The PoST. The Season of Epiphany. February Volume 29 Issue 1

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1 T H E P E O P L E O F S A I N T T I M O T H Y S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H Special points of interest: Council Notes Page 4 Thank you Page 6 Soup for the Soul Page 8 Inside this issue: February 2019 Worship Assistants 3 Coming Events 7 The Season of Epiphany The PoST Volume 29 Issue 1 I love the following poem by Gerhard Frost. It shares the heart of our season of light as a season of hope as well. Rev. Ann M. Svennungsen wrote the reflection that follows, and because I cannot say it better, I wish to simply quote her! Please enjoy her wisdom during this season. Peace & light, Pastor Linda Anderson Grounds for Hope If I am asked what are my grounds for hope, this is my answer: Light is lord over darkness, truth is lord over falsehood, life is lord over death. Of all the facts I daily live with, there s none more comforting than this: if I have two rooms, one dark, the other light, and I open the door between them, the dark room becomes lighter without the light one becoming darker. I know this is no headline, but it s a marvelous footnote; and God comforts me in that. The light of Epiphany shines throughout the season to reveal and to make known. The texts of Epiphany illuminate many things. Primarily, this is the season when Jesus is revealed as the Messiah of God. We see more clearly his mission to bring good news to the poor; we see more clearly the contours of God s kingdom, as portrayed by the prophets and inaugurated by Christ. (Cont d on next page)

2 Page 2 (Cont d from page 1) Sunday Worship Schedule 9:00 a.m.~ Sunday School 10:00 a.m.~ Holy Communion Office Hours Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:00 am~2:40 pm Saint Timothy s Mission Statement for Worship: Rooted deeply and confidently in the Gospel of God's grace in Jesus Christ, and guided by the Holy Spirit, we strive to live our faith proclaiming God's Good News joyfully, obediently and truthfully as His instruments in loving service in the world. Saint Timothy s Lutheran Church 1301 Mill Street, Camden, SC Phone: (803) office@sttimslutheran.com Pastor: The Rev. Linda Anderson Parish Secretary: Christy Escalante Director of Music Ministries: Anne Compton Assistant Director: Nancy Kramer Sunday School Superintendent Kelly Horn President of Council: Robin McAlpine Vice President of Council: Susan Layton *The deadline for the POST is the Second Friday of each month. But something else is revealed in this season. We, too, are made known. We are revealed to be a people in need of grace and forgiveness. In A Time for Peace, Mary Ylvisaker Nilsen suggests that the fourth step of Alcoholics Anonymous, the fearless moral inventory, is like taking a light into a dark room in our lives. There we see the wonderful heirlooms we had forgotten, as well as the piles of trash that need tossing, the mounds of dust that need cleaning. We see both the gifts we have forgotten and the sins we have covered up. The light of Epiphany, the light of Christ, reveals our whole being. However, there is something quite miraculous about the light of Christ. Not only does it reveal our sinfulness; it forgives what it has exposed. No X-ray has such power to remove the tumor it has revealed, to mend the broken bone it has found. And it is the promise of Christ s revealing and healing light that frees us to stand with boldness before God, joining with Isaiah in saying, Here am I; send me! (Isa. 6:8). Finally, the light of Epiphany reveals the world it exposes the real shadows of evil and brokenness. And it reveals our calling to participate in God s reign of light and love, bringing good news to the poor, praying for those who persecute us, and worshiping Christ, offering not just gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but our entire lives. ages: So throughout the season, we join with the faithful of all the Rise, shine, you people! Christ the Lord has entered Our human story; God in him is centered. He comes to us by death and sin surrounded, with grace unbounded. Come; celebrate; your banners high unfurling, your songs and prayers against the darkness hurling LBW Hymn #393 We celebrate because we belong to the Light of the World, the light no darkness can overcome. Source: New Proclamation, Ann M. Svennungsen, et. al., Fortress Press 2006 Minneapolis, pp

3 Page 3 FEBRUARY COUNCILMEMBER OF THE MONTH TIM RYAN FEBRUARY TABULATOR OF THE MONTH LOREEN WALLACE ALTAR GUILD RENEE & HARVEY OBLANDER CRUCIFER 03 SHAYLA WALLACE 10 BRIANNA WILLIAMS 17 BRADLEY WALSH 24 SHAYLA WALLACE ACOLYTE 3 ISABELLA OBLANDER 10 JOLENA WALLACE 17 ISABELLA OBLANDER 24 JOLENA WALLACE COM. ASSISTANT 03 JIM RICHARDSON 10 LISA McCLAIN 17 BRIAN KELLY 24 FRANK BERNHARDT USHERS TODD NORD RENÁ NORD CANTORS 03 FRANK BERNHARDT 10 MICHELLE WILLIAMS 17 ALICIA HINSON 24 SANDY KELLY LECTORS 03 CARMEN NORD 10 CARMEN NORD 17 OBIE OBLANDER 24 OBIE OBLANDER FEBRUARY TEAM LEADER LINDA LAYMAN FEBRUARY TEAM NANCY KERR SUSANNE LeCLAIR RENÁ NORD OBLANDER FAMILY MICHELE STUDER LOREEN WALLACE The church nursery is for children (five and younger). Children are welcome to come to the nursery after the children s sermon.

