ST. PAUL S LUTHERAN CHURCH The CALLER Our Mission: Empowering others with the Good News of Jesus Christ: Making Connections, Enriching Faith, Nourishing Lives, and Demonstrating love in God s Name April 2015 at St. Paul s Morning Prayer Tuesdays at 7:00 am. Bible Study at 10 a.m. Tuesdays April 7, 14, 21 Thursdays at 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal Sat. Apr. 4 & 18 9:00 Men s Club Breakfast & Bible Study all men are welcome! Wed. Apr. 8 10:00 Comforters meet in the Parish Hall to make blankets, lap robes and prayer shawls. Brown bag lunch with Pr. Steve (Note date change) Thurs. Apr. 9 Noon Retired Folks April Foolishness reverse lunch (starting with dessert!) Sign up in the back narthex by Easter Day (April 5) Tues. Apr. 14 7:00 Council 6:00:00 Eggertsville Community Org. Sun. Apr. 26 Finance Committee meeting after worship Remember if you re scheduling a meeting or an event, check the planning calendar on the board by the offices to make sure space is available! Or call or e-mail the Church Office: (835-0407 or office@stpaulseggertsville.org) Worship at St. Paul s I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord Psalm 122:1 Apr. 2 Maundy Thursday 6:00 Pot Luck Supper 7:00 Holy Communion & Stripping the Altar Apr. 3 Good Friday 2:00 Community Worship - 7:00 Tenebrae at St. Paul s Apr. 5 EASTER DAY! - Pr Steve 6:00 Sunrise Holy Communion 10:00 Festival Holy Communion Apr. 12 2nd Sunday of Easter - Pr. Charlie Greene 9:00 Sacred Conversations 10:00 Holy Communion Apr. 19 3rd Sunday of Easter Youth Sunday 9:00 Sacred Conversations 10:00 Holy Communion Apr. 26 4th Sunday of Easter - Pr. Steve 9:00 Sacred Conversations 10:00 Holy Communion Nursery Care is available at the 10:00 worship time. An usher can direct you to the Nursery if you need this service. St. Paul s is a congregation of the Niagara Frontier Conference of the Upstate New York Synod Of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
P AGE 2 APRIL2015 From Pastor Steve Friends and Members of St. Paul s, It s coming. My favorite and least favorite morning of the year. Easter. There s nothing Resurrection-ish for me when my alarm goes off at 4am to get ready for the Sunrise Service. I hate it actually. Didn t Jesus die on the cross so I could sleep until 6:15am like normal? Well, I guess there is more to the story. But every Easter, up we go. Off in the dark. Balancing unconsciousness and conscious action while trying to pour coffee into a cup. Out the door into the cold. Into the car and on the road as I put it in Drive and try to contemplate many and various ways to eliminate this service from our programmatic options. Or make the sun rise at 8am. Arriving, I walk through the office. Gather my thoughts, run through my sermon notes, find my bulletin. Refill my coffee. Twice. The Christ is Risen s from everyone named Wolf start to echo through the dim light at church. I muster a response. "Indeed. I find some robes and walk into the darkness at the front of church, standing near the street. There s a fire going at the foot of sanctuary steps and for some strange reason, a multitude of people already gathered there. And then I start to read the Story again as I walk toward the group and the darkness begins to fade. I walk up the steps finishing the Scriptural story that a long time ago, in a very similar spiritual darkness, others walked into on that first Easter to find emptiness. And actually fullness. Completed. Promise. Fulfilled. On those steps, I walk into Easter. The Already. And the Not Yet. And the darkness fades away even more. As you approach Holy Week this year, the individual steps of already and not yet, may your hesitancy fade, your devotion be rewarded, and the parts and pieces of that promise become tangible. And into those parts, that sometimes come with unimaginable darkness, may the dawning light and hope of Easter break forth like that familiar Scriptural story walking up behind you. And may your hear the profound words that maybe you ve heard before, allowing them to break you from your malaise: He is not here. Christ is Risen. Blessings this Easter, ps
