P R I N C E OF P E A C E L U T H E R A N C H U R C H VOLUME XI, ISSUE XI NOVEMBER 2018 Gifts and Gratitude Everything comes from the Lord. All things were made because of him and will return to him. Praise the Lord forever! Amen. ~ Romans 11:36 (CEV) When I was a child, my family had a thanksgiving tradition. Every day in the month of November we each had to come up with one thing we were thankful for at the dinner table every night. There was one important rule: you couldn t duplicate anything that had been said before, either by you or by anyone else in the family. With seven people offering a word of gratitude every night, by the end of the month this made things tricky. Everyone had to really think to keep things fresh. However, if you do the math, 7 people offering 1 word each for 30 days, at the end of the month we had a list of 210 things for which we were thankful. 210 things! This exercise each year was a good reminder to us all that we always had something to be grateful for. Our list got more difficult to make as we got further into the month, but there was always something else we could remember to say thank you for. We were reminded of how many gifts we had been given, how blessed our lives were. The truth is, like the verse above says, everything comes from God. Not one thing we have isn t a gift from God in one way or another. Your strong intellect? A gift from God. That great job? A gift from God. The talents that give you joy? A gift from God. The people around you who make you smile? A gift from God. Your house, car, food, clothing, stuff? All a gift from God. Everything we have and are and hope for comes from God. Isn t that amazing! Once you realize that everything you have is a gift from God, it becomes important to think about how you will use and manage and give and save what you have been given. How are you being asked to live gratefully and generously this year? Do you earn and save your money in God-pleasing ways? Can you share what you have and use what you need in the best way possible? How will you give with gratitude at the heart of that giving? During this season of thanksgiving, take the time to ask yourself these questions and others. Move forward with gratitude in mind for all that God has given you. Important Contact Information Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 4 Northcrest Drive, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Telephone: (518) 371-2226 Fax: (518) 383-3820 www.poplutheranchurch.org Pastor Jeff Silvernail - pastorjeff@poplutheranchurch.org; Pastor Amber Craig - pastoramber@poplutheranchurch.org; Parish Administrator Melanie Edwards - office@poplutheranchurch.org Newsletter Editor Jennifer Van Ort - newsletter@poplutheranchurch.org Peace, Pastor Amber Craig EMERGENCY PHONE INFORMATION: If you have a pastoral emergency when the church office is closed, call the church number, 371-2226, extension 324. Leave a message and phone number where you can be reached. Immediately after you hang up, a designated on call pastor or deacon will receive a call that there is an emergency message. He/she will retrieve the message from the mailbox and call you back.
PAGE 2 Pastor s Pen God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good! (A commonly used invitation to prayer.) In 1999 I took my first trip to Honduras. The church I was serving had a loose connection with an orphanage in Honduras and the church that operated it. Then Category 5 Hurricane Mitch struck. Thousands were killed. Honduras was in shambles. And we in the congregation felt moved to do something. Can we help? Should we come? The answer from our Honduran partners was Yes! So, a mission team was formed and off we went. Honduras is the poorest country in Central America. It has major issues with crime and gangs. On top of that it was struck with one of the most powerful hurricanes of the century. I went expecting despair, helplessness and hopelessness. Truthfully, we saw plenty of destruction, but that was not what was most shocking to me. What was shocking was the joyfully praise to God. Everywhere we went we heard folks give thanks and testify to the goodness of God. Why is it that we find it a struggle to praise and give thanks to God? We are in the season of giving thanks and not just as we say grace at the Thanksgiving table. Let s take some time to remember how God has blessed us with life, with loved ones, with a community of faith, with access to possibilities that our ancestors could never even have begun to imagine. Do we have problems? You bet! But we have a God who loves us, cares for us and walks with us daily. We have a God listens and provides. We have a God we can thank and praise whether we find ourselves in good times or bad. And so we join with St. Paul as he writes, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jeff A SALUTE TO OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN Prince of Peace is proud to have 9 men and women to salute this year. They are Major Christopher Behrens, US Air Force, Sergeant Gina Hisgen, US Army, Sergeant Thomas Hisgen, US Marines, Lieutenant Commander Kevin Koenig, US Navy, Major Jake Marvel, US Air Force, Warrant Officer 5 Christopher Panarese US Army (Air Guard). E-4 Michael Petterson, US Army E-5 Miles Steele US Navy, Senior Master Sergeant Michael Zullo, US Air Force. We salute and thank you for your service to our country. We say farewell to Josheua Samuelson, who is now stationed in New Jersey. Joey Moronta who has returned to civilian life.
