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 February 2016 at St. Paul s Saturday Feb. 13 & 27 at 9 am Men s Club Breakfast & Bible Study Tuesdays Feb. 2, 9, 16-10 am Bible Study - Sunday Readings Thursdays 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal all voice parts are welcome no auditions! Wed. Feb. 3 10:00 Comforters & Prayer Shawl Team meet in the Parish Hall Tues. Feb. 9 6:00 Council 7:00 Eggertsville Community Org Lent Begins Ash Wednesday Feb,.10 Lenten theme this year will be Prayer. Instead of weekly worship gatherings, Pr. Steve will set the Sanctuary, Gathering Area and Fellowship Room with Prayer Stations for people to use through the 40 days anytime. Thurs. Feb. 11 Noon Retired Folks Soup Lunch (provided) & learn about lovebirds Martin & Katie Luther 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 Feb. 7 Transfiguration 9:00 Confirmation Class 10:00 Holy Communion 10:00 Sunday School Ash Wed. 7 p.m. Ashes & Holy Communion Feb. 14 1st Sunday in Lent 9:00 Confirmation Class 10:00 Holy Communion 10:00 Sunday School Renewal of Wedding Vows Feb. 21 2nd Sunday in Lent 9:00 Confirmation Class 10:00 Holy Communion 10:00 Sunday School Feb. 28 3rd Sunday in Lent 9:00 Confirmation Class 10:00 Holy Communion 10:00 Sunday School The Nursery is staffed during 10:00 worship time. 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) 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 F EBRUARY 2016 Dear Friends and Members of St. Paul s, Well, as much as my father was avoiding it, winter finally arrived. It arrived with snow, wind and the chills that come with the season. We keep track of Biegner Winter (December 1st through March 10th) and daylight hours (in relation to how light it was on the equivalent day in the fall) just to keep focused on warmer weather coming and remind yourselves of better days. Remembering is important. Culturally, we remember the special people we love on February 14th, Valentine s Day. This year, we are going to take time to make that day sacred and offering a chance to renew your wedding vows. So on February 14th at 11am, we will have our first Community Wedding Vow Renewal at St. Paul s. After worship, we will gather with whatever couples are taking part and share in a time of prayer and recommitment to the vows you made last year or maybe years ago. On February 7th from 11:15-12:30pm, we will gather for a Marriage Vow Renewal Prep Session. That day, we will get to know the couples that are taking part, reflect on the journey that is marriage and review the Vow Renewal Service. You are welcome to invite others to join in this celebration. There is no right time to do it: 3 years, 33 years or even longer. (And guys, I m giving you a great Valentine s Day gift on a platter! The vow renewal and lunch/dinner after is a home run, just saying.) Please email or call the church office to let me know and we ll put a sign up in the church entrance hallway. I hope you ll consider taking part in the powerful and fun celebration of your commitment to one another! Still in One Peace, Pastor Steve New Missionaries at St. Paul s These are certainly exciting times in this worship community and I'm thrilled that more folks want to be part of it! First steps just keep coming to church for worship, prayer, study and fellowship. Keep jumping into any and all gatherings and groups that make sense for you. Keep praying as you discern if this is the right step for you in your faith journey. Next, I'm planning to gather people after worship for a reception and a talk about St. Paul's. It will be very informal (and there will be food). I'm shooting for March 6 th at 11am and offering people the chance to join the community officially on March 13 th. Church Council members will join in too if you have questions for them. I'll have a question and answer time and, of course, kids and other family members are welcome as well. Please rsvp to this invitation via the church office (716-835-0507) or e-mail steve@stpaulseggertsville.org by Feb. 15 th.
