertown Church In the early morning hours of October 11, fire engulfed the former Evangelical Lutheran Church of Beavertown on Orange Street. The building had been purchased by the entertainer, Davy Jones, former lead singer of the group The Monkees, several years ago. Following Jones death, Cathy Whitehead purchased the building and was living in the second story of the old building. She was planning to make the first story a museum, just as its former owner had planned. The building contained many Monkees memorabilia. As we grieve Ms. Whitehead s loss, we give thanks for this building that was home to one of our predecessor congregations. For nearly 100 years, this was home to Evangelical Lutheran Church of Beavertown. The last worship service was held in The original bell still calls out every Sunday morning from our bell tower outside (along with the original bell from our other predecessor congregation, St. Peter s Lutheran of Beaver Springs.) This loss recalls the 19th century Danish Lutheran hymn by Nikolai Grundtvig: Built on a rock the church shall stand, even when steeples are falling; crumbled have spires in every land, bells still are chiming and calling calling the young and old to rest, calling the souls of those distressed, Healing Liturgy Nov. 13 Individual prayers for healing and anointing will be offered during worship on November 13. All who sense the need for God s healing in any aspect of their lives may join in prayer for others and themselves. Anointing with oil, first given in baptism, tells us again that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked forever with the cross of Christ, who is health and salvation for the whole world. Prayer for Justice O Lord God, tireless guardian of your people, you are always ready to hear our cries. Teach us to rely day and night on your care. Inspire us to seek your enduring justice for all this suffering world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 4 Bibles for Third Graders It has become our tradition in recent years to gift our third graders with their first adult translation of the Bible. These Bibles will be presented during worship on Reformation Sunday, October 30 to our two active third graders, Gabriel Dively and Luke Baker-Trinity. We will also have the opportunity to pray for them as they grow in their understanding of the grace of Jesus Christ. All Saints Day All Saints Sunday is November 6. We will continue our tradition of remembering in our prayers members of the congregation who have died in the past year. We will also remember the saints who have been baptized this year. If you have a loved one to include, please add it to the list at our Prayer Station.

Guests for our First Sunday in Advent We are privileged to welcome two guests to worship on November 27, the First Sunday of Advent. One is Dr.

Marcos Krieger, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Chapel Music at SU. Dr. Krieger often accompanies worship for the Synod Assembly.

They will be returning Monday, November 28. Pastor Nathan will be in the church office the following day.

October Council Highlights The church council me

Highlights of that meeting include: Upcoming congregational meeting was discussed, including possible options for closing the current budget deficit.

This has necessitated borrowing against other funds within the general operating fund.

Standard Time begins Sunday, November 6! Fall Fest Is Here! Our Annual Fall Fest is Sunday, October 23!

Folks will return to the church for some fun-filled fall activities and fine food which will include sampling some of Beaver s Best chili recipes!

5 Guests for our First Sunday in Advent We are privileged to welcome two guests to worship on November 27, the First Sunday of Advent. One is Dr. Thomas Martin, Associate Professor of Religion at Susquehanna University and frequent preacher in congregations of our synod. The other is Dr. Marcos Krieger, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Chapel Music at SU. Dr. Krieger often accompanies worship for the Synod Assembly. We look forward to Dr. Thomas Martin both of them leading us in worship. Dr. Marcos Krieger The Pastor Will Be Away Pastor Nathan and his family will begin a vacation Monday, November 21. They will be returning Monday, November 28. Pastor Nathan will be in the church office the following day. While Pastor Nathan is away, please contact Pastors Matthew and Lisa Schuster at or if you have an emergency. October Council Highlights The church council met on October 12 at 7:30 p.m. Highlights of that meeting include: Upcoming congregational meeting was discussed, including possible options for closing the current budget deficit. The Treasurer s Report as of October included a current budget deficit of -$4, with current due bills totaling $10, This has necessitated borrowing against other funds within the general operating fund. The Capital Equipment and Repair Fund has a positive balance of $4, th Anniversary preparations were discussed. Don t Forget to Fall Back! Standard Time begins Sunday, November 6! Fall Fest Is Here! Our Annual Fall Fest is Sunday, October 23! As usual, it will kick off with the ever -popular hay ride at 4 p.m. Folks will return to the church for some fun-filled fall activities and fine food which will include sampling some of Beaver s Best chili recipes! 2017 Altar Flowers The 2017 Altar Flower Chart is up and ready to go! The cost of the flowers will remain the same as they have been for the past several years, $35. Payment may be made by using the Flower Fund envelopes located in the Narthex. Annual Free Thanksgiving Meal Is Set Plans are underway for our annual Thanksgiving Meal which is free to the community. Please watch for a sign-up sheet for donations and volunteers to help with food preparation the days before Thanksgiving, as well as on Thanksgiving Day. Sandwich Sale The Youth will gather at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 to put together the pretzel sandwiches they sold. If you placed your order on the bulletin board, pickup time is at 5:30. 5

