Zion Echoes December 2016

Transcription

1 December 2016 Zion Lutheran Church To be together growing in Christ, to be His message to others 557 Perry Highway Harmony, PA Hello Zion Lutheran Church! I am writing you as your Local Interim Pastor; which means that I am on call 20 hours a month as your Pastor until you have a Full Time Interim or call your next Pastor. A Local Interim is a Pastor that already serves a congregation in the area. In my case, I serve full time at Oak Grove Lutheran Church in New Sewickley Township (by Cranberry Highlands Golf Course). Oak Grove being best known recently for our Community Garden, which donated 2,221 pounds of fresh produce to the Rochester Salvation Army Food Shelf this year. A little about myself: I was born in Washington State (far north eastern part) in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Growing up, my Dad had one rule in the house, You go to Church on Sunday morning! So I went to church every Sunday and loved it. I did my undergraduate work in a small college called Trinity Lutheran College, where I met my wife Tricia. We have been married for 12 years. We both earned a Master s Degree from Luther Seminary which is located in St Paul Minnesota. I was installed as Pastor at Oak Grove Lutheran Church in 2012 where I still serve as the full time solo pastor (and love it)! My wife and I have two children; Zachary is seven years old and Bethany is four years old. In addition to being a full time Pastor, father, and husband I serve on our Synod Council, Synod Stewardship Committee, Boy Scouts (Troop 444), and as an administrator for a Christian afterschool program called Good News Club. That said, please know that I am available to you by appointment when you are in need of Pastoral care and am honored to serve God alongside of you. I would encourage you to stay active in the work and life of the church in this time of transition. Our corner of the world needs faithful people like you living faithful lives every day. While you will not see me at worship please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers, that I will be working with your leadership behind the scenes, and that I am only a phone call/text or away! Cell: pastorchristman@gmail.com Blessings to you! Pastor Nathaneil Christman

2 All SAintS SundAy All Saints Sunday was celebrated on November 6 th. The following people have entered the Kingdom since All Saints Day Twila Caulkins Bill Collins Lois Davis Abby Domhoff Dennis Graham James Kristophel Iris Lafayette Barbara McCaffrey Ken Strohecker Once again, it s time to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. This is a great way to spread the love of Christ during the Christmas season. Zion is scheduled to ring the bell on Friday, December 2 nd. Please see the sign-up sheet on the bulletin to schedule your hour. Our special offering envelope for December is Christmas Eve. This year Council has elected to use the monies from this offering to support our missionary, Kirsten Laderach. Please give generously so that these she can continue this important work! SING! I am a terrible singer, but that doesn t stop me from singing in church, in the shower, when I m walking alone, and when I m around other people. I just can t help it. None of us can. To sing is to be human. It s wonderful, and I love it, even though I can t carry a tune in a bucket. So it s a good thing that God loves our singing. Whether you are a great singer or a terrible one doesn t matter. Neither does the venue. It really is the thought that counts. God loves us and loves to hear us. To God, they re all joyful noises. Whether you are an opera star or you sing like me, just sing! Lift up your voice! Let God know how thankful you are, how wonderful God is. Give God all the glory and thanks and praise you can. Not only does it please God, but it feels pretty great, too. Sing! Sing to the Lord a new song, an old song, any song. Just sing, and let God be praised! ---from Christ in Our Home

3 Serving Zion this month Ushers December 4: Trudy Levere December 11: Doug Trimble December 18: Paul Blinn December 24: Marsha Davis December 25: George Measel Greeters December 4: Carl & Betty Miller December 11: Bill & Nancy Warner December 18: Debbie Muders & Peg Kaltenbach December 24: Doug & Chris Trimble December 25: Tom & Sally Davis Money Counters December 4: Tom Davis & Tom Bickert December 11: Chris Trimble & Goldie Rader December 18: Pam Ferrainolo & Marsha Davis December 24: Chris Trimble & Tom Meyer December 25: Marsha Davis & Tom Bickert Bulletin Sponsors December 4: Chris & Doug Trimble December 11: Available December 18: Available December 24: Rosemarie Zebell December 25: Marsha Davis If you are unable to serve on your Sunday, please trade with someone. Bulletins may be sponsored with a donation of $15 per week, to offset the cost of the bulletins, and can be given to the glory of God, in memory of someone, or in honor of someone. Note Bulletins in the memo section of your check, and please call Melissa in the office if you d like to sponsor the bulletins. Flowers may be given on the altar any Sunday. There are forms on the bulletin board in the entryway. Ask Melissa if you have questions.

