Beaver Lutheran Church COMMENTARY Vol. 28, No. 5 The Season of Easter May 2014 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. www.beaverlutheranchurch.org Holy Communion 10:15 a.m. You Belong to Christ The high point of the church s liturgical year is our Annual Easter Vigil, which culminates our celebration of the The Three Days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. (See our website for more about these services.) Taking the lead from an ancient practice, we gathered outside to the light a new fire and proclaim that Christ is our light. We gathered in a darkened sanctuary, lit our candles, and sat as a family circle to hear the ancient stories of faith: Creation of the World, Crossing the Red Sea, Isaiah s Promise of Salvation, the Valley of Dry Bones, Jonah and the Whale, and the Three Children and the Fiery Furnace. These stories point to our passage from death to life through God s grace. The highlight was welcoming three new members into the family of God through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. We rejoiced and sang as Vaughn, Laine and Lincoln Phelps were washed by these waters and through God s word. Baptism is both their story and our story, the place where we are joined forever to Christ s death and resurrection. As these little ones were baptized, so we remembered our own baptism. Following the baptisms, we ascended the chancel steps to gather around the Lord s Table to eat our Savior s resurrection meal and to share it with the newly baptized. With Mary Magdalene and Vaughn, Laine, and Lincoln, we were sent out with confidence that Christ is risen! We join them in sharing the good news of new life in Christ. God of tenderness, source of all goodness, your Son took children up in his arms and blessed them. Hold Vaughn, Laine, and Lincoln in the strong arms of your love. Look with kindness upon them and their family as they celebrate their baptism. We thank you for giving them new birth by water and the Holy Spirit. Sustain each one of us in the gift of baptism, so that together we may praise you and carry your word into all the world; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 1
Easter 2014 Laine, Vaughn and Lincoln Phelps became baptized members of the Family of God during the Easter Vigil. Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 2
Palm Procession The Middlecreek Valley Ministerium sponsored their first-ever Palm Procession through the streets of Beaver Springs. We gathered at Haines Park at 3:00 for prayer and singing, followed by an afternoon walk that was led by the cross of Christ. We even had an opportunity to sing a Palm Sunday hymn for one of our homebound members, Mona Dutrow. Other participating churches included: Christ Church, St. Paul s Reformed, Beavertown United Methodist parish, Trinity Lutheran, Messiah Lutheran, and St. Peter s Independent. Annual Easter Egg Hunt Was Egg-citing! Children of all ages arrived on Saturday, April 19 for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Rainy weather had been the norm, but on that day the sun was shining down and made for a wonderful afternoon of egg hunting. The children were divided into three age categories and then took off to gather their goodies. Thanks to the Fellowship Committee of the church for sponsoring this annual event! Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 3
The Discombobulated Church We welcomed artist and pastor Trey Everett and his wife, Corene, on Sunday, May 4. Trey is the artist behind the traveling exhibit, The Discombobulated Church, featured earlier this year at Beaver. Trey led a stimulating conversation on the image he created for us, based upon the call of the disciples in Matthew 4:12-23. Surrender and letting go to be aware of God s presence was the theme of the discussion. The original image, along with a description, will soon be on permanent display at the church. Mother/Daughter Banquet Scheduled for May 18 Granddaughter Micheala Wagner, mother Tammie Wagner and grandmother Betsy Ann Klingler at the 2013 Banquet. Corene and Trey Everett on a hike at Shikellamy State Park. The Beaver Lutheran Women of the ELCA (WELCA) will once again sponsor our annual Mother/Daughter Banquet. This year s banquet will be held Sunday, May 18 at 6 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children 5 to 12 years of age. A sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board next to the church office. Please let us know how many to expect. The menu includes: ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, candied carrots, cold lettuce salad and dessert. The men of the church will prepare and serve the meal. If you would like to help out, please see Bryon Beaver. Beaver Lutheran s WELCA is in need of members! We meet the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. from September through May. We also get together sometime in August at a local restaurant for fellowship and to discuss plans for the upcoming year. Remember if you are a female and you re a member of the church, you are already a member of WELCA. Please join us! Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 4
Baby Bottle Boomerang Begins This Sunday, Mother s Day, please take home an empty baby bottle located in the narthex. Fill the bottle with your loose change and return it on Father s Day, June 15. Money raised during the Baby Bottle Boomerang Campaign goes to Crossroads Pregnancy Center in Lewistown and its life changing work of meeting the physical and spiritual needs of men and women who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy. For more information on Crossroads Pregnancy Center, please go to crossroadspcs.org. Still Time to Sign-Up for AED Training A class on learning to use the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) will be held Tuesday, May 27 at 5 p.m. at Evangelical Hospital. You still have time to sign-up for this lifesaving class. There is a small cost for the instruction book. If you are interested, please see Bobbi Leister. An automated external defibrillator is the small red box that is located in the hallway. It is able to diagnose and treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and tachycardia in a patient by defibrillation which is an electrical therapy that stops the arrhythmia and allows the heart to reestablish normal rhythm. Apple Pies Wanted! Six apple pies are needed from this congregation for the lunch which is held following Memorial Day services in Beavertown. Your donation should be at the church by Sunday afternoon, May 25. The pies can be homemade, store-bought or frozen it doesn t matter! A sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board. For information, please see Kim Rigel. Road Litter Clean-Up Between 10 and 12 volunteers are needed to help fulfill our obligation to PennDOT to keep our two-mile stretch of highway clean. Your help is needed Saturday, June 7 at 10 a.m. The youth of the church are encouraged to help. However, those younger than 16 need a permission slip. Please contact Erman Lepley at 658-7605 if you have questions or need a permission slip. Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 5
