St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church Phone: Blades Road, P.O. Box 368 Cordova, MD VISITOR S EXPECTED

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1 November 2014 The Messenger St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church Phone: Blades Road, P.O. Box 368 Cordova, MD VISITOR S EXPECTED A November Thought Experiment. What is a Thought Experiment (or in German a Gedankenexperiment)? The idea of a thought experiment is to think about the consequences of an idea or hypotheses when it is not possible, practical, or desirable to implement the idea in real life. I m suggesting that we do some thought experiments to help us prepare for a Thanksgiving celebration. In each thought experiment we will consider a blessing, and then think about what it would be like not to have that blessing. For example, let s consider sunlight. Because we have the sun, we have warmth, energy, seasons, photosynthesis, plants, crops, food, and life. Without sunlight we have eternal darkness, cold, and no life at all. Let s consider health. Our bodies are wonderfully equipped to keep us healthy by fighting off disease and healing of what has become broken. When our bodies are not up to the task, we have health care that includes medicines, technology and supportive care at home and in a hospital. Without health and healthcare, we are subject to disease and death. Just think about what happens when Ebola strikes a nation without the healthcare resources needed to contain it and to support those who become ill. Let s consider civil society. We live in a nation that, for the most part, is governed by the rule of law, the values of life, liberty, equality, and individual freedom. Without these precious gifts, we can imagine living in a society of oppression, injustice, discrimination, and senseless cruelty. We have no intrinsic worth, but become a commodity to be bought and sold. Finally, let s consider our faith. Because of our faith in a loving, creator-god, we have been given a promise that each human being is a precious child of God, loved in this world, and promised the gift of eternal life. We are given a savior, Jesus, who guides us and ensures our connection between the human and the divine. Without faith, we are hopeless, alone and abandoned. We have no reassurance of purpose in our life and no gift of family and community. This month, in preparation for the Thanksgiving observance, let s do our thought experiments. Take each aspect of your live, and then imagine what it would be like without that blessing. I hope that we will all become more appreciative of what we have been given. I hope that we all become more compassionate and helpful to those who have less. I hope that our gratitude will overflow in a song of thanksgiving, Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Have a blessed Thanksgiving. Trust in God, Pastor Thom

2 Angel Tree, a program of fellowship, reaches out to children and their families with the love of Christ. This program gives our church an opportunity to share Christ s love by helping to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of local families. Our Angel Tree will be decorated with numbered paper angels with the age and gender of a child or adult in need of presents, along with a number. Contributors remove one angel and you keep the special angel ornament for your support and purchase appropriate gifts for the recipient described on the angel. Please remember, we need the number of the angel to match with the name of the recipient. Please bring your purchases to the church and we will distribute accordingly. We hope to have this completed by the end of November, please refer your questions to Diana Hurd. The Social Ministry of St Paul s wants to thank everyone in advance for all the support we receive throughout the year. This Angel Tree Project was a group effort and encompassed surrounding communities. The committee includes Tammy Norfolk, Meredith Lewis, Cindy Spies, Katelin Cep, Deneen Rickwood, Ruth Reusing and Susan Eakins THANK YOU to all who donated packages of Oatmeal to be sent to the troops overseas. We are happy to report that for the months of September and October we collected a grand total of 382 packets of Oatmeal! Donna Steven s Sunday School Class adding oatmeal packets to the donation barrel. Left to right: Austin Spies, Jared Lewis, Maddy Sauca and Riley Webster. 2

