THE CHI-RHO JULY 2017

THE CHI-RHO JULY 2017 Christ Lutheran Church 29 S. George Street York, Pa. 17401 Our Mission: Reflect God s love in the heart of York Our Vision: To be a vibrant congregation in the heart of York praising God, connecting people to Christ, and serving the people of York and the world Companions with the Itete Hospital of the Konde Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania

Sunday services at 8:00 am and 10:00 am. July 2 The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Ma hew 10:40-42 Welcome Christ in those he sends July 9 The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Ma hew 11:16-19, 25-30 The yoke of discipleship July 16 The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Ma hew 13:1-9, 18-23 The parable of the sower and the seed July 23 The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Ma hew 13:24-30, 36-43 The parable of the weeds July 30 The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Ma hew 13:31-33, 44-52 Parables of the reign of heaven 2

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! July 17th - 20th 5:30PM - 7:30PM Calling all children from ages 3-10 for Vacation Bible School! Register here: http://vbsmate.com/christlutheranchurchofyork Bring friends and register them, too! Please register to volunteer (ages 11 and older) at the link listed above. 3

As customary, Church Council met at 7PM the third Monday of the month, June 19th, and opened with Devotions and Prayer by Pastor Watt. Officer/Staff Reports Secretary s Minutes: Approved as written. Want to know all the details? The previous months minutes and reports can be found in the lower narthex. Tom Olson, Treasurer and Finance Envelope giving was down significantly in May. Year-to-date we are approx. $17,000 behind budget in offering. Have you considered Simply Giving? Call the office to find out more. Beth Barbato, Childcare Director The Childcare Center still loves and nurtures 40 of God s children. They are raising funds for a trip to Lake Tobias. What fun! Childcare spots are available. Todd Davis, Music Director Have you noticed Todd playing the piano more? That s because the organ continues to decline in playability. About half of the organ is unusable because of dead notes, tuning instability and failing pipes. The organ restoration fund is currently at $58,238. John Krueger, Playground Committee The committee is coalescing around a few concepts for the childcare play yard. We re going to git r done. Pastor Watt Provided report listing the number of office/hospital/shut-in/home visits and meetings. He is recovering nicely from his surgery. The traveling display of the 95 Theses is coming to our church in August. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. ML 4

Judy Leece, Congregational Care Need a ride to church or a doctor s appointment? Call the office. We want to help. Terry Hoover, Education, Youth and Family Ministry Children s church has started during the first part of the 10AM service. The kids each take turns reading the lessons of the day, asking and answering questions. They then join their families for communion in the Nave. Mighty Fortress, Vacation Bible School is from July 17-20 th. Sign your child up now and/or volunteer to help. Robin Reed, Property Manager Outside painting is going well and should be done around the end of June. Landscaping on the south side of the church under the big yellow cross will follow. If you haven t seen this side of the church, check it out. Judy Leece, Fellowship Sign up for the Parish Retreat at Camp Kirchenwald, August 25-27. Bishop Carol Hendrix will lead the adult program. Church in the woods! Council still needs another member. Is God calling you to spend about two hours every month to serve on Council? Talk to Pastor Watt or a current council member! Council adjourned with prayer at 9:00 PM. Next meeting: 7PM on Monday, July 17 th in the parlor. An All-Committee Meeting is being planned for after church at 11:30am on July 16th in the parlor. We'll be setting up the activities calendar for the second half of 2017, so bring a list of what your committee is planning and ideas for activities that committees might work on together. Send a representative if necessary, but all committee members are invited. Please sign up on your weekly cards or call the office. We hope this working lunch can be over by 1:00 p.m. 5

During the summer months, in the absence of Sunday school, there will be Children s Church in the chapel during the beginning of our 10:00 service. The children, 3yrs to 6 th grade, meet at 10:00 in the parlor. This mini-service includes a song, prayer of the day, the readings, gospel, and then a short talk geared to them. The kids will come up to the regular service during the hymn of the day (after the sermon), so that they may participate in Holy Communion with their families. By no means do the children need to participate in Children s church. This time takes the place of the children s talk during the 10:00 service. VBS It s not too late to sign up for Vacation Bible School. Information on signing up and times can be found in the bulletin, the Friday e-mail blast, and by contacting Abbey Anderson. Blessings Terry Hoover Now is the time to sign up for the Parish Retreat, August 25 27. It s going to be a great weekend for folks of all ages. The building is completely accessible. In case you re wondering, the rooms are very nice and feature en suite bathrooms. If you are coming as a single, we will help pair you up with a compatible roommate. Bishop Carol Hendrix is our adult leader, and there will be activities and learning for children, too. We will swim, canoe, hike, worship, eat, talk, or just sit. Dress code: casual! Stop by the parlor on July 23 between the services for an information session. Questions before then? Talk to Julie Sterner, Tom Keller, or Judy Garber. Hope to see you! 6