T HE CALLER P AGE 3 Friday, April 24, 2015 At 6:00 p.m. is the Annual Lutheran Awards Banquet in the Richard Seibold Auditorium at Greenfield Manor The Rev. Dr. Ralph W. Loew Award Ron Peters, All Saints, Hamburg Edward Kinkel Scholarships Sarah Lewars North Park; Mitchell Marcin All Saints Magi Awards to members of North Park, Holy Trinity and St. John, W. Seneca The cost is $45/person and reservations are needed by April 10. Reservation forms are available in the Church Office. Pray for the Church! every day at 3:16 p.m. Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Amen THANKS: From Diane Walser Thank you so much for praying for me and also for the beautiful comfort shawl. I have used the shawl so many mornings after I come home from my treatments and it is a warm remembrance of your kindness. May God bless you all with good health and happiness. (Diane was given a prayer shawl by Barb Walter after it and Diane were part of the prayers at the Adult Retreat)
Youth & Sunday School Corner YOUTH EVENTS in APRIL! Overnight at St. Paul's! - If you are in 6-12 grade, join us for an overnight youth event on Friday, April 17th! Other Lutheran Youth groups will be invited to join in the fun. Danny Sileo will help to lead a night of fellowship, devotions, learning about God's word, games, prayer and fun! Pizza and snacks provided. See Danny or Kristen Arends for details. Youth Sunday, April 19th We're excited to have our middle school and high school youth leading the service this Sunday! We hope you will worship with us as St. Paul's youth lead us in worship by reading the Lessons, leading some songs, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. From the Sunday School Directors: Sunday School continues to go well each week! We continue to have between 4 and around 12 young people who are learning about God's love, making crafts, reading the Bible, and singing songs each week. Thanks to our volunteer teachers this Spring: Christine Shanley and Karen Freeburg for sharing their time, talents, and wisdom with our young people. Thanks also to our parents who share their wonderful, energetic kids with us each week, and thanks to the young people for bringing their energy and joy to Sunday School! Note: There will be no Sunday School Classes on Easter Sunday, April 5th, so that families can worship together on this most joyous day of the year! Peace and joy! Adam & Kristen Arends CROSS TRAINING (aka Confirmation Class) April 2015 March was all about sacraments! 2 weeks on Baptism (1 Bible Study, 1 in Church) 2 weeks on Communion (1 Bible & Art Study, 1 in Church) We set up Communion in Church on March 22. Everybody Join Us at 9:30am on Saturday, March 28! Help Dave make Communion Bread for Palm Sunday & Easter (in the Kitchen) OR Help Judi strip the palms for Palm Sunday & learn how to make palm crosses NO CLASS ON EASTER SUNDAY! April is Confession & Office of the Keys to end the Small Catechism Spoiler Alert!!! Confirmation for Makayla Kulikowski & Brittany Paplham June 7, 2015 at 10am Adult Ed Opportunities: From the Parish Register Sacred Conversations Sundays at 9 a.m. with informal Communion following. Men s Club 9:00 Saturdays 4/4 and 4/18 Men of the congregation meet for Bible Study and breakfast. Tuesday Bible Study April. 7, 14, 21 at 10:00 Anyone available in the morning is welcome! St. Pauli s Brewers Beer-brewing & Bible study for men. TBA New Members We welcome you into the Lord s Family Lisa & David Gottler, Alex & Kaci, Kevin Hine & Jason Vaclavik, Lora Vahue, Kathy & Paul Widmayer Please welcome these folks warmly! Funerals: Into your hands O merciful Savior Georgia R. Fillmore Mandy Leigh Burton + + +
Baby Blessings Basics at Crossroads Two and a half years ago 3 people met in a quiet corner of a local restaurant and took notes on a paper table cloth and Baby Blessings was born. This is a ministry of Crossroads Lutheran Church in Amherst and serves any parent who cannot afford baby clothes for their child. It works just like a food pantry - we receive donations and then give them away! Parents need to have a referral form from an agency or congregation/pastor and then we gladly fill a bag with appropriate items. In 2014 approximately 2600 items of clothing were given out and approximately 125 children were served. Donations have come from as far away as Lyndonville. We are always in need of clothing (up to 4T) or blankets but no toys or equipment. There is a shed in the parking lot (4640 Main St. at Burroughs) where donations may be dropped off at any time. Thanks for all your