3 Stewardship Report During the month of October our congregation embarked on a new spiritual based process of prayerfully considering our offerings to the church. This was an educational process where we learned the spiritual connection between our offerings and God. Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development rather than on the need of the church to receive. Members of the congregation shared their personal testimony of spiritual based giving through weekly announcements. We reviewed last year s giving results as steps by which we could choose to Grow One Step. Pastor Thom and Pastor Jerrett each delivered inspiring sermons on the personal choices we make toward Christian stewardship. On Consecration Sunday we were given an opportunity to voluntarily express our stewardship commitment by completing an Estimate of Giving Card. As Disciples of Christ we asked ourselves, What percentage of my income is God calling me to give? The goal of Christian stewardship is the faithful management of all that God gives so that God can use our gifts to transform us spiritually and to extend Christ s transforming love to others. Jesus said, Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34) As with any new process several disciples were inspired by the messages and teachings while others were apprehensive or even offended. That s okay. This is a personal decision and all that was asked is that we prayerfully consider our offering and work toward becoming spiritual givers. God has blessed each and every one of us in different ways and as Christians we are called to be good stewards of the generous gifts He has provided. We all give in many different ways sharing our time, talents and resources to the work of God. Consecration Sunday provided an opportunity to express the amount you plan to give to St. Paul s in the coming year. This information is essential as we plan and prepare to Call a Pastor and perform God s work through our church. Consecration Sunday was made possible through a team of disciples. A special thank you to Bill Behrens, Bruce Corley, Debbie Dudrow, Diana Hurd, Fred Meers, Ellen Mulder, Fay Sauca, and Taylor Stevens for their efforts in preparing and or carrying out this program. I d also like to thank Pastor Thom and Pastor Jerrett for their leadership and guidance. Estimate of Giving cards are still be submitted by persons unable to join us on Consecration Sunday. A summary of the results will be provided to the Council and included in the December newsletter. Trust in God, Donna Stevens Stewardship Chairperson 3

4 POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS In preparation for the Advent Season and Christmas, we are now taking orders for Poinsettias. We will be ordering Red Poinsettias in 6 pots with 4-8 blooms at a cost of $6.00 They may be placed in memory of or in honor of your loved ones. Deadline to Order December 7 Please make your checks payable to St. Paul s Lutheran Church and place your orders directly on the offering plate or give to Carolyn Lane or mail to St. Paul s at P.O. Box 368, Cordova MD Your name In Honor of In Memory of TOTAL NUMBER OF PLANTS ORDERED x $6.00 _ Sit and Stitch Gathering Are you looking for patterns? Need to learn some stitches or basics? Want to go through the yard bin? Get to know other stitchers? Find out where our handiwork is going? Talk to Diane Miller for more information or call her at NEXT GET TOGETHER DECEMBER 4, 10:00AM Thank you to Jane Asche for the two large bags of quilts she made. They are being taken to the Shiner s Hospital by Barry Reusing. Thanks Barry, their bright colors will cheer the kids. 4

5 GROUP GAB Mark your calendars for Sunday December 14th - 6 pm, our next Family Fellowship event. St. Paul's will be hosting an outdoor barn service at the Talbot Ag Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the true meaning of Christmas with your family & friends. More details to follow... So keep the date open! Cathy & Debbie Please join us for our annual Thanksgiving Service NOVEMBER 26 at 7PM Tuesday Morning Bible Study! Come join us on the first and third Tuesday mornings at 9:00 am. Bring your Bible, your favorite cup of coffee, and a friend! November 4 Amos 5:18-24 Psalm 70 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13 November 18 Ezekiel 34:11-16, Psalm 95:1-7a Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:

