Trinity Lutheran Church November, 2013 Newsletter November Activities November 3 - All Saints Sunday when we remember those from Trinity who died during the year. November 10-11:15 AM - Contemporary Service 3:00 PM-ANNUAL; MEETING and Dinner. Sign-up on the board located on the Johnson Avenue side of the church. November 24 - Sunday School Harvest Home. The congregation and youth will meet at 12:30 p.m. to pack Thanksgiving Baskets for the needy. November 27-7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Community Service at Chews Methodist Church, Black Horse Pike, Runnemede... November 28-8:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Service at Trinity. Start your day in God s House!
October 21 st same-gender marriage became legal in the State of New Jersey. I have been asked by several people as to whether or not I can be legally compelled to perform same-gender marriage services. The answer to that is no. I can not be legally compelled to perform marriage services for anyone. It is my choice as to whether or not I marry a couple. As the pastor of Trinity I have control of all pastoral acts that occur in our sanctuary. Even the Bishop has no control over me in this area. When I do decide to marry a couple I must do so within the laws of the state (many pastors have performed same-gender services while the act was illegal in their states - note that since they could not file for a license, the marriages were not recognized by their states). Our new Bishop, Tracie Bartholomew sent an e-mail to all the clergy in our synod on Monday. I am sure that she was being inundated with questions about this situation. The following is a portion of her e-mail to pastors answering some of those questions: The short and easy answer is that the state's ruling does not change what the church said in our 2009 Social Statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, or its implementing resolutions. Of course, what we adopted with that statement leaves much to the pastoral care and discretion of each pastor and congregation. So, what follows is my best interpretation and guidance. First, prayerful conversation is important. When our Social Statement was adopted, we called upon "members of this church...to commit themselves to finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements." In order to do this, we must continue to engage each other in prayerful conversation. It is also important for you to be in conversation with your congregational leaders before recognizing same-gender unions publicly or using the church building (or refusing to do so). This doesn't necessarily mean asking permission, but it is not helpful for council leaders or congregation members to find out what the pastor is doing when they're reading the newspaper or seeing a picture on Facebook! If there has been no discussion, they are likely to feel blindsided should someone ask them about it. You cannot disregard the fact that you are the public face of the congregation and that your actions impact the whole church as well as your colleagues in ministry. Being open to recognizing or not recognizing a same-gender union should always be a matter you have prayerfully considered for the sake of the couple and the community and not for the sake of publicity or making a political statement. Thank you for being intentional in your prayerful reflection and conversation as we move into this new day. I have no intention of performing same-gender marriages at Trinity (or anywhere else). From the above information from our Bishop you can see that she can only caution us concerning our actions, but has no control over who we choose to marry. No law can force pastors or their congregations to marry anyone. Grace and Peace, Pastor Andy
SERMON PREVIEWS: Nov. 3 - ALL SAINTS SUNDAY HOLY COMMUNION Sermon: LETTERS FROM HEAVEN Ephesians 1:11-23 Nov. 10 - PENTECOST 25 - BAPTISMS HOLY COMMUNION - 10 A.M. CONTEMPORARY SERVICE - 11:15 A.M. Serm on: WHO S WIFE IS IT ANYWAY? Luke 20:27-38 Nov. 17 - PENTECOST 26_- JR. CHOIR HOLY COMMUNION Sermon: IT S NOT OVER YET! Luke 21:5-19 Nov. 24 - CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY HOLY COMMUNION - SR. BELLS Sermon: CHRIST, THE CENTER OF OUR WORLD Colossians 1:11-20 Dec. 1 - ADVENT I HOLY COMMUNION Sermon: THE REV. LOU DUNKLE Matthew 24:36-44 Dec. 8 - ADVENT 2 - BAPTISMS HOLY COMMUNION - 10 A.M. CONTEMPORARY SERVICE - 11:15 A.M. Serm on: AN UNCOMFORTABLE FAITH Matthew 3:1-12 Dec. 15 - ADVENT 3 - JUNIOR CHOIR HOLY COMMUNION - JUNIOR BELLS Sermon: A HEFTY RANSOME Isaiah 35:1-10 Dec. 22 - ADVENT 4 - SENIOR BELLS HOLY COMMUNION - 10 A.M. Serm on: A SPECIAL CALLING Matthew 1:18-25 Dec. 29 - CHRISTMAS I HOLY COMMUNION - 10 A.M. Serm on: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ISAIAH Isaiah 63:7-9 Join us for Thanksgiving SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 3:00 PM Catered by Mirabella Mark your calendar for our Annual Congregational Dinner and Meeting. Buffet Dinner - 3:00 p.m. Sign up on the board located on Johnson Avenue side of church. Free-will Offering to Cover Costs Annual Meeting approximately 4:15 p.m. relection of Church Council Members rlooking ahead to the future radoption of 2014 Budget Thanksgiving Services Wednesday, Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Community Service Chews United Methodist Church THANKSGIVING DAY, 8:30 A.M. SERVICE AT TRINITY HOLY COMMUNION Start your day in God s House! Note: Please make this meeting a priority.
Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. Psalm 119:33-40 (NIV) The psalmist looked to God to teach him the way he should live his life, and to bless him with understanding of His divine revelation. To him the law was from God, and it expressed his wise and gracious will. It was a means of living in fellowship with God. Through understanding learn to love God s law and have the desire to obey it, to seek to follow God s ways and not to live for selfish gain. He looked to God to keep him safe and away from that which would be harmful, to live a righteous live and not end up in disgrace. The psalmist was a sufferer, and in great suffering found the law a source of great comfort and correction. We need to keep our minds fixed upon Jesus to teach us, guide us and to give us comfort and strength through our lives. We need Him to lead us on his path and not let us stray on our own way. It is keeping our eyes always upon Jesus that brings us to a peace and joy that goes beyond understanding. We are well into our fall semester lessons. Our teachers are working hard to present lessons that will help train and lead our children to grow in faith. It is a pleasure to see the excitement our children have learning. As your faith leads you please give support through offerings, donations and memorials. This will enable us to continue to purchase supplies needed for teaching our children. Also, please remember to support our Missionary Outreach Program, Cathedral Kitchen by bringing in your $3-dime folders. We are working on our Christmas program, Our Gifts to Jesus, for He is the Best Gift of all. The presentation of the program will be on Sunday, December 15 th at the 10:00 am service. Also, as preparation for the Advent season we will be purchasing Faith Guides and Christmas calendars to help prepare our students to understand what it s all about. Again, I want like to thank those who have made a donation to Sunday School as a memorial for Kaitlyn Lutz. At our last meeting we began discussing how we will make use of this fund as a memorial. A card was received from the Gibelyou and Lutz families thanking the Sunday School for the dish gardens, many cards, prayers, and expressions of sympathy. The CD-- Leading Young Hearts to the Lord is available again this year. It contains 12 lessons for parents to use with their children. These lessons were written with 3 rd -6 th grade children in mind. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the pocket guide or the CD for these very important lessons please contact me. In Jesus name, Carl Nagel
What a great first of the season job was done on Sunday, October 20 th by the Junior Choir! The Joy of the Lord was sung as a solo at the 8:30 Service by Alexia Glaze who sang with emphasis and meaning. Many thanks! Then Alexia was joined by a number of other members who sang at both 10:00 and 11:15. For the 2013-2014 season we welcome both Alyssa and Joshua Cepero. Those of you who are in the choir need to encourage more of your Sunday School members to join us as well. Remember that our rehearsal is in the Choir Room from 9:45-10:00 so there is plenty of time to get to your class afterwards. We will be singing twice in November! November 17 th we will be doing Soon and Very Soon and then on Thanksgiving morning we will be singing a very appropriate Season of Harvest which has been done in the past and appreciated by all. During this fall season the Junior Choir is being accompanied by Mrs. Susan Dilks while Mr. Kraemer is rooting for the U. S. Naval Academy soccer team. Many thanks to both of these talented people for serving us. Both Emilee Schipske and Kenna Brockway have returned to help the choir members with their robes. Thanks for getting up early to be here girls! Questions in regard to the Junior Choir? Please don t hesitate to call me at 856-939-4411. Love to all, Mrs. Schmidt