T HE CALLER P AGE 3 In our Congregational Family Stewardship is the act of organizing your life so that God can spend you Lynn A. Miller, author Council members hosted Rev. Scott Hannon to speak on his theme Titanic Church and taking a hard look at some of the things/ways/systems we ve always done things to reinvent our presentation/ experience of a timeless gospel. It was an excellent study of how much society is changing and how the church needs to recognize changes and stay relevant. I was very pleased to see that St. Paul s has already begun the process of adapting through the dynamic leadership of Pastor Steve Biegner. A part of the presentation included the need for people to be more involved in the ownership of the church even if it is in small ways. January 31 st will be Ministry Day at St. Paul s. After the10 am worship, which will be themed around our mission and vision and Jesus' call for us to respond to his grace and love by participating in the mission, Post-It s will be handed out along with a one-page overview of our Five Areas of Ministry. The entire congregation will be invited to move through the Gathering Area and stop at the every table or the one s that spark their interest. They will take their Post-It s and place them with questions, names, thoughts, whatever on the area of their interest and engage in conversation with Council and others. Sharing your talents and ideas will be a rewarding experience to help St. Paul s be stronger for today and the future. THANKS FROM: Pamela Primerano, Social Worker Amherst Middle School: Dear. Pr. Steve, On behalf of the families in the Amherst Middle School, I would like to sincerely thank you got yhr support that you and the members of St. Paul s Lutheran Church have provided for the holiday season. The gifts and gift cards were greatly appreciated by our families! I hope this holiday season brings health, happiness and peace to you and your families! Thank you again for your support and partnership with AMS! Carolyn Catalano, Backpack Program: A very Merry Christmas to our friends at St. Paul s! THANK YOU for all your generous food donations to our Food to Home program. Our families are very thankful for your help! The Lutheran Foundation of WNY:Thank you for your contribution to the Lutheran Foundation of WNY. The Foundation enables the congregations of the Niagara Frontier to better serve their communities through grants for outreach programs and loans for capital improvements. Your contribution will be added to the Investment Fund and will help to continue the Foundation s ability to support such programs as the Lord of Life Adult and Child Services and the Refugee Driving Program at Augustana. For a Prayer Shawl: Thank you so much for the shawl. It was given to me at ECMC after breast surgery, The shawl is soooo warm! We keep our thermostat at 67, so the shawl will be well used! Thank you so much for your generosity and the love you spread. When I use my shawl, I think of and thank God for the hands that made it. From NAMI: Thank you for the space you provide all year long so that we may fulfill our mission of helping those affected by mental illness. (NAMI uses space here for their general meetings, support group meetings and seminars. NAMI stands for National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and provides support mainly to the family members of those suffering from mental illness.)
Sunday School Corner Winter Greetings from the Sunday School! We are back in full swing and so happy to see your children warming up our day even on the coldest of days! 1/3/16 -After digging through a pile of used wrapping paper left over from Christmas the children found 3 things: 1. Baby Jesus - to remind us not to let Jesus get lost in the wrappings 2. A candle to remind us to continue to let His light shine through us 3. An empty gift - to fill with our gift to others of Jesus love 1/10/16 -Next we talked about symbols - We looked at the Buffalo Bills and Sabres symbols and how by just looking at their symbols we know what and who they are. - We also have symbols in church. We learned about the Dove and how it is a symbol of God's promises and Jesus baptism. 1/17/16 - Moving on we talked about parties and that some some-times favors (treat bags) are given to the guests. In Jesus day they gave special wine to the adults somewhat like a favor. When they ran out of wine at the wedding at Cana, Jesus turned water into wine! Which is what I did through an experiment for the children! Of course I explained that my way was a trick but Jesus way was a miracle! 