6 6 Creative Kids Page

7 Members of St. Paul s: Bettie Goddard, Bruce Leaverton, Dale Mumford, Jean Evans and Pastor Thomas Sinnott. Friends of St. Paul s: Katelyn Howard, Michael Mumford (son of Dale & Betty Jean Mumford), Jim Lewis (father-in- law of Meredith Lewis & Michelle Lewis), Darren Leonard, Ursula Mosley (daughter of Gunther and Regina Schiwy), Michael Eaton (brother of Rosemary Spies.), Jan Falcey, Pastor John Ranney, Mike Quinn, Esther Cohey, Theresa Jamar (mother of Donna Stevens, Don Finch, Jamie Jacobs, Julie, Lisa Callaghan, Grant Harrison, Mariel Unwin., Brenda Brennan (daughter of Skip and Diane Miller), Lou Pryor, John Rickwood, Eileen Markey Adam Schauber (father of Dottie Carroll). LOOKING AHEAD! First Sunday in Advent November 30, 2014 NOVEMBER 27, 2014 OUR CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEMBERS President: Robert Saathoff Vice-President: Fred Meers Rec. Secretary: Betty Jean Mumford Treasurer: Darian Sump Fin. Secretary: Bill Behrens Worship: Carolyn Lane Property: Donnie Davis Christian Ed: Sam Sauca Stewardship: Donna Stevens Evangelism: Social Ministry: Diana Hurd LOCAL OUTREACH DONATIONS FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 7

8 ACOLYTES November 2 Jared Lewis November 9 Colby Rickwood November 16 J. B. Richtol November 23 Mallory Short November 26 Maddy Sauca Thanksgiving Serv. November 30 Austin Spies CRUCIFERS Gareth Davis Cameron Edsall Alex Heinsohn J. T. Lewis Sam Pearson (1st Sun. in Advent) LECTORS November 2 Ellen Mulder November 9 Donna Stevens November 16 Robert Saathoff Sr November 23 Michelle Lewis November 26 Marian Davis Thanksgiving Service November 30 Justine Spies [Lectors, please be sure to adjust and use the microphone in the pulpit when reading so that everyone can hear the readings.] November 2 Fred and Carol Meers November 9 Diana Hurd and Rosemary Spies November 16 Debbie Dudrow and Renee Pearson November 23 Mike and Terri Hiner November 26 Kevin and Angela Webster Thanksgiving Serv. November 30 Carl and Sam Sauca Altar for November Claire Sump November 2 Donnie and Keith Davis November 9 Lewis Smith and Henry Spies III November 16 Bill and Susan Behrens November 23 Mike and Terri Hiner November 26 Marian Davis and Gerda Fisher November 30 Gordon Behrens and Carl Sauca Thanksgiving Service November 2 Sherri Brown November 9 November 16 November 23 Richard Sump November 30 Cannon/Saathoff IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO USHER AND CANNOT SERVE, MIKE HINER, GEORGE SCHNOOR, DIANA HURD AND MARIAN DAVIS HAVE AGREED TO BE SUBSTITUTES. PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THEM. ALSO, IF YOU ARE A SCHEDULED LECTOR AND CANNOT SERVE, ROBERT SAATHOFF AND BETTY JEAN MUMFORD 8 HAVE AGREED TO SUBSTITUTE OR CONTACT ANOTHER PERSON ON THE SCHEDULE.

9 +CHURCH SYMBOL+ Circle The circle is a symbol for God, as well as for eternity, due to its lack of a beginning or an end. It also reminds us of how the church year (not unlike the secular calendar) flows from season to season and moves smoothly from Christ the King Sunday (the culmination of the liturgical calendar) to the First Sunday of Advent (a new beginning). Indeed, the One who rules all is the same One whose first and final comings we anticipate anew during Advent. In order for our newsletter to get in the mail by the first of each month, please submit information on events, announcements, or inquiries to Fay in the church office by the 20th of each month. Newsletter submissions can be hand written and left on Fay s desk, in the folder beside the office door or ed to her at info@stpaulscordova.org, or you may call the office during office hours (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday10:00am 3:00pm) We are always looking for new ministers to help on Sunday mornings! being a lector being an usher preparing communion for the altar committee helping Pastor serve communion during worship singing in the choir If you feel called to serve in any of these areas, please contact the church office ***Youth can serve too! Happy Thanksgiving I have never understood why anyone would roast the turkey and shuck the clams and crisp the croutons and shell the peas and candy the sweet potatoes and compote the cranberries and bake the pies and clear the table and wash the dishes and fall into bed exhausted when they could just as easily sit back and enjoy a hamburger or a pork sandwich. The Turkey 9