support and prayers. Adult Social Group Kick-off Progressive Dinner Saturday, May 2 nd Mark your calendar and plan to attend the Saint Paul s Adult Social Group s progressive dinner on Saturday, May 2nd. We will meet at several houses for dinner with your destination determined by pulling names out of a hat and then gather together for dessert at another house hopefully a large one!! Following dessert we will come up with ideas for future activities some ideas include meeting for Shakespeare in the Park, Curling at Canalside, a wine tour, crosscountry skiing, group cooking lessons the possibilities are endless! A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex so we know how many will attend and who is willing to host. All hosts will prepare the same type of main course (e.g. chicken or pork) but everything else is up to the cooks discretion. We will collect a nominal fee to cover the cost of meat and wine. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to be a host call Hilde Neubauer @ 835-5518 or Mimi Fierle @ 861-2683. Hey! Look under there! Under where? Ha ha, you said underwear! The funniest joke ever when you were young, right? Unless your family was so poor they could not afford underwear. As my Lenten project this year, I have chosen to support Underwearness. This organization s mission is to help needy children with this basic clothing item. Often struggling parents can barely afford clothing, and they omit what can t be seen. I hope to collect enough underwear for 40 kids in the 40 days of Lent. Can you help? Can you ask just one other person to help? There is an appropriately adorned box(er) in the meeting area in which you may place BRAND NEW ON- LY (PLEASE!) children s underwear. Any size, any type, undershirts, underpants, boy or girls- any and all appreciated! Thank you for your support! Any questions, please contact Gail Singer at evansmom@roadrunner.com or 866-7833
APRIL2015 ebay News from Sara Gallagher April 2015 Since last report we have sold: Vintage 8 jointed plastic doll Vintage Betsy Wetsy Doll Sid Gardner print in wooden frame Unfinished Santa and Friends counted cross stitch project. Use of ebay Funds We are looking into having monitors installed in the sanctuary to use for presentations. Pastor Steve has been using media as a tool and this will eliminate the need to set up a temporary screen at floor level and provide a good view for everyone. I am looking for folks to work on this. Maybe you have done this type of installation or purchase for your job or organization you belong to. Maybe you just want to make sure it is done right or want to know more about the details. Maybe you are familiar with the building and could offer incite into the logistics. If you are willing to help, make calls, offer advice, ask around whatever, please contact me or speak to Pastor or any Council member. I can be reached by email at SaraJG@aol.com, find me at church, or call 834-1833. Worship Schedule Sunday Mornings: 9:00 Sacred Conversa ons followed by informal Communion 10:00 Holy Communion Daily Prayer: 7:00 a.m. Tuesdays Who Are Prayer Shawls for?? People in the congregation, friends, coworkers, family people who are sick, home-bound, grieving, going through difficult times anyone who needs to know they are wrapped in prayer! And if you know someone who needs a prayer shawl, we have them! Speak with Marilyn Emerson or Jean Brundage and they ll help you choose one for the need! When Should You Call the Church Office? To arrange for a Baptism To schedule a wedding date and pre-marital counseling sessions Anytime you or a family member is in the hospital (including having a baby!) If there is a death in the family If you move or change your phone number (we have to pay the post office for returned mail!) When you need to talk with a Pastor... Do you get our E-mail Updates? Every week (and sometimes more often!) an e-mail update goes out from the Church Office to remind you of coming events, and to inform you of things in the life of the congregation that happen between Sundays. If you re not on the list receiving these and you would like to be, just contact the Church Office with your e-mail address 835-0407and let Mary know you want to be added. We need your permission to add your e-mail to the list. When there s a situation you think we need to know about...