4 Birth Pangs But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Matthew 24:8 When will Christ return? This question has been pondered much through the generations. The imminence of His coming provides the backdrop for everything the Christian does. Christ has not revealed exactly when He will come, but He has told us signs to watch for. The time of His coming is unclear; the fact of His coming is certain. Jesus said that certain events would signal the nearness of His coming: There will be wars and rumors of wars; there will be famines and earthquakes; Christians will suffer persecution for the sake of Christ; false prophets will come and teach heresy, leading many astray; lawlessness will abound as people do what is right in their own eyes; the authorities will be unable to control crime. Because of lawlessness, people will become cynical and fearful, and their love for others will grow cold (Matthew 24:6-12). Jesus said that the signs of the end times will be like birth pangs. The pain of childbirth increases in frequency, and it increases in intensity. Jesus said that the presence of war or famine or false teachers does not mean that His coming is upon us. These things, He said, are merely the beginning. He said that the frequency of wars, earthquakes, and crime will increase until finally Christ s return brings everything to a finish. The intensity of wars and famines and other human crises will also escalate. Our day has seen everything Jesus spoke of reach unprecedented proportions. If there were ever a time Christians should be alert to Jesus coming, it is today. --Experiencing God Day By Day Henry T. Blackaby & Richard Blackaby Ellwood City Chorale Once again the Ellwood City Chorale will come to Zion for a Christmas concert. The concert is slated for Sunday, December 11 th, at 3:00. This group has been together for many years, visiting churches and other places to share their love of the music and the Christmas season. Cookies and punch will follow; bring your family and friends for a wonderful concert that will surely get you into the Christmas spirit! Thanks to all who attended the Congregational Meeting. A new budget was passed and a new council was elected. The following folks will be your new council: Linda Armstrong, Tom Bickert, Marsha Davis, Pam Ferrainolo, Shirley Fichter, Al Stephens, Evelyn Stephens, and Chris Trimble. If you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions please bring them to anyone on council. We also appointed deacons for 2017 at the meeting. They are Tom Bickert, Marsha Davis, Pam Ferrainolo, Joretta Kennedy, and Doug Trimble. These people are very important to us as it will be their job to help each of our supply pastors on a weekly basis. If you feel called to become a deacon, please see one of these folks to offer your help.

5 Upcoming events for December are as follows: December 4 th : Monthly birthday and anniversary celebration with cake. December 11 th : Brief social hour. Ellwood City Chorale at 3:00 with cookie/coffee/punch fellowship to follow. December 18: Why go home and cook when you can join us after worship for rigatoni, salad, Italian bread and dessert? A free-will offering will be taken. December 24: Join us for a special birthday cake for baby Jesus following our worship service. December 25: No social hour. Merry Christmas from everyone at Zion! January 1: Happy New Year! Please join us for a brief social hour after church, and have a piece of New Year s pretzel! Once again it is time to find out who has been thinking of and praying for you for the last year. Join us on Dec. 5 th at 6:30 for dinner, games, and the revelation of your special person. The cost of the evening will be $ A sign-up sheet has been posted on the bulletin board. Let us know if you will be joining us. Not a secret sister right now but would like to join this happy group? Sign up on the list and bring a wrapped $10.00 gift to exchange with another new member. Come and join this special group of ladies who keep you in their thoughts and prayers for the new year. Attention Hunters! Hunters Share the Harvest is Pennsylvania s charitable venison donation program for hunters who wish to share their extra venison. A statewide network of participating butchers donate their services and coordinate the meat deliveries to provider organizations such as food pantries across the state, including our own Southwest Butler Food Cupboard here at Zion. All you need to do is take your catch to a participating butcher in Butler County and designate the venison be donated specifically to our Food Cupboard. Participating butchers include Rome s Meat & Deli, McKruit s Custom Meat Cutting, Bims Boloney, and T.A. Giger Deer processing. More information can be found at or by contacting Tom Rossman at or tomr2041@zoominternet.net. Adult Sunday School News The Adult Sunday School class will be finishing The Story in the next two weeks. This was a two year walk through the Bible. Next, Saundi Hoffman will be bringing in the movie The War Room, a compelling drama with humor and heart that explores the power that pray can have on our lives. In 2017, Luther s Small Catechism will be studied and discussed. New class members are always welcome, so come and join this group every Sunday morning at 9:15.

6 Dear Zion Members, We would like to continue the important service of providing funeral luncheons to our members. However, due to the limited number of people in our congregation, WELCA will be changing our menu. We will provide ham for the meat, scalloped potatoes, and a vegetable. We will be asking for donations of salad and a few desserts ONLY. This will allow our members to donate food less often. As always, monetary donations will be accepted to maintain our food supplies. As our congregation increases we will reevaluate our menu if necessary. Thank you for all who have been faithful in their donations in the past. There are 30 books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you find them? This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo; Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That s a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight. Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found. God bless. Answers next month!