Catechetics youth and alumni had quite an experience participating in Bread for the World Lobby Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, June 13. We had the opportunity to meet in person with Senator Casey, Senator Toomey, and Rep. Perry. President of Bread for the World, David Beckmann, presented an award to Senator Casey for being supportive of anti-hunger legislation. We invited our senators and representative to attend one of our Community Meals and we are hopeful that one of them will take us up on that. We ll let you know what we hear. Good work by: Tori Ebersold, Adeline Gerz, Kayla Knight, Grace Lauer, Shannon Vanada, Jen Vanada, and Judy Garber. Christ Church young people are all signed up for Diaconos Camp, July 9 15. Our 12 campers and their current grade in school are: Sam Brenner, 7 th ; Kristian Eppley, 11 th ; Lela Eppley, 9 th ; Adeline Gerz, 8 th ; Egan Granholm, 8 th ; Quinn Granholm, 8 th ; Kayla Knight, 8 th ; Nathan Knight-Nixon, 9 th ; Alexa Sheaffer, 10 th ; Caylee Sheaffer, 8 th ; Andrew Ports, 7 th ; and Shannon Vanada, 7 th. Again, Eric Gerz, Barbara Nixon and Judy Garber will be their adult companions. Installation will be during worship on July 9. In addition to camp activities we will: visit with residents of Spang Crest, the Lutheran home in Lebanon, PA; work on a project at camp; learn how to fix bicycles and then go into a community with Recycle Bicycle; work at the Central PA Food Bank just off Union Deposit Road in Harrisburg, and do some gardening for the Wittel Farm s hunger ministry. Thanks to all who supported our soup sale and our evening at Isaac s. Thanks also to Thrivent Financial for its support of $250 toward the cost of camp. Judy Garber, Catechetics Class Teacher 7

Report of the 2017 Synod Assembly The 30 th annual assembly of the Lower Susquehanna Synod, held this year on June 2-3 at Messiah College, reflected both the history and the future of the Lutheran Church. The theme for the assembly was R3: reform, renew, and revision. Representing our congregation were Pastor Alan Wa, Chaplain Hank Steinhilber, and Barbara Steinhilber. Keynote speaker for the event, The Rev. Dr. David Daubert, explored the theme Luther s Teachings 500 Years Later: Some Implications for Missional Congregations in the 21 st Century. He began be reviewing, in simple terms, the key points of the Augsburg Confession. Dr. Daubert then gave an interesting history of the growth of Lutheranism in the United States. Through immigration in the 1700 s and 1800 s, followed by procreation (large families of immigrants and the Baby Boom of the late 1940 s and 1950 s), the Lutheran Church grew. Aided by the neighborhood nature of churches, Sunday Blue Laws, and the nature of society in general, church membership steadily increased until it peaked in the 1970 s. Since then, the Lutheran Church, as well as other mainline denominations in America, have been in steady numerical decline. He presented the sobering news that at the current rate of decline, our church will die out in 5-10 years, if we don t do something different. We need both leadership vitality and congregational vitality in order to survive the current crisis. The good news is that the Lower Susquehanna Synod, led by a dynamic Bishop James Dunlop, has a plan. We are restructuring seminary education in Pennsylvania by uniting our two seminaries effective July 1, 2017. Seminary tuition is now free and the 4-year program has been reduced to three years. In addition, the LSS is a pilot synod for the ELCA, receiving money to implement the R3 program of renewal, which our congregation will be hearing more about in the near future. 8

The main worship of the assembly was a Service of Word and Sacrament with Rites of Ordination and Consecration. Christ Church member, the Rev. Maynard Barnhart, was remembered along with other rostered leaders of the synod who passed away since the last assembly. Business, including approval of the budget, acceptance of commi ee reports and election of synod officials took place throughout the day on Saturday. It was reported that Fill the Truck to Feed the Children, this year s assembly hunger initiative, brought in more than 7,000 pounds of food (11 pallets) as well as financial donations. Thanks to all from Christ Church who participated! Respectfully submi ed, Barbara Steinhilber The next meal is scheduled for July 23! The meal begins at 12:00 pm in the Parish Hall. There is a Signup Genius site set-up for volunteers to register to help with the Community Meals. The link for the site is on the front page of our website, www.christlutheranyork.com. Please visit the website to see volunteer positions needed for each meal and to sign up as you are available and willing to help. Also, there is a sign-up sheet available on the desk in the Lower Narthex. Contact Tom Keller or Cindy Cooley. The Communications Committee is considering reprinting Henry Nyman's book, ON THE CODORUS. Before considerable expense and energy are expended, the committee wants to know how many people would be interested in buying the book. The initial cost was $55.00. Anticipate a slight increase. If you are interested, please call the Church office and sign up. 9