10 November 2 All Saints Day November 2 Daylight Saving Time Ends November 4 Bible Study 9am November 5 Confirmation 5pm November 5 Choir Rehearsal 7pm November 11 Veteran s Day November 12 Confirmation 5pm November 5 Choir Rehearsal 7pm November 13 Congregation Council Meeting 7pm November 18 Bible Study 9am November 19 Confirmation 5pm November 19 Choir Rehearsal 7pm November 20 Ruritan Dinner 6:pm November 22 Fellowship Hall in Use (Saturday) November 23 Christ the King Sunday November 26 Thanksgiving Eve Service 7pm November 27 Thanksgiving Day November 30 First Sunday in Advent FIRST SUNDAY DONATIONS Each month we take a collection of money and food to be given to organizations or churches in the area. November St Vincent De Paul December Lutheran Mission Society Church Calendar Scheduling: If you would like to schedule a church event (either an event to be held at church or a church-sponsored event), please contact Fay Sauca in the church office to confirm the availability of the date, and to ensure that your event is on the Master Calendar. An electronic version of our congregation s Master Calendar is always available online on our website at BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH 11/02 Kimberly Marvel 11/02 Ruth McClean 11/03 Terri Hiner 11/04 Zachary Sard 11/06 Henry Spies IV 11/07 Rachel Davis 11/10 Stacie RIce 11/10 Fay Sauca 11/16 Davis Councell 11/18 Margaret Roe 11/19 Dorothy Carroll 11/20 Michael Roe 11/24 Curtis Short 11/25 Corey Fisher 11/26 James George 11/27 Fred Meers 11/30 Casey Cep 11/30 Lewis Smith 11/02 Hank and Cindy Spies 11/04 Kenneth & Karen Asche 11/14 Jeffrey & Monica Heinsohn 11/16 Henry & Rose Marie Fuchs 11/21 Delores & Bill Mullikin 10

11 Oktoberfest Report St. Paul s Oktoberfest was held October 4, 2014 after an absence of two years. Although the attendance was disappointing the weather was perfect, the food and drink outstanding and everyone in attendance enjoyed the social atmosphere. Trophies were awarded for: Best German Potato Salad won by Gerda Fisher Best Sauerkraut Dish won by Angela Webster Horseshoe Champion Bill Behrens Corn hole Champion Susan Behrens and Gwen Smith Finally a special Thank You to all who helped with the Oktoberfest! Carl Sauca and Kevin Webster Best Sauerkraut Angela Webster Best Potato Salad Gerda Fisher Ladies of the Church, Thank you for the wonderful Oktoberfest dinner. It sure is nice to have dinner delivered to my house. Special Thanks to Carol Meers for stopping by with the meal. Thanks, Margaret Asche Note to College Students: We would love to have your address at school, if it is different than last year. Pastor Thom wants to keep in touch with you!!! You can either call us at or us at: info@stpaulscordova.org 11

12 St. Paul s Lutheran Church Blades Road, P.O. Box 368 Cordova MD Return Service Requested Please inform the church office of any changes in your personal information: Address, phone number, marriage or divorce, or new births so that we can keep our records up-to-date. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a member at St. Paul s is asked to contact Pastor Thomas G. Sinnott by phone at , by at pastor@stpaulscordova.org or in person. Vertrau auf Gott! (Trust in God) Ministers: People of St. Paul s Interim Pastor: Rev. Thomas G. Sinnott Pastor s pastor@stpaulscordova.org Pastor s Cell: Choir Director: Julie Lawrence Secretary: Fay Sauca Office Phone: Office Fax: Office info@stpaulscordova.org Office Hours: Tue. Wed. & Thurs.10:00-3:00 Sunday Worship begins at 9:00 am 12