November Birthdays & Anniversaries Celebrate the November Festivals with Festive Song!

On November 6 and 20, we will once again be fortunate to have a vocal quartet visiting us from Susquehanna University.

As we remember those who now sing their song with the angels, we ll do so surrounded by beautiful song by a full choir.

Thanks to a generous All Saints Grant, a guest brass quartet will be with us on this festive Sunday.

What a gift to have the sounds of trumpet and trombone celebrating Christ, our Sure Foundation!

Soli deo Gloria, Jennifer Those celebrating November Birthdays are: Alexandria Beaver and Jaime Feehrer, Nov. 1. Tamara Brouse, Nov. 2. William Felker, Nov.

Scott Mattern, Nov. 10. Carole Morgan, Nov. 11. Warren Dutrow, Nov. 12. Sophia Dively, Nov. 13. Stacey Briggs, Nov. 14. Gary Narehood, Nov. 15.

6 November Birthdays & Anniversaries Celebrate the November Festivals with Festive Song! You will not want to miss worship on Sundays November 6 and November 20! On November 6 and 20, we will once again be fortunate to have a vocal quartet visiting us from Susquehanna University. Singers Michaela Wagner, Rebekka Rosen, Jason Pandelidis and Matthew Lucero will join our Parish Choir for All Saints Sunday. As we remember those who now sing their song with the angels, we ll do so surrounded by beautiful song by a full choir. The quartet will return on November 20 th, this last Sunday of the church year, Christ the King. But this is not all! Thanks to a generous All Saints Grant, a guest brass quartet will be with us on this festive Sunday. They will augment our hymn singing as well as provide prelude and service music. What a gift to have the sounds of trumpet and trombone celebrating Christ, our Sure Foundation! Mark your calendars and invite a friend to worship on these mornings filled with the gift of song! Soli deo Gloria, Jennifer Those celebrating November Birthdays are: Alexandria Beaver and Jaime Feehrer, Nov. 1. Tamara Brouse, Nov. 2. William Felker, Nov. 4. Theodore Hetrick Jr. and Daniel Rigel Jr., Nov. 5. Kaitlyn Narehood and George Saylor, Nov. 6. Sherry Felgey, George Shirey and Gary Wray, Nov. 8. Scott Mattern, Nov. 10. Carole Morgan, Nov. 11. Warren Dutrow, Nov. 12. Sophia Dively, Nov. 13. Stacey Briggs, Nov. 14. Gary Narehood, Nov. 15. Angela Narehood, Nov. 16. Sandra Kaufman, Nov. 17. Matthew Fegley, Nov. 18. Darren Krebs and Stephanie Plummer, Nov. 20. Eric Stone, Nov. 21. Margie Krebs and Faye Plummer, Nov. 24. Steven Kalmey and Luke Zerby, Nov. 26. Bradley Haines and Jason Wagner, Nov. 28. Quinn Royer, Nov. 29. Stephanie Thomas, Nov. 30. Those celebrating Wedding Anniversaries this month: Timothy & Debra Benner, Nov. 1. Jerre & Stephanie Thomas, Nov. 19. Dave & Lisa Wagner, Nov. 23. Leon & Loretta Bickhart, Nov. 29. Poinsettias It will soon be time to think about placing your orders for poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary this Christmas. As soon as we have a price list, we will provide an order form in the weekly bulletin. 6

Beaver Lutheran Church COMMENTARY

Beaver Lutheran Church COMMENTARY Vol. 31, No. 6 THANKSGIVING November 2017 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. www.beaverlutheranchurch.org Holy Communion 10:15 a.m. 18207 Route 522, Beavertown, PA 17813 A Message