Duties * 8:00 am service Acolytes Amy Ports 755-0842 Assisting Ministers Church Office Readers Church Office Nursery Church Office No 8:00 am Nursery 2 Lela Eppley*, Andrew Ports Bill Cooley*, Vicki Craun*, Tom Olson, Barbara Steinhilber Terry Hoover*, Beverly Bowers No nursery 9 Caylee Sheaffer*, Adeline Gerz Ed Garber*, Judy Leece*, Eric Gerz, Cindy Cooley Betsy Buckingham*, Kayla Knight No nursery 16 Quinn Granholm*, Sam Brenner Betsy Buckingham*, Marlene Coval*, Tom Gross, Adrienne Brenner Paul Schendel*, Leslee Yoder No nursery 23 Egan Granholm*, Nathan Knight- Nixon Paul Schendel*, Pete Kenee*, Jay Stevens, Hank Steinhilber Judy Garber*, Edna Stevens No nursery 30 Alexa Sheaffer*, Joseph Krueger Tom Keller*, Lynn Keller*, Beverly Bowers, John Krueger Paul Schendel*, Jay Stevens No nursery 10

Greeters/ Presenters Coffee Table/ Summer Breakfast Hospital Visitors LN Door Monitors Church Office Back Door Church Office David and Peggy Kauffman*, Roger and Joan Patches Cindy Cooley, Barbara Steinhilber Beverly Bowers Ed Smith*, John Ports Vance Eppley*, Karen Arnold Ed and Sally Smith*, Charlie and Ginger Beaverson Judy Leece, Mary Shepp Ellen Carter John Krueger*, Andy Waltersdorf Gary Danner*, Diane Einsig Judy Leece*, Mary Shepp*, Kenny Weaver, Kelly Weaver Scott and Michele Donner Lynn Keller Scott Donner*, Don Cook Matthew Schlenker*, Shirley Cook Rochelle Nyman*, Deb Concino*, Don and Shirley Cook Matthew and Melissa Schlenker Richard Kurz Marlene Coval*, Matt March Sandy Cooley*, Kelly Weaver Bill and Sandy Cooley*, Tom and Marion Gross Tom and Marty Olson Paul Schendel Dave Barkdoll*, Bill Paules Vicki Craun*, Kenny Weaver 11

WORSHIP AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES S+ * K -$%. B 0% # (July 16) Brenda Barkdoll Judy Garber Deb Morris Emily Lauer Pat McMaster Jacob Schlenker A G! Marlene Coval, Ch. Vicki Craun Margaret Kauffman Sally Smith U#$% # 8:00 Rod Flinchbaugh, Capt. David and Shirley Blymire Todd Marsteller Ed Smith B ++! P %## % (July 2) Michele Donner P%2 C % 2 - Bob StibiH 9 - D Este Hanson, Barbara Shepp 16- Jane Greiss, Barbara Shepp 23/30- Beverly Bowers, Sandy Cooley 10:45 Rick Smith, Capt. Charlie Beaverson Sam Brenner Phil Shepp Don Striebig Ben Thornsberry H '( )% S ** % # (July 9) Beverly Bowers Barb Shepp Jennifer Eppley Kathy Heilman 12

D+'.+%#5 When: July 15, 5:59 pm Where: The home of Cathe and Todd Davis What to bring: Appetizer/Dessert Contact: Vance and Jen Eppley, 843-6557 G 6# N )$ O! When: July 18, 6:00 pm Where: Knickers Pub, York Contact: Church office L! %# N )$ O When: July 18, 6:00 pm Where: Olive Garden, York Contact: Church office C + ʹ# P 6% S$ 2 M. # 6 When: 3rd Wednesday of each month 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Where: Church parlor Contact: Wanda StibiH at 741-2473 Community Meal When: July 23, 12:00 pm Where: Parish Hall Contact: Cindy Cooley, Tom Keller, Church Office 13