Academic Loan Applications Available Applications for Academic Loans are now available on the bulletin board. Please have the applications completed and in to the church office no later than Sunday, June 1, 2014. Sunday School & St. Nicholas Choir With the school year winding down we are winding down our children ministry as well. Our children s Sunday School classes are no longer meeting. Instead our children s choir, the St. Nicholas Choir, will meet Sunday mornings at 9 o clock. Any child kindergarten age and up is welcome to come and participate in their rehearsals which also includes formation in the Christian faith. The St. Nicholas Choir is looking forward to singing for both our upcoming Mother/Daughter Banquet on May 18 and worship on May 11. Conversation on Children s Sunday School With our children s Sunday School instruction now complete for the current school year, now is a great opportunity to reflect and talk about the future of this ministry. Are you an adult who cares about the faith formation of our children? Are you a young parent who would like to see your children participate in our education ministry? Join Pastor Nathan on Sunday mornings in the Food Pantry classroom on May 11, 18 and 25 as we reflect on and discuss together the future of this ministry. We are Looking for Your Graduates The church will recognize our graduates on Sunday, June 8. If you have a loved one who will be graduating from high school or a school of higher learning, please let us know so they can be blessed and prayed for that Sunday. Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 6
It s Red for Pentecost! Pentecost Sunday will soon be upon us June 8! This Sunday marks 50 days after Easter and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit is often symbolized as Fire, it has become our tradition to wear red and bring red geraniums. So plan on doing both! We ll plant the red geraniums following worship outside the sanctuary entrance. Help is Needed for the Relay for Life Breakfast The American Cancer Society s Relay for Life is scheduled for June 20 and 21. The event is held each year at the Beaver Fair Grounds in Beaver Springs. Our Busy Beavers team will once again hold a breakfast on the morning of Saturday, June 21. Much help is needed to make this happen. Preparation begins long before the actual date, however many hands are needed to help prepare the meal on Friday, June 20 anytime after 1:00 p.m. The day of the meal will begin at 4:30 a.m. You may also do your part by helping transport items to and from the fairgrounds. Please contact Isabel Zerby at 570-658-7551 if you are available to help those two days. You may also contact Isabel if you are in need of registration forms or survivors sheets. Looking for a Great Gift? If you are looking for a last minute mother s day gift for mom, mom-in-law, sister, aunt, daughter, grandma, or neighbor we ve got a great idea! Why not a collection of wonderful down-home recipes put together by the women of our church? Cost of the book is $15.00. Please see a member of WELCA before or after worship if you are interested in purchasing a copy, or the books will be available for purchase at the Mother/Daughter Banquet on May 18. You may also call the church office at 570-658-2001 to place your order. Checks may be made out to Beaver Lutheran WELCA. Check Out Our Website! Go to www.beaverlutheranchurch.org to check out our new website! Though still under construction, you ll find links to our monthly newsletter, calendar, and lay assistant schedule. You ll also find a link to our Facebook page! Also, remember that we have been sending out weekly emails, News from Beaver Lutheran Church, which give you a glimpse at Sunday s worship and upcoming events. If you currently do not have your email address registered with us at the church office, and would like to receive those weekly emails, please let us know. Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 7
Helpers are Needed for Altar Guild Volunteers are needed to help out with the altar guild. It is not hard and only requires about an hour or so each week for one month a year. If you are interested in this important part of our worship, please see Bryon Beaver or Pastor Nathan. Still Room to Sign Up for Altar Flowers! The 2014 Altar Flower Chart is ready and waiting. If you wish to place flowers in the church, please sign up today! The next available open date is July 20. Other dates are: July 27; Aug. 31; Oct. 26; Nov. 9; and Dec. 7 and 28. Information to be included in the bulletin must be submitted to the secretary no later than the Thursday before your flowers are to be in the church. Cost for 2014 is $35. Please make sure you include your name on the altar flower envelope located in the narthex so your payment may be credited to the correct account. You may also wish to pay Country Flowers directly. Church Council Highlights from April Church Council met on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. Highlights of the meeting include: Discussed options for funding our general operating expenses beyond 2014. Decreased Sunday contributions and increased contributions to the All Saints Fund presents both opportunities and challenges. Approved purchase of a fire-proof vault to store vital church records. Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. beginning June 15 through August 31. Sunday School will follow at 10:45 a.m. Treasurer s Report indicated the following balances as of March 31: Current Fund (general operating expenses) had a positive balance of $6,058.12. Capital Equipment & Repair Fund had a positive balance of $18,569.85. Nerine Benfer Estate Fund (for general operating expenses) had a positive balance of $26,061.29. Regular meeting times are the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Next regular meeting is Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. Full minutes of the meeting will be approved at the May Council meeting and posted outside the church office. Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 8
