Michael s Messenger September & October 2017 1 Say Prayers for: Brianna Pittinger Carol Eckert Charmaine Artley Chris Beeman Chris Stahl Denny Marshall Doug Fink Drew Dickey Fran Hudson George Eck Joyce Davis Jane Heinlen Joan Foulkroad Judy Evans Kari St. James Kelly Deland Krrin Shick Laura Welteroth Nancy Reeder Oliver Barbour Paul Fantaskey Pavlina Hopkins Ronda Webster Ruth Remick Shirley Moon Steve Davis Sue Baylor Teresa Bartley Vonda Roles Members serving in the military (and their families) Clay Miller Marissa Patterson Jen & Todd Hughes St. Michael s Lutheran Church, Quiggleville ELCA 1877 Saint Michaels Road Cogan Station PA 17728 Office telephone: (570) 998-3106, email: smlcq1877@gmail.com Reverend David M. Byerly Pastor s cell phone: (570) 447-1652, email: dmbyerly58@gmail.com November 24 Please submit any news, photos, announcements, etc. for the December- January newsletter by November 24. Items can be emailed to heatherleblanc@earthlink.net, or left in the mailbox outside of the choir/copy room at church. If you are moving, even temporarily, please alert Heather to the address change. Forwarding the Messenger can be costly. If you would like to be added to the email list, simply ask! And you can also download the Messenger from our group Facebook page: St. Michael s Lutheran Church, Quiggleville.
2 Lycoming Lutheran Trinity 3rd Quarter Report, October 2017 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 From our covenant: The pastor shall include others in leadership and equip them to use their gifts for mission. We have walked together now for most of a year as a new covenant of congregations working together to be the church in Lycoming County. We are going to be in the planning stages for next year s budgets and council leadership. It is time to identify more new leaders for our congregation councils and for our worship and pastoral care teams. I give thanks for all of the talented and gifted leaders of all three congregations. You are willing workers as you share your faith in all we do. It would be good to involve even more of you in worship leadership and in the work of our councils. If you are asked to serve, please prayerfully consider saying yes! It is always a joy to see people participate in the work of the church in new ways. Let us discover together how God is leading us to new ways of being the church. In Christ s service, Pastor David M. Byerly
3 Christmas At Sea Satchels God s Work. Our Hands. We ARE church together! The Lycoming Lutheran Trinity agreed to work together this year on our collection for Seafarer s International. Each of the three congregations will fill 17 satchels enough for TWO container ships crews. Please try to donate the following items at church with this suggested schedule: September 24, October 1, and October 8: Men s medium/large size short-sleeved t- shirts these can be any color and local business or place names and logos are welcome. October 15, 22, and 29: Men s large/x-large size sweatshirts any color, hooded or not, pullover or zipper-style November 5 and 12: Large-size chocolate bars or canned nuts. Each sailor s bag will get one or the other, so we need 17 in combined total of these treats. Every week: long white socks heavy thermal, full-length gym, or weighted diabetic-style are all welcome! A total of 51 pairs are needed (3 pair per sailor). Also, a hand-knit hat (craft fairs are great resources if you don t knit) should be included in each bag. Each bag gets a Christmas card try to write a message that shares something about our church or region with a sailor (the weather, a description of your backyard or neighborhood, something about our church); mention a good that you value probably available thanks to seafarers; add a prayer or blessing, particularly appreciated by these men. You may sign the card with your name, congregation, or both! We will gather on Sunday, November 19 at noon to make sure that all 50+ bags are filled and to pack up as many tins of home-baked cookies as we have. Bring your donations and cookies to St. Michael s Fellowship Hall on November 19 at noon. A volunteer will take everything to the synod office for sending to New York City. Holding up leaders; seeking congregational representatives St. Michael s, St. Matthew, and Redeemer embarked on their covenant with the synod almost one year ago. When Pastor David Byerly was called to lead the three congregations in this new way of being church together, two representatives from each congregation joined the Mutual Ministry team. Each month, these six members met with the pastor to discuss concerns, ideas, and successful events from the previous weeks, and they brainstormed cooperative, meaningful opportunities for outreach in the future.