The Sanctuary Series continues throughout the summer months! The concerts are in the nave, immediately following the 10:00 am worship service. As always, a reception follows! July 9 - A Concert of American Music Music for piano and voice, including works of Gottschalk. Guest Baritone Spencer Adamson sings Old American Songs by Copland. August 20 - Sunday Sonatas Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27, No. 2 (The Moonlight Sonata) Also included in the program are works of Bach and Chopin. Dear Friends at Christ Lutheran Church, Greetings from Lutheran World Relief! I m excited to be able to share some details about where your items traveled in the last year. Your blankets went to Peru. LWR s partner in Peru is Caritas del Peru. Caritas works to serve Peruvians who are the most vulnerable due to proximity to disaster risk areas, lack of access to clean water, and high unemployment rates. Mission Quilts, Personal Care Kits, School Kits, and Baby Care Kits will be distributed to an estimated 21,653 Peruvians in order to meet the needs of those affected by the floods in March. Thank you so much for bringing hope to our neighbors in need around the world. Melanie W. Gibbons Quilt & Kit Ministry Manager 14

The above rendering is a beautiful and exquisite design for the pipe organ at Christ Lutheran Church. Following in the tradition of David Tannenberg, and the church s historic 1804 instrument, the Peragallo Organ Company of Paterson, NJ artfully crafted a new instrument from the church s present 1971 Moller pipe organ. The new organ and its design complements the interior of the church. Once completely refurbished with new pipes, a broad tonal palate, and the use of the front chamber, (which now sits in silence), the instrument will lead worship and music for generations to come. As the current organ continues to fail due to dead notes, tuning instability, and failing pipes, your financial support of the Christ Lutheran Church Organ Fund will help maintain and restore the organ for generations to come. To date, the current balance in the fund is $58,238. Please visit the Organ Restoration Table in the Lower Narthex with additional information and to see the status of fundraising marked on the organ pipe! Additional brochures and large renderings of the instrument can be found around the church. All are welcome in the balcony to get a closer look at the pipe work inside the organ chambers. To see non-speaking pipes that have been removed, please visit the choir room. 15

(Please clip, fill out, and return to the Church Office) 16

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ELCA Advocacy Action Alert US Plans to Withdraw from the Paris Agreement ELCA Advocacy is deeply disappointed with [the White House s] decision to begin the process of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. The effects of climate change are being felt globally, and vulnerable and marginalized populations are most impacted We are called by God to protect all of creation. The Paris Agreement is a beginning tool in doing this on a global scale. It represents an unprecedented cooperation among world leaders to address one of the direst issues facing humanity and the rest of creation today. The viability of our planet is being threatened in extraordinary ways. Without action, we are relinquishing our responsibilities for the prosperity of future generations. Overwhelming scientific evidence shows that human action is contributing to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases that change the earth s atmosphere. This is causing the earth to warm, which results in climate changes never experienced before. The stresses of climate change are real, impacting practically every fiber of our existence, including health, food security, water, hunger, agriculture, migration, and national security. The Paris Agreement is a landmark in international climate policy, and helps to set the agenda for action now and in the years to come. As a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the United States has an obligation to the world to address climate change. But the United States is also in a unique position to maintain its global leadership on international climate action. We urge [the White House] to reverse [its] decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. 18

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL Betsy Buckingham, President John Krueger, Vice President Tom Olson, Treasurer Cynthia Ryan, Secretary Ed Garber, Carlton Gross, Judy Leece, Sco McClure, Barbara Nixon, Jennifer Risser, Paul Schendel MISSION AND VISION We value. Praising - enjoying God s creation and offering the best we have embodying Christ s presence in Word and Sacrament Connecting - living with imperfection by God s grace, forming lives for the future with the traditions of the past nurturing children and youth, encouraging inquiry, learning, and growth in the Christian faith Serving - carrying the cross with those who suffer sharing God s grace, serving those in need in York and the world FINANCIAL REPORT M R Actual envelope giving for the month 24,307 Budgeted Envelope Giving for the month 32,500 Monthly deficit in envelope giving -8,193 YTD actual envelope giving 145,153 YTD budgeted envelope giving 162,500 YTD Deficit in envelope giving -17,347 CHRIST CHURCH CASH DEBT 05/31/17 $118,269 19

20 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 29 SOUTH GEORGE STREET YORK, PA 17401 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NON PROFIT ORG U S POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 407 YORK PA Christ Church Staff Telephone 717 854-5589 The Reverend Alan Watt Pastor Todd B. Davis Director of Music and Administrative Assistant Carol Krouse Parish Secretary Terry Hoover Director of Christian Education, Youth, and Family Ministries BethAnn Barbato Director of Child Care 854-2239 Mary Jo Vlazny Bookkeeper Robin Reed Property Manager Scott Albright Maintenance Eric R. D. Patches Custodian Fax: 845-4213 Summer Worship Schedule Sunday Holy Eucharist 8:00 am & 10:00 am Website: www.christlutheranyork.com E-mail: office@christlutheranyork.com www.facebook.com/christlutheranyork