Come to the Table, Sing at the Table By Jennifer Baker-Trinity When we sing in worship, we are doing many things. We praise God in song. We pray through song. We tell the Christian story and we proclaim the Good News of the gospel. We do this sung praising and praying, story telling and proclaiming at different times in the service. As we sing at those times, our song helps us express what is happening. A hymn like Gather Us In helps us to gather as God s people and a hymn like Sent Forth by God s Blessing sends us on our way to be Christ s hands and feet in our daily lives. We also sing during the distribution of communion. This has been a new tradition for many churches over the past decades. For years, communion had a strict, penitential character. Yet we know that what we experience at communion is so rich; it is indeed a celebration. Yes, we can enjoy reverent silence as we pray, but we can also come to the table singing. Holy Communion is thanksgiving, feasting, celebrating. It s hard to imagine a celebration without music! The choir has an important role in leading us in song during communion, but the song belongs to all. If a song has a repeatable refrain ( One bread, One body, for example), that can be something you can sing while you are walking without any hymnals. When we are waiting to commune and once we have returned, we sing songs that express the rich and varied meanings of communion. We sing the meditative Jesus, Remember Me and the joyful Blessed, Assurance. Many styles of music find their place at the table. So come to the table with a song in your heart and on your lips. In the singing, in the silence, in the hands expectant, open, in the blessing, in the breaking, in your presence at this table. Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, be the wine of grace. Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, be the bread of peace. In the Singing Shirley Erena Murray, ELW #466 Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 9
Thanks from the Cub Scouts Thank you Beaver Lutheran for allowing us to use the church. Pack 3429 In Loving Memory CHARLES W. BILL BENFER, JR. February 6, 1919 March 29, 2014 NANCY L. AURAND June 19, 1938 April 6, 2014 We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bill and Nancy. We are confident in the teaching of Christ which brings solace and comfort, that the lives of Bill and Nancy have not ended, but changed. We will miss them as members of this Family of God at Beaver Lutheran Church. May Birthdays and Anniversaries Those celebrating birthdays this month include: Janelle VanHorn, May 6. Jill Kline and Morgan Stone, May 7. Stacey Keefer and Skyler Sassaman, May 15. Jeffrey Markley, May 17. Leon Bickhart, Erman Lepley, May 20. Chelsea Krebs, May 22 Ty Benner and Maggie Etzler, May 23. Jennifer Wray, May 24. Thomas Rigel, May 26. Thomas Baker-Trinity, May 27. Betsy Ann Klingler, May 28. Jean Melton, May 31 Those celebrating anniversaries this month include: Craig & Greta Wagner, May 2. John & Dueressa Hassinger, May 11 (62 years). Glenn Jr. & Jocelyn Royer. Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 10
From the Pastor s Desk God has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3b) These words from Peter s letter were probably written to new Christians who were just baptized. Baptism is more than just being washed and guaranteed a place in heaven. Baptism is a new birth. It is a new life that replaces the old. It means that you have died with Christ and risen with Christ. We tend to separate the act of baptism from the cross of Christ. We think of baptism as a kind of stand-alone act that God performs for us. God washes us. God clothes us. God forgives us. This is all very true. But it s not the whole story. The deepest meaning of baptism is the one that both Peter points out here and that Paul points out in Romans 6:3-11 and Colossians 3:1-4. Baptism is dying and rising. It is death and resurrection. Baptism is the beginning of your death, but it is also the beginning of your new birth. This all happens because of Christ s dying on a cross. On the cross, Christ died for us not only so that we can live, but so that we can die. We must die before we can rise. Like fields that must be burned before a new crop can be planted, so the fields of our old lives must be burned so that new lives can be born. What does this dying look like in your life? Perhaps it s the death of your expectations of a good life. Perhaps it s the death of a relationship. Perhaps it s even the death of who you think God is. Often our expectation is that these deaths will be few and far between and that we will quickly be filled with joy and hope and peace. But the reality is far different. We might spend days, months, perhaps even years in these valleys, wondering if we really have faith that God is with us and accepts us. The good news, brothers and sisters, is that God is present when these things die. Because of the cross, we know that God is present in the valley of the shadow of death. Christ didn t just suffer on the cross 2,000 year ago. Christ suffers with us now. But we also believe that Christ has been raised. Christ s love is with us now through the power of the Spirit. Christ s love did not die with him on the cross. Even as he was dying, his love did not die. As John s gospel describes it, Jesus final breath that left his body was the breath of the Holy Spirit. That breath, that wind, that Spirit did not die. That Spirit of love and acceptance for those who dwell in the valley of the shadow of death is alive and with us now. The good news of Easter is not merely that Jesus physically rose from the dead. The good news is that God s love did not die. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, that Easter love is alive and well in the world today. And it has the power to rescue us from death now. See you in church, Pastor Nathan Beaver Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Beaver Springs, PA 17812 Page 11