It is now time for fresh input and leadership from our congregations. This January, at least one new person from each congregation needs to replace one of those currently on Mutual Ministry. The commitment asked is time for one monthly meeting (usually a weeknight, 2 hours long, and not EVERY month) and communication Mutual Ministry acts as liaison between the three churches and between the pastor and the people of your home congregation. Serving on Mutual Ministry offers you a chance to grow our covenant and hold up our church bodies as we strive to develop more ways to answer God s call to our community. We thank those who served who have served this first transitional year: Peggy Bohart and Heather LeBlanc from St. Michael s, Norman and Laura Phelps from St. Matthew, and Marti Vitti and Barb Horn from Redeemer. If you hear God s call (or even think you might be called) to serve your congregation and help to lead in the covenant s development and progress, please talk with Pastor Byerly or one of the current members of Mutual Ministry as soon as possible. 4 Advent & Christmas Worship Schedule Before the season of Advent begins, the liturgical calendar must end. Please join our Lycoming Lutheran Trinity congregations for Christ the King Sunday, November 26, when Bishop Barbara Collins joins us for worship. At 9AM in St. Matthew, the bishop and Pastor Byerly will lead a service on the meaning of this final Sunday in Year A of the rotational Lutheran lectionary. Later, at 10:45AM in St. Michael s, the worship service will include the confirmation of two members to our church: Emma Dickey and Deirdre LeBlanc. A reception with cake will follow at St. Michael s; all are invited to join in this special celebration of our growing church family. Members of Redeemer Church are to be thanked for graciously agreeing to attend one of these two services so that we may all enjoy the company and message of Bishop Barb, together. December 3, first Sunday in Advent Pastor Byerly will lead morning worship at St. Matthew and at St. Michael s; ALWL Barbara Horn will lead worship at Redeemer. December 10, second Sunday in Advent Pastor Byerly will lead morning worship at St. Matthew and at Redeemer; ALWL Peggy Bohart will lead worship at St. Michael s. December 17, third Sunday in Advent Pastor Byerly will lead morning worship at St. Matthew and at St. Michael s; ALWL Barbara Horn will lead worship at Redeemer. December 24, fourth Sunday in Advent Pastor Byerly will lead morning worship at St. Matthew and at Redeemer; ALWL Peggy Bohart will lead worship at St. Michael s. CHRISTMAS EVE services, December 24: The Lycoming Lutheran Trinity will hold two candlelight services on Sunday, the 24 th, to celebrate Christmas Eve. The first, around 6pm, will be held at St. Matthew in Newberry. The second, at St. Michael s, will begin at 9:00pm, with special music offerings beginning at 8:30pm. All members, friends, family, and communities are warmly invited to attend either or both! December 31 Regular morning worship services will be held at each of the three congregations; the leaders to be announced. Please pray for the Trinity covenant churches daily! We seek discernment in answering how we are called in God s name to serve our communities as we serve God. The next Mutual Ministry meeting is Tuesday, October 24 at 7PM at St. Michael s church. Daniel's Closet, Redeemer s free clothing ministry, will be open Saturday, October 21, 9-11 am. If you are able to help them set up on Thursday, the 19th, 4 to 6 pm or would like to donate any items then, please use the Washington Blvd. stairwell of the church. They need clean, seasonal items, especially for the upcoming cold-weather months. Thank you!
5 Worship & Music Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 There are numerous roles for making worship at St. Michael s a shared experience in addition to attending. Preparing the worship space, the altar, and the items to be used are all ways anyone can help before a service. Ushers greet people as they arrive, make sure everyone gets a bulletin, and assist with the offering and communion. Worship assistants can acolyte (light the candles and read prayers), serve as lector, assist with communion, etc. There is even someone to turn on the heat each week during cold weather. All of these volunteer opportunities exist to allow for greater participation in the service. Please see Holly or speak with Pastor Byerly if you would like to volunteer in any capacity. We need both regular commitments and fill-in/substitution availability. Jobs vary in time and preparation required; some are public and carried out during worship but many are completed quietly and behind the scenes there truly is something for everyone. Choir We need more voices in our choir! Choir practice will resume this fall and we are in need of vocalists. Practice is usually once a week, for about a half hour. Also, Worship & Music meets seasonally to select the upcoming hymns, settings, and plan for special Sundays and holy days. All are welcome; ask Holly or Pastor for the next date. And any Sunday, anthems are welcome during offering; just give Holly a week s notice if you would like to offer a piece. Upcoming special observances October 22 Harvest Home We especially thank God for the blessings of home and hearth, fields and farm. Fill the sanctuary with your gifts of non-perishable food items to be given to the West End Food Pantry. October 29 Reformation Sunday This year, we commemorate the 500th anniversary of Luther s challenge to the practices of the Church with his posting of the 95 theses. Remember to wear RED, the color appointed as symbolically acknowledging and celebrating grace, the Holy Spirit, and our discipleship. November 5 All Saints Sunday To commemorate the lives of all of those who have died and now live in salvation. At St. Michael s, we will toll the church bell for every member who has died in the last twelve months and remember their lives with us while on this earth. As of this publication, 2016-2017 has seen the passing of these members: Ruth Davis (October 20, 2016) Bruce Bartley, Sr. (January 19, 2017) Betty Jane Stahl (January 27, 2017) Hazel E. Miller (March 19, 2017) November 26 Christ the King Sunday This final Sunday in our liturgical calendar will be extra special this year! Bishop Barbara Collins will join us for worship and Daisy and Emma will make Confirmation. A reception with cake will follow the service.
6 Mission & Support With fall comes colder weather and greater immediate need in our area. Please keep the following missions in your prayers and consider making special offerings to them, either with needed donation items or included in your weekly offering. A portion from the plate through October will fund Food & Fuel through the Hepburn Lycoming Ministerium. In November, our congregation supports the ELCA Global Barnyard. Locally, Shepherd of the Street and the West End Food Bank are two organizations with permanent collection containers located in our sanctuary entrance. Kindly contribute full-sized health & body items to the SoS box and non-perishable food items to the Blue Bucket, as often as you are able. November 12 is Harvest Home share some of your plenty symbolically, with a special offering of food items in the sanctuary. Parish Life November 4 Apple Dumpling Sale Apple dumplings will be for sale as a Parish Life fundraiser: $3 per apple. You can order yours baked or unbaked, traditional or sugar -free. Make sure to ask for yours ahead of time they only make what is ordered! Talk to Denise Stryker if you have any questions. Congregational Meeting on November 12 Plan on staying after worship on the 12th of November as we have to take some votes, with a quorum (25% of membership) present. The ratification of the change in our Constitutional wording regarding membership from and to or, regarding attendance and support will be addressed before sending the amendment to the Synod office. We voted on this as a congregation in January. The next year s budget must be passed. New Council members will be voted in: Missy Loner and Jim Mather finish their terms with this calendar year, and we thank them for their service. These two seats MUST be filled. There is room for two additional members. Please consider volunteering for this important place in the church. Without our Council, the business of St. Michael s simply cannot be done. Church Council The Church Council meets on the third Sunday of each month, 7PM. The next two meetings scheduled are October 19 and November 16. Tables available With the holidays around the corner, would you like to have an extra table or two? St. Michael s is replacing the last of the formica-topped dining room tables with new, lighter versions. Members are welcome to help themselves to the heavy, brown tables in the entrance, currently stacked on the rolling coat rack. If you know of someone outside of the church who would like any, we ask that a free will donation be made to the offering plate in exchange. The Parsonage is still available If you know of someone looking for a home, remind them that our parsonage is for sale. Recent updates have made this warm, historic home better than ever.