4 Page 4 Present: Absent: Notes from December 13, 2018 Frank Bernhardt, President, Education Committee Robin McAlpine, Vice President, Finance Committee Kay Kinard, Secretary, Evangelism Dan Cox, Stewardship Committee Susan Layton, Service Committee Lisa McClain, IGM Committee Bob McKenzie, Mutual Ministry Committee Todd Nord, Property Committee Tim Ryan, Worship and Music Committee Joe Hodge, Councilman Elect Carmen Nord, Councilman Elect Karen Tester, Councilman Elect Pastor Linda Anderson, Interim Pastor Before the meeting was called to order, Pastor Linda spoke to Council on speaker phone. She apologized for being unable to attend because she was held up by a Family Court appearance and could not get to Camden in time for the meeting. She welcomed the incoming Council members, spoke of her plan to meet with the Finance Committee, and encouraged Council members to turn in their notebooks and 2018 reports. Committee Reports: Education: Sunday School material is prepared for young children by Kelly Horn and for teens by Carmen Nord even though few attend. The two adult classes are doing well. Stewardship: Information was presented about the Stewardship Opportunity offered on January 25 at the seminary. Registrations must be received by January 21. IGM: Plans for the baptism on December 16 were discussed. The function of IGM was questioned and it was suggested that the committee could meet with church auxiliaries to coordinate activities. Mutual Ministry: A request was made that St. Timothy s appeal to the synod to be allowed to call Pastor Linda as our regular pastor. This must be handled by the Call Committee. A ceiling leak, which the Property Committee is checking on was reported. The need for more supervision is needed for children who are not part of the Boy Scout Troop while the troop meets at St. Timothy s. Finance: The financial report was distributed. The treasurer is seeking information about filing tax records. The committee will tentatively meet on January 6. Income year to date is $157, and expenses have been $138, A motion was made and passed to present Christmas gifts to employees of St. Timothy s. Old Business: Security: Various security programs were discussed. Lisa presented information from the synod which will be discussed as we formulate a plan. Locking doors and forming a security team were also discussed. New Business: Karen Tester will serve as the chairman of the Eucharistic Ministry. The idea of holding a Council Retreat was tabled until the January meeting. Concern about the synod s slow response to our Call Committee was expressed. Next meeting: January 10, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. (Cont d on next page)

5 Page 5 (Cont d from page 4) Present: Absent: Notes from January 10, 2019 Robin McAlpine, Vice-president, Finance Committee Kay Kinard, Secretary, Evangelism Committee Dan Cox, Stewardship Committee Joe Hodge Susan Layton, Service Committee Carmen Nord Tim Ryan, Worship and Music Committee Karen Tester Pastor Linda Anderson, Interim Pastor Bob McKenzie, Mutual Ministry Committee Because officers for 2019 had not yet been elected, Robin McAlpine, current vice-president presided. The financial report showed a year to date net income of $24, A handout, Church Council Responsibilities, was distributed and discussed. Security for St. Timothy s has been a concern. After some discussion and suggestions, it was decided to ask Todd Nord to formulate a security plan. Council members will participate in a Retreat on February 3 after the Soup for the Soul lunch. Committee assignments and topics which will require lengthy debate will be on the schedule. Pastor Linda spoke to Council about the importance of setting goals for the year. She also emphasized that all committees should be aligned and work together for that goal. Efforts are being made to compile an Annual Report for St. Timothy s. One has not been done in the past several years. The S.C. Synod Annual Report is due in February. Tim Ryan will compile information for the questionnaire. Communicating with church members needs improvement. Plans were made to publish and display an allinclusive calendar of events. The web site needs to be updated, and the newsletter should include more interesting information about what will be and what has happened at St. Timothy s. Dan Cox will head an ad hoc committee to update our web site and evaluate its effectiveness. Pastor Linda will offer training for acolyte and crucifers. Also a workshop for ushers and Altar Guild members may be held. Council officers for 2019 were elected as follows: Robin McAlpine, president; Susan Layton, vice-president; and Carmen Nord, secretary. February 3, 2019 was determined as the date for the Soup of the Soul lunch. Next Meeting: February 14, at 6:30 p.m. Kay Kinard, Council Secretary