7 Minutes of Council Meeting, Monday, Nov. 14, 2016 Attendees: Chris Trimble, treasurer Shirley Fichter, Tom Davis, Goldie Rader, Tom Bickert, Pam Ferrainolo, Marsha Davis and Tom Meyer. Also in attendance was Pastor Nathaneil Christman of Oak Grove Lutheran Church in New Sewickley Township. Absent: Kathy Gilkey, who sent a letter of resignation that read: I m sure that this comes to you as no surprise. I am resigning effective today (Nov. 7, 2016) from my two-year term as a member of Congregation Council. I will be seeking another place of worship where God will lead me. Council accepted her resignation, with regret, on a motion by Tom Davis and second by Marsha. Secretary s Report: Shirley reported that there were two errors on the September financial report. The checking account balance as of Sept. 30, 2016, should have been $54, The attendance figure in September was mistakenly reported as attendance for August. Council also reviewed the minutes from the special meeting on Oct. 24, The changes listed by Shirley and the Oct. 24 minutes were approved on a motion by Tom Davis and second by Pam. Treasurer s Report: October 2016 As of 10/31/16 As of 9/30/16 Checking $ 57, $ 54, Petty Cash Cash Balance $ 57, $ 54, Less: Capital Improvements 16, , Less: Designated Funds 32, , Less: Payroll Tax Withholding (83.46) Current Budgeted Funds Available $ 8, $ 7, Contributions by envelope and plate for October (5 Sundays) were $12, Compared to our budgeted amount of $12, giving was $ less than was needed to meet monthly budget. Receipts exceeded our budgeted amount on two Sundays last month. Envelope giving to date in 2016 totals $106, (44 Sundays), and we are $5, under budget. It is important to understand that although our checking account shows $57, most of that money is in designated accounts and can only be used for that specific account. The amount that we actually have to pay our bills is $8, Our average weekly attendance for October was 49. Rex Energy Miscellaneous (Account #980) Opening Balance was $6, October receipts were $ October disbursements were $29.67 (Cemetery Association). Ending balance for October was $6, Shirley reported that the electric bill at the parsonage is well over budget, due in large part to a rate increase. It had gone from $130-$140 per month to about $255 per month. Chris will look into options for cheaper electric purchase. Also, our giving through Nov. 13, 2016, is $6, behind what we projected in the 2016 budget, although we are meeting all of our financial obligations to date. The treasurer s report was approved on a motion by Tom Davis and second by Goldie. Pastor s Report: Pastor s report shows 5 services, 4 Sunday School classes, 1 Confirmation class, 1 funeral (Barbara McCaffrey), 1 death (Dennis Graham), 3 wedding (premarital, rehearsal, and wedding), 10 hospital visits, 8 home visits, 2 phone visits, 4 fellowship events, 2 days teaching at Butler High School, 6 meetings, Bishop s Convocation, and vacation from Oct Mileage was 390 miles (plus tolls)=$222.70

8 OLD BUSINESS Door installation: The crew of Amish workers from New York had estimated it would take one day to do the installation, but ran into problems and it took three days. Their estimate of $800 for the work was based on having a driver bring them here at a cost of $250 for the day. Since it took three days, most of the $800 went toward transportation. The Food Cupboard paid an additional $500 to the workers, and three council members Marsha, Pam and Tom Davis said they would make donations totaling $500 to the church, with the money to then be donated back to the Food Cupboard. The doors will be dedicated on Sunday, Nov. 27, although the stained glass will not be placed in the doors because Dave Kennedy is still working on that project. Annual Budget: Chris presented a proposed 2017 budget that will be presented to the congregation at the Nov. 20 annual meeting. Council reviewed it and two minor changes were made: increasing the flower fund from $50 to $75 and the fire alarm service from $350 to $370. The proposed budget was approved on a motion from Tom Meyer and second by Marsha. Annual Meeting: There was much discussion about the Nov. 20 annual meeting and finding council members. We need to have at least seven council members, but can have as many as 12, according to our constitution. We also need more deacons, as we only have three returning. It was determined that we do not have a provision in our constitution that limits terms on council, but we should update the constitution because of some confusion and vagueness. Pastor Christman suggested that the update be a priority for the next council and said there is a synod committee that can supply assistance. Chris said that in addition to electing council members and deacons, and approving a budget, congregation members will have the opportunity to speak at the meeting. Council also set the council retreat for Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, from 1-4 p.m. Pastor s Luncheon: The fellowship committee will provide a lasagna dinner after service on Nov. 27 as a thank-you to Pastor Love and to give congregation members an opportunity to socialize with her. NEW BUSINESS Local Interim Pastor: Pastor Nathaneil Christman has agreed to serve as our local interim pastor. He will provide 20 hours per month of service to the congregation and we will pay him $500 per month. He will not be available for Sunday services because he is the full-time pastor at Oak Grove Lutheran in New Sewickley Township, Beaver County. He will be available for council meeting, visitations, weddings and funerals, but asks that he be notified as soon as possible when needed so he can plan accordingly. He can be reached by phone at , or at pastorchristman@gmail.com. A local interim is not the same as an Intentional Interim, who would essentially serve as the temporary pastor for Zion. Pastor Christman said it could take a while before an Intentional Interim is found and assigned to us, and there is a possibility we could call a new pastor before that happens. Pastor Christman has been married for 12 years and he and his wife have two children. His wife is a part-time chaplain at Glade Run. Pastor Christman will lead Sunday worship at Zion on Dec. 4 as a way to introduce himself to the congregation. Christmas Services: The worship committee had originally planned to have Christmas Eve services at 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. However, due to the lack of supply pastors, we will only have service at 7:30 p.m. with Pastor Susie Esseck leading worship. Tom Bickert and Marsha will serve as deacons for the Christmas Day service at 10:30 a.m. and lead a service of lessons and carols. Newsletters/Bulletins: Tom Davis suggested having our newsletter sent to inactive members to keep them aware of what is happening in the church. We no longer send it through a bulk-mail permit, but Tom said the adult Sunday School class is willing to pay for the permit and to handle the folding and labeling of newsletters. Chris will check into the cost and procedure for using bulk mailing once again. Also, Shirley suggested that a bulletin be sent to the families we pray for each week if they are not in church with a note to let them know they were missed. Marsha Davis volunteered to handle the mailing. TEAM REPORTS Property: Tom Davis reported that new outside lights have been installed near the Food Cupboard doors.