The women of St. Michael s gather monthly for social and service purposes. Meetings are usually the 2nd Tuesday night of the month (upcoming dates are October 10 and November 14). Join them anytime. School kits and blankets Every year, our WELCA group assembles quilts and school kits for Lutheran World Relief. This year, they were able to pack 50 school kits and box up 34 quilts. And afterwards, they enjoyed some pizza together. 7 Would you like to help? Throughout the year on Monday mornings, the group meets in the basement of the church enter from the cemetery side door. Even if you are not someone who sews, you can help with ironing, cutting, measuring, or just keeping them company! Donate funds or materials: clean, used sheets and light blankets are used for filler, and large strips of cloth (unused) make up the outside of the quilts; thread and tie offs are also used, of course. Enjoy the display of some of their quilts in church on Blanket Sunday, October 8. St. Michael s to host area celebration World Community Day will be held on Friday, November 3, 2016 at 1:30pm, at our church! There will be the usual ingathering for the Christmas Project for Nursing Homes and Project Impact. Please speak to Regina Gross if you would like to help in any hostess duties. WELCA September report from the President, Jean Crumb (excerpt taken from the newsletter read all about the busy efforts of WELCA there!) This has been a busy year for our executive board. We celebrated W/ELCA s thirtieth year and worked on committees and organized the convention at Mt Luther this July. We now have a full executive board to start our second year! We had a great churchwide representative, Dawn Smith at our convention as well as Jodi Ellis who presented a bible study and Sandy Nelson who had a workshop on her travels in Liberia. Bishop Collins presided at the worship service with Peggy Bohart assisting her. Robin, Kathy, and myself attended the tenth triennial which was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota....We heard speakers such as Leymah Gbowee who was instrumental in organizing women who prayed in the streets of Liberia effectively ending the civil war which was destroying their country. We heard Dr. Alexia Salvatierra from Los Angeles, California who spoke to us about poverty and immigration. She reminded us that the bible is full of characters who challenged unjust systems. The next triennial will be in Phoenix, Arizona in 2020. The theme is Embraced by October 21: WELCA Action Day (Day of Advocacy) Caring for your congregation and your neighbors Ryan Versluis, the speaker, is a trained Stephen Ministry Leader since 2006. He was involved in the program at St. John s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hamlin, N.Y. where he trained two classes of new ministers and supervised active Stephen Ministers. He moved to Danville, PA in 2013 and joined Pine Street Ev. Lutheran Church, where he restarted a Stephen Ministry program, training and recruiting new ministers. Ryan serves two days a week as a hospital volunteer chaplain at Geisinger Medical Center. The Day of Advocacy program is free. We will be collecting a free will offering. Bring a packed lunch, dessert and beverages will be provided.
8 St. Michael s held outdoor worship on October 1 followed by our own CROP walk up the hill. Seven people and three dogs walked, while many more attended, and about $200 was raised for Church World Services food programs.
Christian Education St. Michael s offers Sunday School lessons every Sunday, throughout the year. In the summer, we gather as a multigenerational class for a curriculum exploring foundations of our faith. Commemorating the 500th anniversary of the marked beginning of Luther s Reformation, we explored topics of his catechism and the early movement to reform the Church. We completed this study with the short film provided by the ELCA, Rick Steves Luther and the Reformation. Regular classes have now resumed and we invite all to choose any one of them, to both enrich their personal conversation with the Bible and to share thoughts and questions with fellow believers. Upcoming Advent Lessons Sunday, December 3, join our Sunday School to make your own advent wreath. Bring a shallow dish, and candles if you have them. Greenery, small decorations, and some candles will be available at the church. Following worship, we Hang the Greens and decorate St. Michael s for the Advent Season. Pizza lunch, of course. December 10 Caroling! Meet at St. Michael s in the parking lot at 1:30 pm. We will visit our homebound members, local nursing homes, and any others who request Christmas carols be sung at their homes. Parish Life will have delicious, hot lasagna ready for us when we return to church at 5pm. December 17, Brian LeBlanc will lead a special Christmas program retelling the nativity story from Joseph s perspective. An audience is needed to sing the many accompanying hymns. Please join us. December 24, our Sunday School lesson will be a Hymn Sing with notes on the favorite songs we use to tell the story of Advent and Christmas. Cookies and coffee and tea will start the morning out cheerfully. December 31 to be determined. Watch Brrrr... The cold weather has returned and the heat registers have been turned on for the winter. Please keep EVERYTHING away from the baseboards and make sure doors and windows are closed. Thank you. for announcements. Confirmation We celebrate the confirmation of Emma Dickey and Deirdre LeBlanc on November 26. A reception with cake will follow worship. Rally Day Sunday, November 12 we close our Reformation Book Fair with a celebration of Christian Education through a Sunday School Rally. Martin Luther encouraged personal study of the Bible and Christian Education. St. Michael s considers Christian Education one of the foundations of relationship with God. We will hold up our students, our teachers and our history on this fun morning. Thank you! The Sunday School classes agreed to support three missions with gifts this summer: Shepherd of the Streets: $100 in July Wilson Flomo: full tuition for another year in Liberia s Tuition Sponsorship Program (God s Precious Children) Lutheran World Relief: $500 for the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey. And we received word from Jeannie Fisher, thanking us for our many prayers through School of Religion The Lutheran Shared Ministry group has decided to offer a very special School of Religion this year. Throughout October, on Wednesday evenings, attendees will compare and contrast practices in the old and new Lutheran and Catholic churches. Since Luther s initial challenge to church doctrine in 1517, much has happened in the way of reform in both faiths, and reformation is ongoing, as Luther and his contemporaries insisted is necessary. Come learn more about it. The final Wednesday night, LSM will hold a joint worship service with both Catholic priest and Lutheran pastor presiding. Try to attend. 9