November starts our Harvest Home collection. Our Turkey will be arriving on November 3 rd and all hams and canned goods will be due back by November 24 th. We will be packing them on Sunday November 24 th after the end of the 11:15 service. It takes us less than an hour so please think about staying to help. October was our Pantry Month. Pat Schmidt spoke to everyone about what our pantry and clothing closet mean to the community. Thank you to everyone who donated last month. Your donations are what keep our ministry working. Any clothing items dropped off need to be clean and stain-free. The Clothing Closet is open to anyone. We have a large selection of gently used and a few new clothes. Help stretch your budget and give some of our clothing a new home. Clothing items are always welcome. They can be dropped off at any time. Just leave them in one of the bins on the 17 Knight Avenue porch and remember WHEN BAGGING UP YOUR USED CLOTHING PLEASE DON T OVER-STUFF THE BAGS. The volunteers who carry, sort and organize the clothing cannot carry the bags into the house when they are too heavy. They would really appreciate it if you could divide the heavy bags into two more manageable bags. Thank you VERY MUCH. Some dates to remember: November 3 Turkey and Thanksgiving table November 10 Social Concerns Meeting 11:15 November 24 Pack Thanksgiving Baskets December 1 Angel Tree December 22 Pack and distribute Christmas Gifts and Baskets Please plan on being with us this holiday season. You will receive much more out of giving than you can image. The feeling is priceless. New members are always welcome. We meet on the second Sunday of the month following the 11:15 service. Please come out and join us. Remember God loves a cheerful giver. You will love the fellowship and the great feeling you get from helping others. Luke 3:11 And he answered them, Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise. Caring and Sharing Cheryl Morris
Greetings in Christ, October was a busy month for the Property Committee as we worked to complete the outside work before winter arrives. We had two scheduled workdays on the 12 th and 19 th. On the 12 th the outside soffit lights were replaced (12 total) with CFL s. This task requires two men and a large extension ladder. We will look into a lamp change out stick, so that we may be able to change them out in the future with a step ladder. We also noted that the lighted sign was not lit. We discovered that it was turned off at the circuit breaker. Since we had the sign opened we did some maintenance on it. It was cleaned out we drilled more drain holes in the bottom replaced the 6 fluorescent lights and reset the timer. It is now a lamp unto our feet for everyone to see. We inspected our power off exit lights. We have quite a list 24 to be exact. We recently received a list of the locations and plan to update it for future inspections. The 2 nd work day on the 19 th started out painting the front entrance doors and the entrance door on the Knight Avenue side of the church. They each received two coats of paint and look great. Also, completed was the sealing of the squirrel holes in the rear of 25 Knight Avenue. The squirrels have been evicted... for now. Look for the next work day posting in November.