PAGE 3 YOUTH NEWS FOR NOVEMBER 2018 Clown Troupe Clown troupe is in full swing! Rehearsal times are from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Sunday evenings unless otherwise noted. We want to welcome all the new 9 th graders to the clown troupe! Please join us for rehearsals and check it out!!! Rehearsals December 2 January 6 Sr. High Youth Group We will be planning at least one youth event each month through the school year. These events will fall on a variety of different days and will often be fun activities or service opportunities. All youth in 9 th through 12 th grade are welcome to attend! Welcome to all our incoming freshmen! We are excited for you to join us. It should be a great year! November Activity With everything happening in the life of the church this November, we will be taking a short hiatus from Youth events. Don t worry! We will be back in December with a great Christmas party. December Activity Christmas Party! ~ Although the date is not yet set, it is time to celebrate Christmas and catch up with old friends at our annual Christmas party for youth and alumni! We will welcome back those who have gone off to college, have fun, and enjoy each other s company with a Christmas party in late December! The party will be at the Lustofin home. Look for more information in next month s newsletter! Making Sense of the Christian Faith An 8 session discussion with video and book by David J. Lose An exciting and innovating exploration of the major doctrines of the Christian faith As always we will have fun, food and great discussions! Mondays at 2:00 pm RESUMES DECEMBER 3rd Prince of Peace, Room 20
CALLING ALL LADIES OF POP THE ADVENT TEA is just around the corner!!!! SAVE THE DATE Sunday December 2, 2018 3 to 7 pm Our hostess will be Andy Lustofin. BE PREPARED FOR Lots of laughs, Lots of fun, Lots of fellowship, Lots of delicious food, A Christmas Carol sing and an ornament exchange. Our speaker this year is Sarah Fisher. Sarah is active the synod level and a member of POP. If you would like to participate in the ornament exchange. Please bring an ornament. Also please sign up on the poster in the Welcome Area and bring a dish to contribute to our delicious food. Secret Sisters please remember your gift for your secret sister. SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Social Ministry/Outreach As you know our Prince of Peace family generously supports worthwhile organizations in our community including matching funds for the "local needy". We along with our youth and some others are already doing "hands on outreach" in the community. It is our plan to do more hands on ministry and revisit the ministries that we have done in the past. We may pick up some new ones along the way... Suggestions are welcome. In addition to our local outreach, we are very invested in the Epes Mission in Santiago and Concepcion Chile. It is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of shantytown inhabitants through the training and organized participation of the residents themselves. We are blessed to be a supporting congregation of this ministry. Community Thanksgiving Eve Service at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 7:00 pm Wednesday November 21 Donations of food pantry items appreciated! WORSHIP SERVICE There will be only one worship service on Sunday, November 18th at 10:30a.m. It will be a Contemporary service. Thursday Morning Women s Fellowship Please join us as we read and discuss The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships or, as they would say, because FUTURE REACH OFFERINGS December 2nd: Immigration - Saratoga Immigration Coalition Join us any Thursday morning - 9:45 am Need more details? Call Cheri at 518-877-8132
Americans spend an over $700 Billion on Christmas last year! Is that the story God had in mind at Christmas? Worshiping Fully Spending Less Giving More Loving All This Advent, prince of Peace is asking you to take the money you would have spent on one less gift and donate to the ongoing work of EPES and their Escuela Internacional. Our goal is $3500. Envelopes will be available in the Welcoming area. PRINCE OF PEACE IS RESTARTING THE ACOLYTE PROGRAM SOON! This is a great opportunity to share your gifts with the church and serve God in a unique way. We look forward to helping you along your spiritual journey.those in 4th grade or older and who are interested in helping the pastors and deacons occasionally on Sundays should contact Pastor Amber at church or Diana Foote at 518 681-9258. There will be a training session scheduled for parents and children once we know who is in. PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH SEEKS WINTER SNOW REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS Looking for a person to shovel/snow blow sidewalks this winter. This is a paid position requiring use of POP snow blower and some shoveling where needed. All interested parties, young adults as well as experienced, please see Jim Galarneau (galarneaujim@gmail.com) or contact Prince of Peace office at 371-2226. Thank you! A giant thank you to everyone from the Prince of Peace Senior Choir! As we prepare to embark on our bucket-list trip to Carnegie Hall, we are reflecting on the past year s build-up to this trip. It is hard to believe it is finally here! There are so many people to thank for their support that we would undoubtably miss someone if we tried to list them - so we thank everyone for all of their efforts, donations of time and talent, prayers, and good wishes. We are pleased to report that we exceeded our fundraising goal! Over the past year, we were able to raise over $21,000 towards this trip! This accomplished our goals of keeping each choir members cost to $800 and allowed us to secure charter bus transportation while in New York City and have a group dinner Thursday night. Look for pictures and more thank you s in December! Thank you again!