Reformation Book Fair: October 29-November 12 We are hosting an Augsburg Fortress Book Fair for members of the Lycoming Lutheran Trinity from October 29 (REFORMATION SUNDAY) through November 12 the Sunday after Martin Luther s birthday! See for yourself why the Reformation was so important and the wonderful fruits grown from this challenge over the last 500 years. The books will be on display at St. Michael s and there will be various times and dates open for browsing there. Please note some times have changed since the last newsletter. Sunday, October 29: 9:30AM to 12:30PM Monday, October 30: 10:00AM to Noon Tuesday, October 31: 5:00PM to 8:0PM This is considered REFORMATION DAY, 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses inviting open debate on practices within the church. Stop by in between trick-or-treating! Wednesday, November 1 12:00PM to 2:00PM From November 1 to 9, the books will be at our other covenant churches, Redeemer in Williamsport and St. Matthew in Newberry. Call Pastor Byerly to check on times and dates for seeing them. Thursday, November 9 6:00PM to 8:30PM Friday, November 10 Martin s Birthday (1483) 2:00PM to 4:00PM Stop in for a piece of cake and learn more about the monk whose questions gave birth to the movement resulting in Lutheranism Saturday, November 11 2:00PM to 4:00PM Sunday, November 12 9:30AM to 1:30PM and the book store closes! All sales must be posted at the end of this day! Heather LeBlanc is the contact person please call her directly if you want to set up a time to see the materials or to make a purchase outside of this schedule. Her cell phone number is (570) 772-1280. 10 When Lightning Struck: The Story of Martin Luther by Danika Cooley Written specifically with teen readers and adults new to Luther in mind. In the style of a fastpaced, action-packed novel. hc, 264 pp. Retail: $16.99 Bookstore price: $8.00 Luther the Reformer: The Story of the Man and His Career, Second Edition by James M. Kittelson and Hans H. Wiersma This best-selling biography provides a great resource for delving into the depths of the Reformer without drowning in a sea of scholarly concerns. In this second edition, Hans H. Wiersma has made an outstanding text even better with a revised text including new images, bibliographies, and timelines to enhance the experience. pb, 316 pp. Retail: $27.00 Bookstore price: $14.00 Resilient Reformer: The Life and Thought of Martin Luther by Timothy F. Lull and Derek R. Nelson In this new biography, Luther is an energetic, resilient actor, driven by very human strengths and failings. Luther is portrayed more as a loud tenor in the Reformation chorale than as a solo voice of dissent against the church and empire. pb, 411 pp. Retail: $44.00 Bookstore price: $22.00 Papa Luther: A Graphic Novel by graphic novelist Daniel D. Maurer with illustrations by Caitlin Like This full-color graphic novel or comic book for children ages 8 to 13, is also suitable for older youth (and more than a few adults, too!). Papa Luther tells the story of Martin Luther and the Reformation as seen through the eyes of his children. Perfect for individual reading, as well as in small or large group studies. A leader guide is also available as a digital download. pb, 88 pp. Retail: $7.99 Bookstore price: $4.00
Atlas of the European Reformations by Tim Dowley This new, definitive atlas provides a remarkably clear view of the broader Reformation scene. Features color images, time lines, and commentary to go with 60 beautiful and informative maps. Especially useful for group study. An online study guide is available for use with younger students and confirmation. pb, 160 pp. Retail: $24.00 Bookstore price: $12.00 11 Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry, and Eucharist by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops This study celebrates fifty years of international and regional Lutheran-Catholic dialogues and harvests the results of those efforts into Statements of Agreement on church, ministry, and eucharist. Though this is a declaration on the way, the study offers some possible ways forward and encourages Catholics and Lutherans to continue their journey together toward unity. Read and discuss Declaration on the Way in adult study groups. pb, 144 pp. Retail: $12.00 Bookstore price: $6.00 The Life of Martin Luther: A Pop-Up Book by Agostino Traini The story of Martin Luther and his role in sparking the Protestant Reformation is given an interactive retelling in this beautiful and sturdy pop-up book perfect for kids of all ages! hc, 14 pp. Retail: $19.99 Bookstore price: $10.00 One Hope: Re-Membering the Body of Christ by Julie K. Aageson, John Borelli, John Klassen, Derek R. Nelson, Martha Stortz, and Jessica Wrobleski A rich ecumenical resource designed to help Catholic and Lutheran communities mark the approaching 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The essays here are the product of an intense collaborative process by six gifted scholars and pastoral leaders, three Lutheran and three Catholic. pb, 104 pp. Retail: $12.00 Bookstore price: $6.00 Together by Grace: Introducing the Lutherans edited by Kathryn A. Kleinhans Serves as a rich resource book for getting to know who Lutherans are, what they teach, where they come from, and where they are today. Includes sections on Lutheran basics, Lutheran history and practice, and a wide range of stories from the global Lutheran family. More than thirty contributors teachers, pastors, bishops, activists, and global Lutherans have written for this resource. Together by Grace can be read cover to cover by individuals, or each section can be used as a session for small or large group studies. A leader guide is also available as a digital download. pb, 216 pp. Retail: $12.00 Bookstore price: $6.00 Luther s Prayers by Martin Luther; edited by Herbert Brokering Martin Luther s powerful prayers explore topics spanning all of life: the soldier, employer, politician, pastor, sick person, parent, newlywed, teacher. Five hundred years later, these prayers still ring true, calling us into an ever -closer relationship with God. pb, 120 pp. Retail: $11.99 Bookstore price: $6.00 Martin Luther s Ninety-Five Theses: With Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide by Timothy J. Wengert One of the best-known interpreters of Luther today helps set this important document in its historical context alongside Luther s popular Sermon on Indulgences and Grace and his Letter to Archbishop Albrecht. The introduction and annotations are a treasure trove of information, and the study guide makes this a great resource for group reflection and discussion. pb, 102pp. Retail: $15.00 Bookstore price: $7.00 The Annotated Luther, Volume 1: The Roots of Reform by Timothy J. Wengert Volume 1 of The Annotated Luther series contains writings that defined the roots of reform set in motion by Martin Luther, beginning with the Ninety-Five Theses (1517) through The Freedom of a Christian (1520). hc, 592 pp. Retail: $39.00 Bookstore price: $22.00 All six volumes are available, at a cost of $22. each.