Once again, we find ourselves with a new month upon us. Where does the time go? On Sunday, October 6 th, we had several youth participate in bowling at Brunswick Zone in Deptford. We also had some young adults join us for a fun day of fellowship. Besides the usual games of bowling, the young adults decided to make it a little bit of a challenge. Since most of them bowl right-handed, they bowled left-handed. It seems that some of them bowled better left-handed then they do normally. Then on Saturday, October 12 th, we had Gus, Nicole and Casey help out at the Octoberfest at the Lutheran Home in Moorestown. They received a certificate of participation and numerous compliments on what great kids they are. Thank You for your participation in this worthwhile event. The second Contemporary Service was held on Sunday, October 13 th. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Casey Eberts participation by singing at this service. You did a great job. We hope you will join us again in the near future. Once again this year, we will be helping pack the Thanksgiving baskets on Sunday, November 24 th. For those youth in Confirmation classes, this counts as a service event. This is always a great afternoon of fun and fellowship. Our next planning meeting will be Sunday, November 3 rd at 11:15 am in the 8 th grade Sunday School room. Any parent of youth in grades 6 thru 12 are encouraged to attend this planning meeting. In His name, Sherry Stroup Youth Ministry advisor
The Young Adult Ministry is excited to announce that we will be holding a good old fashion bake sale on November 17 th to benefit the Cathedral Kitchen. It will take place in Fellowship Hall from 9 am to 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to provide a baked item for the sale. Sign-up sheets will be located in the front of the church for anyone who would like to participate. All items will be sold for a free will offering, with all proceeds going to the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden. Also, we are going to be offering free baby sitting services for weary Christmas shoppers on Saturday, December 7 th. Keep an eye out for details. Finally, the Young Adult Ministry and Youth Ministry will be cosponsoring a talent show on Saturday, January 24, 2014. It promises to be a fun fellowship event for EVERYONE, with a pot-luck supper followed by a talent show in the main sanctuary. If you can sing, dance, play an instrument, tell a joke, WE Want You!!! Look out for sign-up sheets in December. The Young Adult Ministry mission is to provide unique Christian fellowship and service opportunities for Trinity members, families, and friends from the ages of 18 to 30-ish. Join us! Blessings, The Young Adult Ministry Team
Lutheran Care at Moorestown The Lutheran Home Auxiliary met at 10 am on Thursday, October 10 th. The Oktoberfest was held on Saturday, October 12 th. Those who attended had a great time! There was German music and fabulous German food! Everything was so colorfully presented. Kudos to the kitchen staff! They did an exceptional job this year! Our youth helped to set up beforehand - a nice time of fellowship for all present. Four people from Trinity came for the delicious meal. People from Trinity also provided homemade baked goods ( 2 cakes requested per congregation). Additionally, this year, we had sale booths throughout the time of the festival (4 through 7 pm) - jewelry, white elephant, books, beautiful gently used clothing. We netted $58.00 on jewelry, $15.00 on books, $200.00 on clothing and $37.00 for white elephant/cake sales. We do not have the total for the meals as of this writing, but I will report same to you as soon as I receive that confirmation. We also received a generous donation from a member of Trinity to help defray meal costs for residents and their families with the remaining funds to go towards Christmas costs. Please be sure to RSVP me by October 27 th if you plan on attending the free volunteer luncheon. ( it s the Homes way of saying thanks to all volunteers.) So far, I only have two responses. This is for anyone who has volunteered at the Home this past year. Some examples - coming to carol at Christmas, being a Santa s helper, wrapping/.bagging gifts, doing crafts, bingo, helping with Ocktoberfest, June Day, etc. You ll have a wonderful time! Needed are: Volunteers to take birthday photos, distribute birthday bags and balloons and help residents in general to enjoy the monthly birthday luncheons. Please contact me if your are interested in helping with anything at the Home. Also needed: baby dolls, doll clothing, large, over the head necklaces, small stuffed animals. Thank you to all who give so generously of your time, talents and finances to the residents of the Home. It is always greatly appreciated. Nov. 14 - Auxiliary Meeting in the Chapel - 10 am Nov. 14 - Volunteer Luncheon - Social Hall - 12 noon Nov. 21 - Perkins for lunch - 11 am Nov. 26 - Residents birthday luncheon - 12 noon Wishing you a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving. Sincerely, Sandy Pagano The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Sunday, October 13 th was PANTRY DAY, 2013. Envelopes