Hope Lutheran Church 4131 Lehigh Drive, Cherryville, PA 18035-030 (610) 767-7203 hopecherryville.org CORE PURPOSE STATEMENT: People of Hope: working together, with God, to love and serve others October 30, 2016 Reformation Sunday On this day we celebrate the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ the good news that makes us free! We pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to unite the church today in its proclamation and witness to the world. In the waters of baptism we are made one body; we pray for the day that all Christians will also be one at the Lord s table. CHURCH STAFF Pastor Rev. Jami Possinger ext. #12 Assistant Pastor Rev. Brian Rajcok ext. #13 Pastor Emeritus Rev. Clark W. Kuntz II Administrative Manager Jane Tretiak ext. #10 Director of Music David Ziegler ext. #11 Bell Choir Director Janet Filchner ext. #40 Treasurer Trudy Mertz Sexton Bonnie Zmyewski Financial Secretary Deb Gardner Communications Specialist Nina Weiss ext. #20 SERVICE PARTICIPANTS 8:00 AM 10:30 AM Acolytes Antonio Franco Hunter Zehner Crucifers Aislinn McDonald Morgan Heffelfinger Greeters Robin Zamadics Larry Creyer Lectors Chris Steigerwalt Chantelle Neupauer Nursery Jean and Reece Anderson Michelle and Seth Hankee Ushers Livermon Team Daniel Team Communion Barry Ritter Sharyn Kratzer Assistants October Altar Guild Terry Ritter Linda Mery Vicki Steiner, Carla Green, Barb Burns Holy Communion Setting 8 8:00 & 10:30 AM Gathering The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God Prelude Announcements * Gathering Song A Mighty Fortress Is Our God # 503 * Greeting/Kyrie p 184 * Canticle of Praise This is the Feast p 187 * Prayer of the Day Word God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song First Reading Jeremiah 31:31-34 Second Reading Romans 3:19-28 * Gospel Acclamation Alleluia p 188 * Gospel Reading John 8:31-36 Sermon * Hymn of the Day Lord, Keep Us Steadfast # 517 * Apostles Creed p 105 * Prayers of Intercession Leader: Hear us, O God. Cong.: Your mercy is great. * Peace Meal God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ Offering Offertory/Senior Choir Anthem Think of Me and Remember Danielle Weaver, Flute; Sarah Fritz, Violin, Tim Carpency, Soprano Saxophone; Jeremy Zimmerman, Cello * Offertory Response We Give Thee but Thine Own # 686 (vs. 1, 2) * Great Thanksgiving p 190 * Holy, Holy, Holy p 190 * The Lord s Prayer p 191 (Gluten-free wafers in the chalice in front of the baptismal font) Communion (around the altar) Youth Choir Anthem All Are Welcome * Post Communion Canticle Let Us Talents and # 674 * Prayer Sending God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world * Blessing * Sending Song Built on a Rock # 652 * Dismissal * Postlude *please stand if you are able TO THE GLORY OF GOD ALTAR FLOWERS: In Loving Memory of Harry Weil s Birthday, Love, the Weil Family. In Celebration of Ali and Nate Miller s First Wedding Anniversary, Love, their Families. BULLETINS: In Celebration of our Grandson, Ben Newton s 6 th Birthday, Love, Nana and Grand Pa Xander. In Celebration of our Daughter, Sonya Newton s Birthday, Love, Nancy and Dan Xander. PRESS: In Memory of Loved Ones, by Barb Burns. IN PRAYER TODAY Heidelberg, Heidelberg (Pastor Virginia A. Goodwin). ALL SAINTS SUNDAY This year All Saints Sunday occurs NEXT Sunday, November 6 th and we will again remember and pray for those from our congregation who have died during the past year. We will also recognize and celebrate those who became saints since last year s All Saints Sunday through God s grace in the sacrament of baptism. These are the newest saints among us for whom we want to give thanks in worship. Please join us for this celebration of sainthood! COMMITMENT CARDS if you have not already done so, please return your commitment card to the church as soon as possible. Please place them in the box located in the narthex. Thank you. ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - Mark your calendars for our Annual Congregational Meeting to be held on Sunday, November 13 th, between worship services beginning @ 9:00 AM. The meeting will be held in Kuntz Hall. At least 50 members (in good standing) are needed for a quorum that morning. VETERANS NAMES will be needed for Sunday, November 13 th. If you have not previously given us your name(s) or are unsure; please call the church office as at 610-767-7203. SHARING OF THE PEACE during the cold and flu season, we will be sharing the peace verbally without shaking hands. Thank you for understanding! THANK YOU to Aiden Carrion and Andrea Fritz for serving as our banner bearers this morning.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4131 Lehigh Drive, Cherryville, PA REFORMATION SUNDAY October 30, 2016 610-767-7203 hopecherryville.org CORE PURPOSE STATEMENT: People of Hope: working together, with God, to love and serve others WOMEN OF FAITH BOOK FAIR AND BOOK DRIVE -The book drive and book fair continue through NEXT SUNDAY, November 6 th. We are collecting gently used and new books for ages 0-5, please place your books in the boxes located in the narthex. Also, order a few new books today. They make great gifts. The books that are available to order are on display in the narthex. Questions, please call Jane Tretiak at 610-767-7203. See another page in this insert for more info! CRAB PATTY/LOBSTER BISQUE SALE - Crab patties and lobster bisque orders can be picked up TODAY, Sunday, October 30 th from 9:00am to 12Noon in the Kuntz Hall kitchen. THANK you for your continued support to our Hope Helping Hands Mission Team. BOY SCOUT ITALIAN BUFFET DINNER Saturday, November 5 th from 3:00-8:00pm here at Hope Church. Tickets available from Troop 242 Scouts or from the church office. Proceeds