12 Martin Luther s Christmas Book by Martin Luther; edited by Roland H. Bainton This inspiring collection contains thirty excerpts from Martin Luther s Christmas sermons and nine elegant illustrations by Luther s contemporaries. This treasure is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in light of the Reformation 500 anniversary! pb, 88 pp. Bookstore price: $6.00 Martin Luther s Table Talk edited by Henry F. French Luther s friends took notes of many private conversations around the Luther family table, and now you can join them, too. Pull up a chair and spend some time with the great reformer. pb, 200 pp. Bookstore price: $8.00 The Wit of Martin Luther by Eric W. Gritsch Ties Luther s wit and humor to his sharp, polemical exploitation of the absurd or incongruous in service to his Reform. At a deeper level, Luther s wit and witticisms reflected his keen appreciation of human frailty and the unknowability of things divine. pb, 144 pp. Retail: $12.99 Bookstore price: $7.00 Martin Luther and the Called Life by Mark D. Tranvik One of the hallmarks of Luther s theology was his concern for daily Christian life. From this concern emerged Luther s own powerful sense of vocation. The book encourages readers to explore what this sense of vocation and calling might mean for their lives. Study questions included to encourage group discussion. pb, 186 pp. Retail: $24.00 Bookstore price: $12.00 40-Day Journey with Martin Luther by Martin Luther; compiled and edited by Gracia M. Grindal Forty inspiring passages raise profound truths about faith and life. Includes short introduction to Luther s life, journal-writing exercises, and daily prayers. A great option for Advent and Lent study and reflection. pb, 112 pp. Retail: $12.99 Bookstore price: $6.00 Luther s Small Catechism Anniversary Study Edition by Martin Luther; edited by Timothy J. Wengert A translation of Luther's explanations along with other catechetical study helps, such as prayers, worship rites, and Luther's introduction. The Anniversary Study Edition features a new cover design, new illustrations by Roman Catholic artist Gertrud Mueller Nelson, and a letter from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. pb, 88 pp. Retail: $6.99 Bookstore price: $4.00 Day by Day We Magnify You: Daily Readings for the Entire Year, Revised Edition by Martin Luther; compiled and edited by Marshall D. Johnson Readings from Luther s sermons and other works are arranged according to the church year and organized under a central theme for each week. Consider the option of reading for a full year starting with Reformation Day 2016 and ending on October 31, 2017. Each daily meditation includes a prayer, bible verse, or question to ponder. pb, 440 pp. Retail: $19.99 Bookstore price: $10.00 The Freedom of a Christian, 1520: The Annotated Luther Study Edition by Martin Luther with introduction and annotations by Timothy J. Wengert Perhaps the most widely read of Luther s writings and a great introduction to his theology. pb, 88 pp. Retail: $14.99 Bookstore price: $8.00
13 Quiggleville s Night of Music Sunday, December 3 at 7PM, join our community at the Quiggleville United Methodist Church for an evening of singing and musical offerings to kick off the Advent season. Pastor Simon and his church invite all to sing, enjoy, and of course, enjoy the cookies that follow this hour of music. If you are a musician or singer, or local choir, and would like to offer a selection, please contact their church office to volunteer: 570-998-9064. Born2Fly program educator Sojourner Truth Ministries, housed on High Street in Williamsport, has a long tradition of reaching out to the community in new ways as those needs are identified. But their newest endeavor richly melds with the work of their namesake, Sojourner Truth. STM has embraced the Born2Fly Project, dedicated to stop the worldwide horror of sex trafficking by reaching at risk children before the predators do. Here in our own area, this abhorrent practice has made the newspapers but to many of us, little is understood about what can be done, what needs to be done. Born2Fly s team of educators, illustrators, and leaders created a wordless book (so that no language barriers existed) and an accompanying curriculum, available in ten languages, so far. The Born2Fly Project is taught worldwide. STM is just one more among over organizations registering to this powerful curriculum. It is a strategic, communitybased awareness campaign aimed at both kids and parents. If you would like more information, to become involved, or to help donate funds toward this newest initiative, please call Sojourner Truth Ministries at (570) 419-1451 or (570) 323-1797. Hepburn Volunteer Fire Company Annual Holiday Craft Show Saturday, December 9, 9am to 1pm, come out and support our local first responders and get some holiday shopping done, too! And it s not too late to register to show off your own wares businesses, crafters, hobbyists, and vendors, church groups, bakers, jam makers, etc. all are invited to sign up for a $25+ space. There will also be basket raffles and food and drink