6 Page ! Thank you! We at New Day were blessed in 2018 by your support. We are wishing you and your family a wonderful Thank you! Nicholas Julian, Director of Homelessness & Support Services Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for the citizens of Kershaw County. It s people like you and your generosity that make Kershaw County a great place to live. We would like to express our appreciation for everything. We hope everyone had a great holiday and has a Happy New Year. The entire staff at the Kershaw County Dept. of Social Services Please visit, telephone, send a card and pray for the following members: Dwight Eckert** Betty Hall Sandra Hilton* Karin Puczkowski Ralph Sieber - Nancy Wise -Morningside *Karesh **McCoy Memorial Dear brothers and sisters in Christ at St. Timothy s, I have enjoyed being with you this past year in so many ways! Your kindness to me following Aaron s murder, and your many offers of help with Keith meant more than you can know. I wish to thank you also for your generous gift this Christmas and for the loving support it conveys. You are such a blessing to me and my family! In Christ, Pastor Linda Anderson Dear St. Timothy family, Thank you so much for the thoughtful Christmas gift. Your appreciation and support mean so much to me. Yours in Christ, Nancy Kramer Dear St. Timothy s, I really appreciate the Christmas gift. It came in handy and couldn t have come at a better time. Thank you! Ruby Brown Dear Members of St. Timothy's, Thank you for the generous monetary gift for Christmas! I am particularly grateful to the people who volunteer their time and talents to participate in the music program and to those who encourage and support us in our efforts. Praise be to God as we begin another year to offer our worship and praise with music! Anne Compton We remember all members in our church family who serve in the military: Matthew Holland, Joseph Jordan, Robert C. McKenzie, Jr., Isaac Ryan. If we have left out someone who is in the military, please contact the church office. Dear Congregation of St. Timothy s, Thank you so very much for the Christmas gift. After a particularly trying year, it was so needed and so appreciated! Thank you so much for all your support. Christy Escalante

7 Page 7 Council Retreat The first Church Council retreat will be held February 3 rd after the Soup for the Soul lunch from approximately 12:00 until 3:00. Pastor Linda will lead members in discussing: What are we called to do? What does the ministry mean? How can we put the ministries in action? Stay tuned for updates! Please join us for a Valentine s Day potluck on February 17 right after service. All you ll need is your favorite dish and your beautiful or handsome smile! We ll provide the conversation. Hope to see you there! Afraid of change? We re not! PLEASE START SAVING YOUR CHANGE FOR THE NEXT NOISY OFFERING MARCH 31! St. Timothy s Wednesday Music Programs Bells practice begins at 6:30 p.m. and chancel choir practice at 7:30 p.m. The monthly deadline for newsletters is the second Friday of the month. Lunch Bunch will be held February 6, Please join us in the fellowship hall! Bible Study is held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursdays in February except February 14. There will be no Bible Study on the second Thursdays of the month. All are welcome, so please join us! Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, Lydia Circle will meet at 1:30 p.m. on February 12, Every woman of St. Timothy s is invited to join us. Piecemakers will meet on Tuesday, February 19, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. There are many non-sewing tasks that need your help. Please call Bonnie Depperman at if you have any questions. Dorcas Circle will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.

8 February Birthdays 02 Kelly Horn 15 Jack Larson 05 Bruce Larrabee 17 Shelby Kelly 06 Britt Ransom 22 Roxanne Price 07 Nancy Reu 28 Frank Bernhardt 11 Ruben Jordan Brian Kelly 13 Joseph Jordan February Anniversaries 05 Ruben Jordan & Nancy Kerr March Birthdays 01 Brian Spilker 18 Jolena Wallace 02 Coy Gibson 20 Preston Compton Christopher Gibson Paul Marinko 03 Don Niedringhaus 21 Jonathan Larson 06 Brenda Maloney Mike Reu Beckie Tompkins 23 Mike Burr 09 Niki Downey 24 Katie Mazowieski 10 Martha Black 25 Shayla Wallace 14 Jack Harper 26 Hadley Costello Noah Ransom 28 Sandy Kelly Richard Whitehouse Julie Larson 15 Pat Stephens Danny Downey March Anniversaries 05 Danny & Niki Downey 26 Gerald & Michelle Williams Soup for the Soul Soup for the Soul will be held Sunday, February 3 immediately following worship. A variety of soup, breads, and desserts will be available and donations will be accepted. Please join us! All proceeds will go to Food for the Soul.