will be used to maintain the troop s equipment and defer the cost of some troop outings. Please see the flyer on the bulletin board for more information. SENIOR FALL FEAST On Saturday, November 19 th the Social Ministry Committee invites any senior citizen or STAR (Seniors with Transportation or Accessibility Restrictions, formerly known as homebound) members in our congregation to our annual Fall Feast. We will begin with worship of Holy Communion at 11:30am, and then enjoy a dinner of turkey, filling, cranberry sauce and all the fixins. To conclude the day, there will be entertainment. The Feast will end at approximately 2:30pm. A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. PROPOSED BUDGET will be available on the table in the narthex, next Sunday, November 6 th. Please note this budget will be reviewed by the church council at their meeting on Monday, November 7 th and will then submit the proposed budget to the congregation at the annual meeting on Sunday, November 13 th.
INGATHERING Beginning NEXT SUNDAY, November 6 th our collection of items for our yearly Ingathering will begin. These items will be given to local organizations such as the Allentown Rescue Mission, Sayre Child Center, Gracedale, Hamburg Center and Kidspeace. Your NEW unwrapped gifts will need to be returned to the narthex by Sunday, November 27 th. Also next Sunday, the mitten tree will be up and ready for your donations of knit or store bought hats, scarves, mittens and gloves can be placed right on the tree. Watch for a list of items that we will be collecting! SUNDAY SCHOOL the December superhero mission is to collect decorative knee socks. They will also be filling Christmas stockings and need the following items; pudding cups, fruit cups, power bars, candy bars, pretzels, goldfish, little flashlights, tissues, chapstick and packaged snacks. All of these items will be donated to the children at St. Stephens Outreach Center in Allentown. Please place these items in the box in the narthex. You can check out all of their monthly superhero missions by looking at their bulletin board in the narthex. AUDIO VISUAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED if you are interested in learning how to use our Audio Visual system and help run the equipment on Sunday mornings or if you have questions; please call Jerry Mraz at 610-442-8156. We will work with your schedule and your preferred worship service times. ANNUAL NATIVITY DISPLAY - Though it seems early, the Nativity display and Christmas are approaching quickly. It was decided at a recent Evangelism meeting to continue this ministry/display. However, in order for it to continue, we need volunteers to make it a success. We definitely need someone to volunteer to do the electrical work, as well as volunteers (both adult, confirmands and scouts) to help with this event. Musicians are always a welcome part of the display and greatly enjoyed by our visitors. Anything you as a church family can do to help with this display will be greatly appreciated. This year's display will be held Saturday, November 26 th and Sunday, November 27 th. We will need volunteers on November 23 rd and November 25 th and throughout the display. Can you help? Call Sharyn Kratzer @ 610-261-1277. Thank you. CENTERING PRAYER Pastor Brian s centering prayer sessions continue on the first and third Mondays at 6:00pm and the first and third Wednesdays at 2:00pm of each month. The classes are using the book, Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr ($10.00 each). All are welcome to join anytime. Speak to Pastor Brian with any questions. WELCA MINUTES are available on the bulletin board in the narthex.
PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK The Congregational Council is encouraging all our members to grow in their spirituality through a regular Prayer Life. One way of doing this is by lifting up in prayer one family from our church each day of the year. This week s families are: 10/30/16 Connie Epinger and family 10/31/16 Thomas, Carol, Sarah, David Galloway and family 11/01/16 Shannon, Taylor, Sydney Heffner and family 11/02/16 Grace Knappenberger and family 11/03/16 John, Karen Leibenguth and family 11/04/16 Brenda Mack and family 11/05/16 Jeffry, Nicole, Colin, Alaina Minarovic and family PRAYER SCARVES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS - Attention all parents of college students Hope s Prayer Shawl Ministry is currently knitting and crocheting scarves for all of our college students. It s a surprise! We plan to ship them out when the weather gets cold letting our students know that we continue to pray for them as they study. Here s how you can help please call 610-767-7203 or email the church office office@hopecherryville.org and give us your child s address. We will be sending to all students in college, trade or technical schools and community colleges. If your child is living at home and commuting we need to know that as well. Please let us know as soon as possible so we make enough for everyone! ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE OF ELECTRONIC GIVING - As our congregation looks forward to a new year and prepares the 2017 financial budget, it is important to know what support we can depend on from our congregation members. By knowing what we are willing to commit financially, we are able to better plan for the future. Please consider setting up a recurring giving plan. Automating your financial commitments means your contributions will be received on a steady, uninterrupted basis. Visit the church website at www.hopecherryville.org and locate the Online Giving page. Simply scan this code with your device. *you may need to download a free QR reader app first!