sold by the fire department volunteers. Follow them on Facebook for further updates. Box City returns to Lycoming College Drive by Lycoming College on November 3 and you are likely to see a new housing development, in cardboard! People are being encouraged to sleep in a box for the night to help raise awareness of the local homelessness crisis and raise funding for Saving Grace Shelter and Family Promise of Lycoming County; two family shelters in Williamsport! Food, drinks, a presentation, entertainment and materials to construct your cardboard structure will be available at the field. Registration Fee: $20 If you can t attend, you can still support this event and the work of FPLC by telling others and by donating any time! Thank you. November 4 Farrington Place 6-10PM Help raise funds to help local homeless families in our community. The evening includes a wonderful dinner with drinks, photo booth, DJ and silent auction. Tickets are $45.00
14 202 East Third Street, Williamsport PA 17701 Phone: 570-322-1110, E-Mail: director@uclc.org Rev. Gwen N. Bernstine, Executive Director and Editor Mrs. Patty Gohrs, Administrative Asst.: office@uclc.org Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday Wednesday Ecumenical Lunch Join us Wednesdays for lunch and an interesting program! The lunch line opens about 11:45 a.m. and you are always assured of a tasty $6 lunch, warm ecumenical fellowship and a thoughtful program designed to enrich your life mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. Parking is free in the Pine Street lot north of the church from 11 to 1:30. No reservations are necessary, but a call to Gwen or Patty at the United Churches Office 570-322-1110 if you are not a regular attender will help our caterer, Heidi, know how to prepare. OCTOBER: 18- Mr. Richard Reitz, A Little League Uncle, The Joys of Adopting a Team for Little League 25- Ms. Ann Dunlap and Mr. Derrick Bryant, Members of New Covenant United Church of Christ s summer Mission Team, Hurricane Harvey - Irma - no Hurricane Katrina: Long Term Recovery Is Still Happening There! NOVEMBER 1 - The Rev. Ken Elkin, Retired Lutheran Pastor, What Earthly Good Is A Pilgrimage? 8 - Mr. Joseph Shaw, Retreaded then Retired, Good Will Brings Good Will 15- Mrs. Gayle Peters Coates, RN, American Red Cross Volunteer, Our First Responses To Disaster 22- Mrs. Patty Gohrs, United Churches Staff, Thanking God for Warm Fuzzies 29- The Rev. Gwen Bernstine, United Churches Staff, Advent Excitement Walk to Prevent Suicide and Raise Awareness Walk to fight suicide, as well as to be supportive of people who have lost loved ones to suicide. October 21st is the Greater Lycoming County Out of the Darkness Community Walk, held at 5 p.m. at Pennsylvania College of Technology s Field House. Register at www.afps.org/ GreaterLycoming. SHEPHERD OF THE STREETS J. Morris Smith, Th.D., 570-322-6538, shepherd@uclc.org GROWING PAINS As this year has unfolded, we have been receiving contributions from most, if not all, of the faithful who gift us on a regular basis. However, what was enough to serve the needs of those who come to us for various needs, no longer is. As a result, we have had to cut our help for certain programs, such as work related help. This was a major, very helpful part of our ministry enabling people to get into jobs who needed certain uniforms, etc. We are now able to help with medically related issues only. This change was initiated in June 2017. rom August 2015 to July 2016 we helped 3,393 separate needs, some of these people came to us more than once, as is the nature of some of our help especially prescription help and medical transportation. From August 2016 to July 2017 were able to help 4,163, an individual increase from an average of 282 per month to 346 per month. This is an increase of 756 clients in a year when prices increased both in the medical field and in the work related issues. For instance, picture ID s went from $13 50 to $30.50, with this being one of our most requested items, as one cannot get a job without proper ID. Medicine has increased, as well as Bus and Van fees for medical purposes has increased, as well as the cost of medical supplies. Shepherd of the Streets receives no federal or state grants and depends on concerned Christians and churches. We also receive a medical grant from a local foundation. Prayer is the beginning point of all contributions we receive and to pray for the contributor is our privilege. We give basic hygiene items to our clients in order to help them in general health. Contributions of family-sized items are always greatly needed. Some churches use monthly collections of a certain item, others ask for any kind and any amount from individual members. Baby items, especially diapers (size 4 & 5) are also a prime need. Bedding is always needed. With fall and winter upon us, blankets are needed. Thank you for your consideration of a monthly or onetime contribution and for your donation of hygiene items, baby needs, and/or bedding. Almost every person who comes through our doors is blessed by one or more of the hygiene items you send.
