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 November 2015 at St. Paul s Saturday Nov. 14 & 28 at 9 am Men s Club Breakfast & Bible Study Tuesdays Nov. 3, 10, 17-10 am Bible Study - Revealing Revelation Thursdays 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal all voice parts are welcome no auditions! Tues. Nov.3 Election Day Bake Sale all proceeds go to the Resurrection Health Center. Please bring something yummy to sell! Wed. Nov. 4 10:00 Comforters & Prayer Shawl Team meet in the Parish Hall Tues. Nov. 10 7:00 Council Thurs. Nov. 12 Noon Retired Folks Pot-Luck honoring our veterans! sign up in the back narthex 7:00 Eggertsville Community Org Worship at St. Paul s I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord Psalm 122:1 Nov. 1 All Saints Day Consecration Sunday 9:00 Confirmation Class 10:00 Sunday School Nov. 8 24th Sunday after Pentecost 9:00 Confirmation Class 10:00 Sunday School Nov. 15 25th Sunday after Pentecost 9:00 Confirmation Class 10:00 Sunday School Nov. 22 Christ the King Sunday 9:00 Confirmation Class 10:00 Sunday School Nov. 19 1st Sunday of Advent 9:00 Confirmation Class 10:00 Sunday School 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) The Nursery is staffed during 10:00 worship time. 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 N OVEMBER 2015 New! New things happening in the lives of people at and through St. Paul s. New visitors come to St. Paul s worship services almost every weekend. Make note of that. Look around. Are you reaching out to them and welcoming them in a real and significant way. Most, if not all, people that have come into the community in the last couple years have said they feel really welcomed. Not just a token, Good Morning," but a caring welcome that makes people feel like they are home. Give them your bulletin if they don t have them. Invite them for coffee after church. Get to know their names. Drop them a note of welcome after church. YOU can do this! It s not just a pastor s job to make that happen. New missionaries joined the church last month! Notice I m not using the word: Members. In fact, I think I m done with that term completely. I m a member of more organizations and store clubs that give me discounts, privileges and benefits. None of that is what being part of a church is about. In fact, you join St. Paul s and it will most likely cost, invite you into service and the only thing that separates you from a visitor is your ability to vote at two boring meetings a year. Therefore, if you are, have been or are going to be a part of St. Paul s, you re a missionary. You have a calling in the world and together as a community, we will search out what it is. More and more people in the world are ready to figure that out! New baptisms are taking place. Infants were baptized in October and adults will be baptized in November. New life. New priorities. New promises. New direction. It s what Jesus called us to do a LONG time ago. If fact, he called the original missionaries to do it and they passed the mandate down through the ages. So let s keep doing it too! Look around who in your life is ready for this amazing interaction with God? New. God makes all things new. In your grief, in your health issues, in your addiction, in your struggle, in your search for meaning and direction, God s promise is that he can make all things new. Thanks for being part of this church, committing your time, energy and finances, to continue to help God in the act of renewing a piece of WNY through the community that is known as St. Paul s Eggertsville! Be blessed today! Still in One Peace, ps New Missionaries at St. Paul s welcomed on October 18, 2015: Robin & Collin Bishop and children Hazel and Jacob John & Lynn Gulick Nick & Mary Hazlett Edward Johnson Adrienne Leary
T HE CALLER P AGE 3 From Scott Fierle, Council President: In our Congregational Family Almighty Saviour, thank you for the gift of the moment. Lailah Gifty Akita We are well into a busy fall schedule when we realize it is already November. This month brings up thoughts of thankfulness and family. As a member of St. Paul s I am thankful for many things in our church family. I am so thankful for the leadership and inspira on Pastor Steve provides for me and for all of us. I am thankful for the myriad of volunteers whom so relessly make our church a special place. I am thankful for the many gi s that help St. Paul s provide a strong program. Lastly, I am thankful for the Good News that brings peace and light into our lives. God Bless, Scott THANKS: FROM: Grace Mols: Many, many thanks to each one responsible for thinking of us, the oldies and arranging for the delicious luncheon. I had no idea there are so many of us proof of good Christian living! And God s blessings! Dorothy O Connor: Dear Pr. Steve, thank you and all that helped to make a perfect dinner recognition for the over-90 s in our dear St. Paul s. It was wonderful that our senior high youth and leaders participated and yes, our Sunday School that made a bookmark with my favorite Bible verse (John 3:16) on it. It was a super event. God bless each one who made the honorable day a success. The Berger Family: It meant a lot to us to celebrate Mom (evelyn Berger) over 90 and Henry s baptism together. The service was inspiring and thoughtful; the luncheon was delicious and very special. Please share our thanks with the chef, the servers, and all that helped with the planning. With sincere thanks! Dorothy O Connor: What a wonderful, thoughtful deed of kindness! A visit from Sue Niblock with flowers from the church and a work of art from my beloved Sunday School people who are in my prayers daily. God bless St. Paul s. Niagara Lutheran Health Foundation: Thank you again for your very faithful support of Niagara Lutheran and the GreenFields again this year! Your gift truly impacts the lives of so many who can no longer provide for themselves. Thank you again for your generosity and for embodying our mission of Caring Heart and Soul. 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 sich programs as RAGtime at Resurrection and Lord of Life Adult and Child Services.