1/24/16 - The kids all came together older and younger and all hands were on deck for meal packaging. Where the kids really put their hands in on giving and letting their light shine to those in need! Looking forward to the weeks ahead and feeling the warmth of the children through the priceless gifts each of them have in the love they offer each week! Thank you for letting them touch my life and the life of others Peace & Love ~ June Piette Cross Training AKA Confirmation February 2016 Soup er Bowl! Did you bring in soup?? Look for the results in the Sunday Bulletin & next month in the Caller! We re learning about the Bible every week when we re done with the Jesus story. Can you name al 66 books of the Bible in order from Genesis to Revelation? (Judi & Dave want us to know all of it by then end of April! Really? REALLY!) Some of us can get to Psalms and we can do Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. Ryan s been joining us on Sunday mornings & we wonder how many he knows. SAVE THE DATE: 4th-8th Grade Winter Retreat at LCLC March 4-6, 2016 7:00 PM Friday thru11:00 AM Sunday Come enjoy a weekend of faith, friends, and fun while we explore what it means to be a person of faith. The Winter Retreat will also include: *Powerful worships and devotions Reconnecting with old camp friends and making new ones - Campfires Camp Games and activities Sledding and fun in the snow COST: $95 (Includes meals, lodging, and program) $25 of which is a non-refundable deposit YOUTH MINISTRY We had a great fall and early winter at St. Paul s and we aren t about to stop now! New friends have been coming to youth nights. In January, our Sunday School class went back to a weekly gathering instead of a few times a month. AND We re gearing up to do and lead some amazing things for the whole congregation! Youth Nights: February 12th 6:30pm 9pm In the words of one of our youth, I love coming to youth nights. It s just awesome after a long week at school and with sports to come to church and just hang out. And that s what our youth nights are about. We always have some focused God time and it s mixed in with games and food and getting to know each other in a real way. 6th-12th graders Sunday School: Every Sunday! - Discussion based on the gospel, ping pong and the occasional donut gets eaten every Sunday morning up in the youth room right after the children s sermon. Youth Room Painting: Sunday, February 7th - 11am - 1pm It s time to finish what we started. We ll stay after church to finish (or begin) painting our favorite Bible verses and quotes on the walls. And hang some of our décor. We ll do it again on Sunday, March 6th if you can t make it this time. St. Paul s Got Talent! Saturday, March 12th - 7pm -? - All of St. Paul s is welcome to join in on the fun! We ll set things up coffeehouse style and we need YOU to show off you talents for our judges. We ll need dancers, story tellers, singers, poets, jugglers, jokers and jug bands. Sure to be a hilarious night and you might learn something you didn t know about the guy who sat in your pew last week. =) Also, Christina Weber is fully on board as our Youth Ministry Intern and is doing an amazing job. If you haven t met her yet you should ask her about her cat.m Thanks for being a part of all this ministry! God's Peace, ~Kristen (KK)
Retired Folks Thurs. Feb. 11 at Noon We ll share a simple soup lunch (provided) and learn about the love-birds, in our history, Martin and Katie Luther! BIBLE STUDY We re looking at the readings for the following Sunday on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. We look at the background of the text and also talk about why it was chosen for the particular Sunday. Join us! 15 and Counting! That s how many Thrivent Action Team Projects were completed in 2015. And that s from only 10 Thrivent members! To recap the year--- Some of the grants funded activities at St. Paul s that would have been paid for from the current budget: -Paint for the Gathering Area -Games, supplies and food for the Day Camp -Supplies for the congregational picnic -New furnishings for the nursery -Food and decorations for the 90+ Luncheon -Supplies for the Men s Club Chicken BBQ -Tables and chairs for the Café @ the Curve That s a savings of $2000! Add to that the projects that benefitted the community: -Food and grocery gift cards for the School backpacks -Supplies for lap robes, prayer shawls and quilts -Toys and games for Windemere s after-school program -Food and decorations for the Reformation Bowl (profit to Lutheran Charities) -Medical supplies for Haiti -Reusable bags for the school food project And that s ANOTHER $2250, spent to help people in need. The funding cycle has begun for 2016 and Thrivent members can each apply for 2-$250 grants---either for any of the projects from 2015 or for new ideas. Already Barb Walter has used one of her grants for supplies for the goodie bags that Campus Ministry peer ministers hand out at the local colleges. (Packing the bags was an activity at the Adult Retreat). Put on your thinking caps---there are all kinds of projects waiting to be proposed. Let s try for 20 Thrivent members applying for grants. As today s kids might say, Action Teams Rock! Contact one these folks for more info: Sara Gallagher: sarajg@aol.com 834-1833 Chick/Barb Biegner : chicknbarb@verizon.net 741-4573 Pr. Steve: steve@stpaulseggertsville.org 868-1232