15 7th ANNUAL UCLC GOLF TOURNAMENT another success Friday, September 22, St. Michael s participated throughout another successful golf tournament. Three of our members (Doug, Brian, and Michael) played with Heather s father, (representing Sojourner Truth Ministries) Phil. Jim Mather made sure that one of the holes was sponsored with our church name boldly proclaiming our commitment as one of the United Churches of Lycoming County. And one lucky winner walked away with our prize basket, complete with a mug, LWR coffee, Gabriel notecards, some candy and golfer s items. What a fun way to help a great cause! ANNUAL ASSEMBLY: Together We Help Many In Need Our 71st Annual Assembly of the United Churches will be held Tuesday, November 14 at The Castellano Center of St. Joseph The Worker Parish, 320 Park Avenue, Williamsport. The building is handicapped accessible and has a parking lot. Registration begins at 5:45 P.M., with the dinner at 6:30 P.M. The evening will include: Presentation of an Ecumenical Service Award. Election of officers and new board members. Adoption of the 2018 Budget. Attending from each member congregation should be three delegates, the pastor and two lay people. We encourage other interested persons to be present as non-voting representatives of your congregation. Registration is $12.00 and includes dinner. The menu is broasted chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, roll and butter, fruit pies and beverages. Each person will also receive an annual report book. Reservations are needed by Monday, November 6th. Pastors will receive an information packet via e-mail. Please call the United Churches office, 322-1110 or at director@uclc.org to make your reservation. DIAL - A - DEVOTION Have you called yet? The number is 570-322-5762. It's available 24 hours a day. Devotions are three minutes or less, change weekdays and once on the weekend, and are designed to lift your spirits and help you to have "A Closer Walk with God." The devotionalists this fall are: 10/9-15 Mrs. Patty Gohrs 10/16-22 Rev. Gwen Bernstine 10/23-29 Mrs. Sandy Grier 10/30-11/5 Rev. Marwin Reeves 11/6-12 Pastors Jim & Kathy Behrens 11/13-19 Mrs. Pat Jenkins 11/20-26 Rev. Nessie Whaley 11/27-12/3 Rev. Gwen Bernstine Listen today and tell others about this ministry!
16 CHURCH WOMEN UNITED Linda Jackson, President World Community Day: Friday, November 3rd at 1:30, St. Michael s Lutheran Church, Quiggleville, 1877 St. Michael s Road, Cogan Station. The theme, Kindling New Fires of Peace focuses us on creating community and how important it is to be involved in your neighborhoods. We will be reminded of the importance of allowing our lives to count for something beyond ourselves. That involves being in relationship with others and recognizing that our lives are bound together. Kindling the fire of right relationships brings hope to our community. When we live with our neighbors in peace we are exercising the Golden Rule, which is a common thread among people of faith throughout the world. Come with open hearts and a sense of love and compassion as we kindle new fires of peace. Christmas Stocking Project: We are preparing gift items for over 1,125 nursing home residents. Donations of $4 per resident allow us to purchase the items included in each stockings: pen, notebook, hand cream, emery board, tissues, comb and a Christmas card. We also prepare 50 gift bags for children who have mothers in the State Correctional Institute at Muncy. These gift stockings include a pen, notebook, hand cream, tissues, comb, crayons, candy cane and a Christmas card. Workday Monday: Filling of the Christmas gift stockings will be done on Monday, Nov. 13th at Pine Street United Methodist Church, 441 Pine St., Williamsport at 9 am. Thanks to everyone who will be working on this project. (Parking permits will be available at the church.) FOOD PANTRY in need Have Dinner at Wendy s and Earn Money for United Churches of Lycoming County! This event is at the Maynard Street Wendy s only, and will be held Tuesday, October 17th. Wendy s at Maynard Street will donate 10% of all their sales from 5-8 pm. Great Food Great Cause! Enjoy! Ministry Needs Sojourner Truth Ministries is currently in need of a refrigerator and a knife sharpener. We truly appreciate all donations. Everything that is donated will be used in the continuing of Sojourner Truth Ministries. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 570-323-1797 or sojournertruthministries@gmail.com. With the holiday season, the needs at our local food pantries can be even bigger. Some donations flag, as individuals concentrate on all they want to buy for their own families, church suppers, Christmas gifts, etc. Understandable. Yet, remember that this time of year is also for the Lord and community. When you are out and about for groceries, or just in the store, buy an item of food for someone in need. This small gift of giving helps and spreads the gift of giving to others!! At St. Michael s, nonperishable food donations left in the blue buckets will be donated to the West End Food Pantry in Newberry, our local UCLC food outreach program. Some items of particular need include: Hot Cocoa, Pasta Sauces, Juices, Canned Meals, Coffee, Cereal, Oatmeal, Ramen Noodles, Soups, Dessert Mixes, Frosting, Canned Fruits, Canned Veggies, Rice, Any Style Side Dishes, Crackers, Popcorn, Flour & Sugar, Pop-tarts,
17 Summer may be over, but the fun and faith on Mount Luther never falls. Autumn and Winter events continue to bring opportunities for faith formation for all ages. Mark your calendars now! October 21, 2017: Building Youth Group Keep your youth group strong and growing by laying a foundation for its future members! Bring your youth to Camp Mount Luther for BYG, a fun community building time. We ll work with you and your youth to facilitate relationship-building experiences. Youth leaders, pastors, and parents should bring as many as you can in this age bracket to help build comfort and trust within your future youth group. Come along- bring the youth leader, pastor, or parents with your kids. Camp Mount Luther invites you to bring one adult free for every seven kids you bring to camp. Additional adults come for half of the participant s fee. We ll have team building, reflection time on God s Word, Frisbee golf, ropes course, and fellowship. Our theme this year is Pray! Cost for the program is $22.00, which runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each participant is asked to bring a bag lunch. To register, call the Camp Mount Luther office at 570-922-1587 or e-mail cml@campmountluther.org. Deadline to register is October 16, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. November 3, 2017: Evening at Shade Mountain to Benefit Mount Luther Come to Shade Mountain Winery to share fellowship, entertainment, and enjoy locally produced wine, all to benefit Camp Mount Luther. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Bernie Rich, a local musician who sings contemporary folk music and Christian anthems. The menu will include heavy appetizers, dessert, and one glass of wine per person. SPACE IS LIMITED. Please make your reservations with the camp office at 570-922-1587 or cml@campmountluther.org. If you choose to purchase any bottles of wine that evening, a portion of the proceeds will be given to Mount Luther. We ask all participants to make a donation to the camp that evening, equal or greater to the food and entertainment provided. Download a flyer/bulletin insert here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-shade- Mountain-Winery-Flyer.pdf GROW in the Snow Retreat February 9-10, 2018, all confirmation students and high school youth are invited to the Upper Susquehanna Synod GROW team s youth retreat. Come Gather and Reflect On the Word. Experience your Creator, play winter games, and find refreshment in the peace of camp in winter.