for monetary donations to the food pantry Trinity has sponsored for over 20 years were in the church bulletins for three Sundays. The Temple Talk for this event was designed to challenge the congregation to consider the needs of the families who come to us. Historically when the people of Trinity are presented a need, the response is eagerly and sacrificially made. 2013 is no exception! Despite the fact that Thrivent Financial for Lutheran was not able to give us any monetary gift this year, the pantry received a total of gifts in the amount of $4,156.00!!!! Many, many thanks to each of you who answered YES, I will respond and my gift is enclosed. Through you a number of adults and children will be able to have good food to eat and enjoy. May the Lord richly bless you who have chosen to serve Him in this way! Sincere gratitude to all, Pat Schmidt
The following article was sent to this chairman by her cousin Nancy. It is from the Upper Room. "CLOAKED IN GOD'S LOVE" (Read Matthew 9:20-22 Take heart daughter; your faith has made you well. Matthew 9:22). My life changed when a doctor told me that I needed a mechanical device to assist my failing heart. The next day I was transported by ambulance to the Mayo Clinic for an evaluation. Before I left the local hospital the chaplain held a prayer shawl blessing. This was not the first prayer shawl I had received. I had been blessed with a quilt and three other shawls. One of the quilts consisted of threads knotted as the person who made it prayed. In Matthew 9:20-22, a woman who had been ill for years broke through the crowd and touched Jesus' cloak. After confronting the woman and praising her faith, Jesus healed her. In a way, a prayer shawl is like the cloak of Christ. As a recipient, I felt a connection through Christ with the individuals who had made it, prayed over it, and given it to me. Clutching one of the prayer shawls as I rode in the ambulance, I felt a quiet peace that assured me of God's love and presence. Wearing the shawls did not prevent me from having the heart pump implanted, but the shawls and quilt did calm some of my fears. I felt that I was covered and surrounded by God's love. Prayer: Thank you, God, for those who help us to feel cloaked in your love. Amen written by Charles F. van Rossum, Nebraska." Our PSM meeting of October 4, 2013 started on time with the Lord's Prayer. Members in attendance were Barbara Anconetani, Beverly Bethany, Ann Carter, Val Colasuonno, Jean Krips, Dolores Keller, Carolyn Lunn, and Mary Raws. We received 4 prayer shawls and 1 baptismal blanket. We discussed the funds received in Memory of Sally Miller. Pastor Andy was present and took part in the discussion. The goal of the PSM and Church Council is to purchase an altar parament. The cost of a parament is high but attainable. We are just about there. A motion was made that we keep $50 of the funds in our PSM treasury to help our immediate needs. The rest of the funds will help pay for the parament. The motion was carried. Our next meeting will be November 2, 2013. W e discussed setting up tables for Sunday, November 3 rd for the distribution of handmade items IN MEMORY OF SALLY MILLER DAY. A member may choose one item, while supply lasts. Leftovers will be distributed at a later time. Refreshments of coffee, tea, cookies, etc. will be served downstairs where the distribution will be held. Members who will be assisting are: After 8:30 am service -- Dolores Keller and Mary Raws, After 10 am service -- Barbara Anconetani, Beverly Bethany, and Ann Carter,. The PSM Distribution Information was copied and distributed to Pastor Andy and PSM members to review who had received shawls. We are trying to be accurate so no one is forgotten and/or the names are spelled correctly. Also distributed was an article from the booklet "Angels On Earth/Sept./Oct. 2013 The Healing Gift". Corresponding Secretary Barbara Anconetani read the following thank you notes: DEAR VERY TALENTED MEMBERS OF TRINITY'S PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: Please accept our thanks for the beautiful cross bookmarks you made for the members of the 2013 Trinity Confirmation Class and, especially our children, Ian & Paige. Ian has already placed his bookm ark in his Bible. We plan to frame Paige's as a lovely reminder of a truly wonderful day! Thank you all for sharing your am azing talents with our fam ily. Blessings to you all, Ian, Paige, Barbara and Andrew von Franzke. PRAYER SHAWL LADIES: Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawls. My daughter and I appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. Our love, Dolly & Nicole.Gibelyou Baptismal Historian Mary Raws reported we will have 3 baptized in October. New Business -- PSM Officers : The following are our current officers: President Carolyn Lunn, Vice President Valerie Colasuonno, and Corresponding Secretary Barbara Anconetani. A motion was approved and seconded for this slate. Closing Blessing was given by Pastor Andy. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Next meeting Nov.1, 2013. "Until We Meet Again, May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand" Carolyn Lunn, PSM President