9 There was discussion about replacing the florescent lights in the social hall, hallway and kitchen with LED lights, especially since the ballasts in the old lights need to be replaced as well. Tom Davis said the LED lights cost $ for eight or more, and there are 32 lights that need to be replaced. Oscar Domhoff was asked if memorial money he had contributed could be used for the lights, and he has agreed. The total will be about $3,500, with memorial money of $2,500 being used and the remaining $1,000 coming from the Rex Energy funds. Council approved the plan on a motion from Marsha and second by Tom Davis. Fellowship: The following events are planned for December: Dec. 4: Monthly birthday and anniversary celebration cake. Dec. 11: Brief social hour after service. At 3 p.m., the Ellwood City Area Civic Chorale will be here. It s an experience you won t want to miss. So, please come and join us for some great Christmas music and after the concert we will have cookies, coffee and punch. Dec. 18: Come and join us for worship, then stay for social hour as the fellowship team prepares lunch for you. Why go home and cook when you can join us for rigatoni, salad, Italian bread and dessert? A free-will offering will be taken. Dec. 24: After the 7:30 p.m. service, please join us we celebrate the birth of Jesus with a special birthday cake. Dec. 25: No social hour after service. Have a Merry Christmas from everyone at Zion Lutheran Church and the fellowship team. Jan. 1: Happy New Year! Please join us for a brief social hour after church for a piece of New Year s pretzel. Meeting Human Needs: Marsha reported that the Turkey Trot winner will be announced on Nov. 20. The Operation Christmas Child deadline has been extended to Nov. 20, as well. We will be ringing the bell at Bi-Lo on Friday, Dec. 2. A sign-up sheet will be posted. The ELCA Good Gifts ornaments will be on the tree on Nov. 27 Worship: In addition to the changes in Christmas services previously noted, Tom Bickert presented the following worship committee report from Nov. 2: Present: Pastor Love, Kathy Gilkey, Pam Ferrainolo, Marsha Davis, Rosemarie Zebell and Tom Bickert. Supply pastors for two services in November will be Pastor Yvonne Thickey on Nov. 13 and Pastor Susie Esseck on Nov. 20. Pastor s Love last service will be on Nov. 27. Synod officials will be in getting in touch with us about setting up supply pastors for December and beyond. They will also be looking for an interim pastor for us. The committee reviewed plans for services during the Christmas season. We will have Christmas Eve services at 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., and a Christmas Day service at our regular worship time, 10:30 a.m. There will be communion at all three services. Changes were also made to the deacon assignments through the end of year because Kathy Gilkey will be stepping down as a deacon. Pam, Tom and Marsha will handle the deacon duties through the end of the year. Next meeting: Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. after choir practice. Christian Education: Pam reported that as of now, it does not look as though we will have a children s Christmas program. Pam will continue to work at it, but we are running out of time. Stewardship: No other business other than the proposed budget. Every Member Involvement: Goldie reported the October count was 24 visits, eight calls and 36 cards sent. Executive Team: No report. Next Meeting: Money counters for December were assigned. Pam will handle devotions in December. The December meeting will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned around 10 p.m. on a motion by Tom Davis and second by Marsha. Council members prayed the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Tom Bickert, acting council secretary