Sunday School Corner Happy Fall! The Sunday school started October with a visit from Eggertsville Hose for the start of fire prevention week! We tied this into our lesson about how Christ came to teach us to help and serve others. Take a look at our tree in the entryway of the ideas the children came up with on how to help and serve others and please feel free to write down your ideas on one of the leaves provided and add it to our tree! Starting in November we will make this tree our tree of thanks and write on leaves what we are thankful for. The children also learned a science experiment about how Christ erases our Sin. We talked about loving God with our whole heart and how we can show that through our actions! We wrapped up our month with talking about Faith and healing. We did this with a pumpkin! How you might ask? Well God picks each of us and washes off the dirt and germs. He scoops out the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. Then He gives us a smiling face and keeps all His promises with a light inside of us for the world to see so that our light can shine before others to see our good works! May your light shine! In peace and love ~ June Piette CROSS TRAINING (aka Confirmation Class) Look us as ushers, communion helpers, greeters and more! Did you see us helping to park cars for the Reformation Bowl? November is our non-perishable food collection On November 1 we ll hand out paper grocery bags for you to fill with grocery and health care items. Bring filled bags and put them on the steps in church. After church on 11/22 EVERY- ONE can help sort and re-bag donations to be taken to Resurrection Food Pantry. YOUTH MINISTRY We have had a great start to the year together with 1 Youth Night, 4 Sunday School classes, 6 pies baked and 1 Lasertron Lock-In under our belts! I think the highlight for me is that our young people continue to invite their friends here to St. Paul's and then they come back! Upcoming Events Sun. Nov 1 - Sunday School 10:15am Fri. Nov 6 - Youth Night 6:30-9pm Sun. Nov 15 - Sunday School 10:15 am & Pie Delivery after church I'd also like to let you know that we will have a new addition to the Youth Ministry Team at St. Paul's for this year. Christina Weber accepted an internship position through Lutheran Campus Ministries. I am super excited to have her on board. Christina is passionate about helping others and working with young people. With her help we may expand our Sunday School class to meet more frequently and add service projects into our schedule. She's also a nurse which I hope does not come in handy! ;) Peace & Pies, Kristen If you have questions or need more information contact Kristen by phone, text or email at 716-481-8728 or kristen.arends@gmail.com
BIBLE STUDY Revealing Revelation Retired Folks Thurs. Nov. 12 at Noon Pot-Luck lunch. Bring something yummy! Sign up in the back narthex. We ll be honoring the veterans who attend and hearing about some of their experiences. Come and find out more about the message and meaning of this New Testament book (and what Ezekiel has to do with it!) Tuesdays, Nov. 3, 10, 17 at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Room. Adult Group Gathering Saturday, Dec. 5 th beginning at 4:00 p.m. To decorate the Church for Christmas And then enjoy a Crockpot Pot Luck Dinner Look for a sign-up sheet in the back narthex Thrivent Action Team Update There s still time for Thrivent members and those who sign up to be Associate Thrivent members to access Action Team grants ($250 each) before the end of December. So far in 2015 the following projects have been completed or are on the calendar: Paint for the Gathering Area Food and decorations for the 90+ luncheon Food for School Backpacks Supplies for lap robes Outdoor games for Day Camp Toys for Windermere afterschool program Supplies and food for Day Camp Food and supplies for the Reformation Bowl Tables/Chairs for Café at the Curve Supplies for the picnic Things to refurbish the nursery Supplies for the Chicken BBQ WOW! And we re not done yet. Still in the planning stages are: Supplies for the Habitat workers, Supplies for prayer shawls, fabric for the Comforters Some new ideas that could be Action Team projects might be: Food/supplies for the church Christmas decorating, Gifts to be distributed during a caroling event Supplies for a reception after the Christmas pageant...anything else you can think of---- Contact any of these Action Team Coordinators for more How-to: Sara Gallagher: sarajg@aol.com 834-1833, Chick/ Barb Biegner : chicknbarb@verizon.net 741-4573, Pr. Steve: steve@stpaulseggertsville.org 868-1232