DONATE NEW OR GENTLY USED CHILDREN S BOOKS (FOR AGES 0-5) AND STOCK YOUR SHELVES WITH SOME BRAND NEW STORIES! Sunday, October 23 Sunday, November 6 PLEASE SEE THE DISPLAY IN THE NARTHEX The WOMEN OF FAITH are hosting a SPARKHOUSE book fair and a book drive for Community Services for Children (CSC) and we need your help! CSC OF ALLENTOWN helps over 40,000 children every year by providing early education classrooms, tuition, classroom supplies, teacher and parent training and more! They also ensure that children in need receive at least 3 books a year. (Many of these children have no books in their homes at all)! SPARKHOUSE creates books, Bible and videos; striving to spark new life in today s Christian homes. Find out more by visiting cscinc.org (CSC) and wearesparkhouse.org (Sparkhouse)
When Martin Luther, an Augustine monk, posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517, no one expected the breadth of reforms in Christian teaching and practice that followed. This religious movement of the 16 th century that began as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church, resulted in the creation of Protestant churches - the Lutheran Church, the many Calvinist churches (Reformed, Presbyterian, and the several types of Congregationalist churches), and the descendants of the Anabaptists (including the Mennonites and the Baptists). The most controversial practice during the Reformation period was the selling of indulgences by the Catholic Church. Indulgences were papal pardons for the reduction of time a soul spent in purgatory. Money raised by the sale of indulgences funded the construction of St. Peter s Basilica in Rome. But while indulgences were a key focus of reformers during this time, many other questionable practices preceded it. For many years, clerical immorality such as the neglect of celibacy, drunkenness, and gambling, led people to question the moral authority of the church. Other questionable administrative practices included simony (the act of selling church offices and roles), nepotism (favoritism granted to relatives), and pluralism (the practice of holding more than one office or church appointment at a time). All of these practices had the cumulative effect of diminishing the respect for and authority of the Catholic Church. Martin Luther, in his Ninety-Five Theses questioned these and other theological teachings of the Catholic Church. He encouraged a reliance not on teachings and practices that, like the sale of indulgences, were vulnerable to abuse and corruption - but on a renewed trust in God s forgiving mercy and unconditional love. In a sermon Luther once said, I opposed indulgences... but never with force. I simply taught, preached, and wrote God s Word; otherwise I did nothing. I did nothing; the Word did everything. When he began to propose reforms in worship, he wrote similar words. This is the sum of the matter: let everything be done so that the Word may have free course. At the heart of the wide-reaching changes that resulted from the Reformation was a deep conviction that God s mercy or grace in Jesus is given freely to all. Today, we celebrate the reforms that Martin Luther instituted not with a sense of pride that, as Lutherans, we have it right but with a gratefulness that, in faith, we believe in the power of God to make us God s holy children sent to proclaim love and forgiveness to the world. Faith is a living, daring confidence in God s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. Martin Luther
STATISTICS Sunday s attendance; 8:00am service 101; 10:30am service 98. General offering = $7119.10; building fund = $218.00. THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP - Please join us for Holy Communion at 11:00am or 7:00pm on Wednesday, November 23 rd. LEHIGH TOWNSHIP LIONS OFFER FREE EYE EXAMS FOR LEHIGH TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS to take advantage of this important and FREE opportunity, which ends December 31, 2016, please contact Wayne A. Benninger at 610-349-3506 or any other Lehigh Township Lions member. CALENDAR OF THE WEEK For complete rehearsal schedules, see the online calendar at calendar.hopecherryville.org Today Crab Patty Distribution 9:00am-Noon Tuesday Alleluia Ringers 7:00pm Wednesday Soup Group and Delivery Centering Prayer Budget Meeting 9:00am 2:00pm 6:30pm Pastor s Bible Study 10:00am Evangelism 6:00pm Thursday Bible Study 6:30pm Property 7:00pm Friday Level I visit to Temple Beth El 6:45pm Saturday Boy Scout Italian Dinner 3:00-8:00pm All Saints Sunday Both services Sunday Holy Baptisms 10:30am REMINDER TO WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS Sunday, Nov. 6 8:00am 10:30am Acolytes Noah Wolfel Hunter Zehner Crucifers Ashley Patterson Kaitlyn Weiss Greeters John Zmyewski Doug and Leslie Daniel Nursery Stephanie and Arianna Patterson Gina and Daedra VanLuvanee Ushers Kurinec Team Amey Team Communion Assistants Betty Rock Brian Schell Vicki Steiner Nov. Altar Guild Trudy Mertz and Linda Romano Nov. Lock Up John and Bonnie Zmyewski Nov. Sign Changer Chip Hunsicker