T HE CALLER APRIL 2015 Reaching Beyond St. Paul s Pantry Food for April is dry pasta (spaghetti, elbows, etc.) and sauce. Please pick up some when you shop! And gently used bedding and household linens are needed for the Threads of Hope Linens Pantry. Making an IMPACT! It s exciting to see all the folks who are interested in personally sponsoring a student in Grace School in Haiti. We've got 12 sponsors and counting, in addition to the child we will be sponsoring as a congregation. So great to provide an education to so many children! If anyone is interested in volunteer opportunities look here!! **St. Paul's and Zion in Clarence Center will be continuing our Habitat for Humanity volunteering. The days will be the 2nd Saturday each month. So our next day will be April 12, again from 9-3. Look for a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. **Hearts for Homeless is a nightly outreach that provides meals and clothes to individuals living on the streets in Buffalo. If you have a few hours on a Saturday night to prepare and hand out meals, connect with either Elisabeth or Lora Vahue. (And if you have any warm winter clothes donations, too. We can collect those as well) Finally, for those of you that were a part of the Thrivent Action Team Grants discussion, every member at St. Paul's has an opportunity to impact the world with a grant of $250 at no cost to any of us. if you haven't signed up to be a Thrivent Member, do so soon! Stay tuned for more information post-easter! And always be brainstorming ways that $250 can impact our community here. elisabeth@stpaulseggertsville.org TRANQUI This article was written by Hannah Watson who is spending a year in Argentina as part of the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program, a ministry of the ELCA. Currently, over seventy 21-29 year olds are spending a year of service in one of 12 countries to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, providing critical support to ministries and projects in communities of need. Tranqui" means, relax, no big deal, it's all good, don't worry about it. I am told this a lot; when I'm running late because I had to wait for the bus for over 40 minutes, when I'm frustrated because I can't find the Spanish word for something, or when my site-placements all have something going on the same day and I'm not sure I can make it to everything. I am often too hard on myself, so it's always great to hear. During the summer, much was tranqui. Both CreArte and Petisos, two of my placement sites, took vacations for the summer, and many of my friends also had time off. My community told me to "disfruta el verano," to enjoy the summer. I spent New Year's Day at the beach with my madrina, Laura, and her family. I drank mate at the beach with friends. I read books. I went to a youth camp with my church in El Bolson. We participated in theological discussions, went on hikes, and led a service with Pastor Reiner near the Rio Azul on the Sunday morning of camp. I've been learning "to be" more than "to do." "To be" is to give a part of myself. While I can't tell you that I've built houses this year, I can tell you that when working with CreArte, I hold some of the students hands while going up and down the stairs so they feel safer. I lead the adults who are physically able to in running, and I love when some come up to me afterwards and tell me how much they love running, and that we share a hobby. I play guitar for church services even though I'm still incredibly shy about playing and singing. I sit with the kids at Petisos, and hope I am helping them make even a small progress on their reading and writing skills, as it hurts my heart to see them struggling. I know that when I return to the United States in five months, I will not be the same person that left, and that's OK. I will only truly be "tranqui" by trusting God letting go and putting all my joys and brokenness in God's hands. Your mission dollars help support Hannah and the other YAGM. Thank you! Dash s Receipts = Cash! Please continue to save your Dash s register tapes and place them in the collection box in the back narthex. They provide a source of extra income which enables the Niagara Lutheran Health System Guild to enrich the lives of the residents do
St. Paul s Lutheran Church 4007 Main Street Eggertsville NY 14226 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit #3595 Buffalo New York ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Coming in May Morning Prayer Tuesdays at 7:00 am. Bible Study May 5, 12, 19 Men s Club 9:00 Breakfast & Bible Study May 2, 16, 30 Wed. May 6 10:00 Comforters/Prayer Shawl meet in the Parish Hall Tues. May 12 7:00 Council 7:00 Eggertsville Community Org. Friday-Saturday May 29-30 Upstate NY Synod Assembly in Rochester St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church Our Mission: Empowering others with the Good News of Jesus Christ: Making Connections, Enriching Faith, Nourishing Lives, and Demonstrating love in God s Name Pastor: The Rev. Steve Biegner (868-1232 cell) Editor: Mary E. Wolf Assemblers: Dorothy Menth, Marilyn Emerson, Betty Arbogast, Dolores Shearer, Marion Schwertz, Marilynn Speich, Norma Stevenson, Joyce Chace, Joan Maefs Telephone: (716) 835-0407 Fax: (716) 836-3493 e-mail: office@stpaulseggertsville.org Web: www.stpaulseggertsville.org