N OVEMBER 2015 ebay News November, 2015 from Sara Gallagher We ve had good sales lately. August sales were $61.47. September sales were $304.51! We had a large donation of vintage china which has helped a lot. Sold since last report: Vintage Original Handcrafted Crewel Embroider of Shells, Framed Fine Bone China Shelley England Dainty Mauve Trio Set Vintage Cobalt Blue Perfume Bottle with Stopper Royal Albert Cup and Saucer. Regal Series Mauve Royal Albert Trio Bone China Lavender Rose Cake Plate, Cup, Saucer Lot of 5 pieces white milk glass hobnail: bowl, candleholders, basket 50 s Napco Christmas Angel Spaghetti Figurine Holding Packages Set of 6 Stainless Steel Napkin Rings for Table Setting or Crafts 1986 American Sports Car Ski Rack with instructions and keys - Royal Albert England Blossom Time Series Hawthorn Trio Set Vintage Regal Automatic Coffee Maker Lot of 8 WOOD Pattern inserts from Better Homes and Gardens mags Bids are in on some of our current listings, so stay tuned. My appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this endeavor. Some have told me they find my reports interesting. Thanks! From the Parish Register Baptisms: By Water and the Spirit Henry Walker McNamara Kara Concetta Visco Deaths: Into your hands, O merciful Savior Carl P. Andersen 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 in memory of Ruth Lampe, which, at her request, are being applied to Mortgage Reduction: Thomas Bestul Shirley Ann Blickensderfer Curt & Joyce Chace Dick and Judy Elliott Arthur & Barbara Griffa Sandy Hoehn Sheila Jesse Diane Kasting Patricia Lalonda Dorothy Menth Dave Metz Diane & Greg Nelson Hilde & Don Neubauer Karan Kay Patterson Rick & Jill Riddoch Donald & Martha Stegen Paul Szarmach Connie Umland Scott Vahue Jane & Larry Woodward Jean Benedict Roger & Jane Kruse Jim & Kathy Verso Marjorie Tritto Lee & Sue Mullen Eileen Lunden Tim & Ellen Kennedy St. Paul s Choir 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 N OVEMBER 2015 Reaching Beyond St. Paul s Backpack Program Update Carolyn Catalano is our contact for the backpack program in the Amherst schools. Our first shipment of backpack food was picked up for the Oct. 30 distribution. There are currently 5 families that have asked for this assistance, but Carolyn is confident that as the cold weather and holidays approach there will be more who need help. The backpacks provide food for families whose children participate in the free or subsidized breakfast and lunch programs during the school week, but are missing meals on the weekends and school holidays when these are not available. 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! FOOD PANTRY UPDATE You may wonder how the food for each month is chosen. We don t choose it Mariyn Emerson contacts the Pantry to find out what the need is and that s what we zero in on. The need for November is Stove-top-type Stuffing and instant mashed potatoes for the Thanksgiving meals. Thanks for your continuing support of this on-going need, and for helping to make it a happy Thanksgiving for others! Lord, when did we see you hungry? BUILDING A BETTER COW Senegal, a country on the west coast of Africa, is known as the land of hospitality. However, many of its 13 million people live in poverty, compounded by the encroaching Sahara Desert making food difficult to grow. Dairy cows weren t producing much milk during the eight-month dry season, leaving those who sell milk without income, and those who drink it without nutrition. An animal husbandry center addressed this problem by crossbreeding the local cows with Holsteins and other breeds, with the partnership of the ELCA-supported Senegal Lutheran Development Service. Now, families who milked their cows for only two quarts of milk a day during the dry season are now milking 2.6 gallons a day. It supplies not only their family s needs, but they can also sell some for the income. The ELCA program director for the area says, It is programs like this that remind ELCA members what an impact mission support has around the world. Our offerings go to places we may never see, yet they make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters around the globe. We are church together for the sake of the world. God s Work. Our Hands. Who Are Prayer Shawls for?? co- People in the congregation, friends, workers, family people who are sick, home-bound, grieving, going through difficult times anyone who needs to know they are wrapped in prayer! Thanks to everyone who has brought in such an abundance of food it will be well used and deeply appreciated! 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!
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 December Wed. Dec. 2 10:00 Comforters/Prayer Shawl Team meet in the Parish Hall Potluck Holiday Lunch Tues. Dec. 8 7:00 Council - 7:00 Eggertsville Community Org. Sat. Dec. 5 4:00 Christmas Decorating followed by a Crockpot Dinner sign up in he back narthex Thurs. Dec. 10 Noon Retired Folks Sun. Dec. 13 Congregational Meeting following worship to act on the 2016 budget and elect the 2016 Nominating Committee. Thurs. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Worship at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. 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