F EBRUARY 2016 ebay News from Sara Gallagher February 2016 Stopped putting things up for sale in mid-december. It is mid-january and I have just begun posting listings again. No sales for January yet, but with the skeleton Caller in January there are sales to report for the end of November and beginning of December. End of the year sales were: * Royal Albert Plate, Cup Saucer set, Petit Point pattern * 14 back issues of Taunton s Fine Wood Working Magazines 2006-09 * Cruet, Candleholder and Vase in blue glass and hobnail design * Royal Rose Fine China set of 4 dessert plates and cup and saucer sets * CD by Sammy Hagar: Not 4 Sale * Mountain State Muzzleloading Catalog #19, 1995-96 * Yankee Candle Sparkling Cinnamon Snowman Tea Light Holder/ candles * Department 56 Snowbabies #79456 Read Me A Story figurine * 3⅓ yards black woven silk crepe fabric * 3 yards ivory woven silk crepe fabric * Island Creek Trading Co. Cat & Fishbowl Votive * Department 56 The Original Snow Village All Saints Church and Choir Kids Unfortunately in December we had an item damaged in shipping and required giving a refund. The cost of doing business. Thanks to everyone for your donations. Keep the things coming! Email SaraJG@aol.com, find me at church, or call 834-1833. 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... When there s a situation you think we need to know about... St. Paul s Memorial Fund The following people have given donations to the Memorial Fund In Memory of Thomas Mogle: Dorothy Schugardt, Bruce & Barbara Moden Gill Podiatry Mary Hanzly Joyce & Curt Chace Sandra Hoehn Maria & Josephine Coppola In Memory of Herman Storfer: Dave Lampe Connie Umland Dick & Judy Elliott Barbara & Matthew Badack Donald Sabato, Shelly & Ken Drake Betty & Richard Venator Anna Manuel Larry & Jane Woodward From the Parish Register Deaths: Into your hands, O merciful Savior Herman Storfer Norman C. Walter 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.
T HE CALLER F EBRUARY 2016 Reaching Beyond St. Paul s Red Bags! If you would like one (or two!) of the red re-usable bags for your grocery shopping or other use, they re yours for a free-will donation. Money donated will be used to augment the Backpack donations. We re already collecting for the February distribution, so please start filling you backpack bag and bring it in! FOOD PANTRY UPDATE Thanks to you we collected The need for February is Peanut Butter and Jelly. Please pick up some when you do your grocery shopping. Who Are Prayer Shawls for?? Thanks for your continuing support of this on-going need! Lord, when did we see you hungry? People in the congregation, friends, co-workers, family people who are sick, home-bound, grieving, going through difficult times anyone who needs to know they are wrapped in prayer! 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! Here s a picture of Len Nieman, one of our 90+ -year-olds, keeping warm with a prayer shawl from his St. Paul s family! 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 and they do add up! Did you know there s a Lutheran House at the Chautauqua Institution? Did you know that Sue and Jerry Keppel are the House hosts! If you need a place to stay, why not consider it? Lutherans can now sign up for reservations. You can go on-line at lutheranhouse.org for newsletter and application. For mor e infor mation, contact Sue or Jerry at 837-4602.
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 March Tuesdays, Mar. 1, 8, 15 10:00 Bible Study Saturdays, Mar. 12 & 26 Men s Club Breakfast & Bible Study Wed. Mar. 2 10:00 Comforters & Prayer Shawl Team meet in the Parish Hall Tues. Mar. 8 6:00 Council 7:00 Eggertsville Community Org. Sat. Mar. 12-7:00 St. Paul s Got Talent! All of St. Paul s is welcome to join in on the fun! We need YOU to show off you talents for our judges. HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday March 20 Maundy Thursday March 24 Good Friday March 25 EASTER DAY March 27 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, Marilynn Speich, Norma Stevenson, Joyce Chace, Joan Maefs, Bertha Efstation, Sue Keppel Telephone: (716) 835-0407 Fax: (716) 836-3493 e-mail: office@stpaulseggertsville.org Web: www.stpaulseggertsville.org