18 For all the latest news from our Synod office, visit their webpages (www.uss-elca.org) or read the copies of the ARK, posted on our rolling community bulletin board. October 20, 2017: Concert at Bucknell University "Reformation 2017: Reform/Revolt, featuring J.S. Bach's Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 80; and songs of revolution and reform from across the globe, will be in October at Bucknell University. The concert is October 20 at the Weis Center starting at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-concert lecture and the actual concert starting at 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. October 22-23, 2017: LARC Vespers and Day of Dialogue Bishop Barbara J. Collins invites you to celebrate our Ecumenical relationships with the Lutheran- Anglican-Roman Catholic (LARC) dialog with the LARC Vespers on Sunday, October 22, 2017, at the United Lutheran Seminary (Gettysburg Campus) Chapel. The liturgy for the evening will follow the order used at Lund, Sweden, to celebrate the ecumenical strides made between Roman Catholics and Lutherans. Worship begins at 4:00 p.m. and will be followed by refreshments in the seminary refectory. The LARC Day of Dialogue will be Monday, October 23, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cardinal Keeler Center. The events will take special note of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation as well as our progress on the path to Christian Unity. Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod Bishop Emeritus Donald J. McCoid, who as Executive for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) had a key role in developing the document Declaration on the Way, will be the speaker for the Day of Dialogue. A registration form is available here: http://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2017-larc-registration-form.pdf November 9, 2017: Lecture at Bucknell University "Genuine Love in the Reformation" is the title of a lecture on November 9, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at Bucknell University. It will be held in the LC Forum and feature Peter Iver Kaufman, George Matthews & Virginia Brinkley Modin Chair in Leadership Studies, Jepson School of Leadership Studies, University of Richmond. Deadline for Christmas-at-Sea Satchels to: November 27 Nearly 500 ship workers docked at the Port of New York/New Jersey last December received a reminder of God s love for them during the Christmas season, thanks to the generous contributions of USS congregations who contributed gift bags last fall. The synod invites congregations and individuals to join together in collecting Christmas-at-Sea Gift Bags for seafarers this Christmas through the Seafarers and International House (SIH) in New York City (http://www.sihnyc.org/). November 29- December 1: Ecumenical Stewardship Center s Generosity NEXT Generosity Next takes place November 29 - December 1 in Nashville, Tennessee. It explores how current culture informs faithful stewardship and generous giving. This year's topic is Stewardship & Generosity: Are We Doing All We Can? Engage with keynote speakers Steve Manskar and Anne Burkholder as we explore John Wesley's well-known sermons about money and their relevance for generous stewards of the 21st century. Connect with Christian sisters and brothers who share a passion for faithful stewardship and generous giving. Be inspired through meaningful worship, insightful presentations, and thoughtful conversation. Become better equipped to lead others in their discipleship journeys of becoming faithful stewards and generous givers. Contact Pastor Craig Miller in the Synod Office for information on ELCA sponsored registration. Information about Generosity NEXT and registration can be found at https://stewardshipresources.org/generosity-next.
19 October 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Ruth Remick 2 3 4 Michelle Hornberger, Beth Ask, Anniversary of Drew & Jen Dickey 5 Kassiddee Artley 6 7 Kelly McGarvey 8 Jill Moyer 9 Ed Hornberger 10 11 Anniversary of Ed & Tracy Mertes 12 Brad Hornberger, Sr. 13 Sarah Hershberger 14Mindy Archuletta 15 16 Anniversary of Todd & Jen Hughes, Anniversary of Barry & Monica Eisley 17 18 Brendan Bowman 19 Ursula Hiller 20 Anniversary of Sam & Ruth Hornberger 21 Anniversary of John & Julie Long 22 Anniversary of Frank & Kelly Gibson 23 Detlef Huckfeldt, Robert Driesen 24 25 Keera Hoover, Jonathan Fronk 26 27 Anniversary of Erik & Marcia Lippassaar 28 Jarron Bower 29 Julie Long Book fair begins (9:30am-12:30pm) REFORMATION SUNDAY 30 Charlotte Morrison Book fair 10:00am to 12:00pm 31 Sam Hornberger, Carley & Chelsey Holmes Book fair 5:00pm to 8:00pm trick or treat St. Michael s
20 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Joan Mundrick Book fair 12:00pm to 2:00pm 2 3 Samanta Pittinger 4 All Saints 5 All Saints Sunday 6 Melissa Hornberger 7 Charles Pittinger 8 9 Book fair 6:00pm to 8:30pm 10 MARTIN LUTHER Celebrate Martin s birthday at the book fair 2:00pm to 4:00pm 11 Jen Hughes Book fair 2:00pm to 4:00pm 12 Megan Long 13 Corrine Stiger 14 Lori Holmes 15 16 17 18 9:30am RALLY DAY Last day of the book fair Congregational Meeting 19 20 21 22 23 24 Deadline for news items 25 26 CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY 27 28 29 Peggy Bohart, Rev. Mark Messner 30 Dec 1 Dec 2 Liam McGarvey 3 Advent wreaths lesson 4 5 6 7 8 9