PAGE 6 Environmental Team FAIR TRADE ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH, WE OFFER: COFFEE Organic Breakfast Blend Regular Organic Breakfast Blend Decaf TEA Organic Chamomile Decaf Organic Rooibus Decaf Organic Earl Grey Organic Chai Organic Green Tea Water is such an important part of our lives. Our bodies are mostly made of water, and we need water to survive. We bathe and shower with water, and we use water to cook our food. Water is needed to grow crops and livestock. We also enjoy water when we swim, boat, or go to the beach. Clearly it is important that we all use water wisely and take care of our lakes, rivers, and oceans. During a recent visit to Rhode Island, we noticed an innovative mechanism designed to capture trash in the water. A few pictures are included here. We are thankful that so many people care about the environment and our water supplies. Remember to do your part to help! CHOCOLATE Organic Very Dark Chocolate Bar (71% Cocoa) Organic Milk Chocolate w/hint of hazelnut (38% Cocoa) Organic Dark chocolate Minis (55% Cocoa) Organic Hot Chocolate Mix OTHER Organic Mixed Berry Chewy Cereal Bar Organic Cashews Organic Almonds All Fair Trade products buy direct from small farmers who grow products using ecologically sustainable farming practices. Their trading partner, Equal Exchange, donates $.20 for each pound of Fair Trade coffee, tea, & cocoa we sell. ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM LEAD NEEDED Starting in January, a new lead will be needed for the Environmental Team. Have questions? Want to give it a try? Please contact Laura Parsons: 518 885 8643. Thanks!
Prince of Peace Month In Photos!
Celebrate! November Birthdays 2nd - Stella Morales 3rd - Elijah Santos 5th - Peter Flood, Barbara Cooper 6th - Alex Tedrick 7th - Jean Morehouse, Lisa Pallone 8th - Julie Moore 9th - Brian Wink 10th - Aaron Ivanauskas, Tom Angeliu, Ursula Merkt 11th - Elizabeth Yoquinto 12th - Pam Cook 13th - Joyce Fiore 16th - Judimarie Bodien, Larry Parsons 17th - Kevin Flynn, Nancy Palmer 18th - Robin Domm, Debbie Berry, Tina Walters 20th - Sean Albagli 21st - Kenna Rolston. Tyler Schin 23rd - Samuel Ivanauskas, Miles Steele 24th - Bunny Orofino 26th - Nancy Wassenaar 27th - Margaret Belensz, Allan Anderson
November 18-8:00am No Service Remaining November Server Schedule November 18-10:30am Bread: Debbie Waugaman Coffee: N/A Reader: Bryan Waugaman Ushers: Valarie Shaw & Veronica Casano PAGE 9 November 25-8:00am Bread: Valois Berger Coffee: Matt Petersen Reader: Paul Bollow Ushers: Doug & William Price Counters: Bill Yoquinto Tom Miller Deacon: Donna Turner Counters: Janet Green Judy Rogers Deacon: Nancy Hoelzer November 25-10:30am Bread: Deane Vedder Coffee: Natalie & Anthony Kaplan Reader: Wayne Petterson Ushers: Wayne Petterson & Susan Zappen Claimed by Grace, We seek to Welcome All, Worship Joyfully, Grow Spiritually and Share God s Love
P R I N C E O F P E A C E L U T H E R A N C H U R C H 4 N O R T H C R E S T D R I V E C L I F T O N P A R K, N Y 1 2 0 6 5 We sincerely hope you enjoy CONNECTIONS! If you know of any friends or neighbors who might be interested in learning about Prince of Peace, please feel free to forward the electronic copy to them. SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM *Contemporary worship on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month CONNECTIONS is the monthly newsletter of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. In an effort to be more fiscally & environmentally conscious, we send the newsletter electronically to as many people as possible. You can help by e-mailing the church office to give us your current e-mail address or calling the church office if you don t use e-mail (we ll be glad to put your copy in the mail). U PCOMING SERVICES & E VENTS November Daily Activities November Weekly Activities 11/15-11/19 Choir Trip to New York City 11/17 Contemporary Service Rehearsal - 8:30 AM 11/18 Worship - 10:30 AM (Contemporary) (One Service Only) Sunday School - 9:15 AM Day Trip to Carnegie Hall 11/19 Prayer Group - 1:30 PM 11/21 Thanksgiving Eve Service (at PoP) - 7:00 PM 11/22 Thanksgiving - Church Office Closed 11/23 Church Office Closed 11/25 Worship - 8:00 & 10:30 AM; Sunday School - 9:15 AM 11/28 Confirmation Class - 6:30 PM; Choir Rehearsal - 6:30 PM 11/29 Thursday Morning Women s Fellowship (Offsite) - 10:30 AM Sundays: Worship - 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM (10:30 only on 11/18) Sunday School - 9:15 AM REACH - 9:30 AM (Except 11/18; 11/25) Mondays: Pastor s Bible Study - 2:00 PM (Resumes 12/3) Wednesdays: Choir Rehearsal - 6:30 PM Confirmation Class - 6:30 PM (Except 11/28) Thursdays: Thursday Morning Women s Fellowship - 9:45 AM (11/29 Only) INTERESTED IN JOINING THE PRINCE OF PEACE FAMILY? We have a very flexible process built around your schedule. See Pastor Jeff for more details or to get started.