MESSIAH MESSENGER Published by MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH www.messiahsouth.org Phone: 570-326-9171 e-mail address: messiahoffice@comcast.net February 7, 2018 VOL. 76 NO. 6 Midweek Lenten Worship and Bible Study You are invited to join us on Wednesday evenings in Lent, beginning February 21, for Vespers in the Chapel at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Bible study at 7:30 p.m. The Bible Study will be an informal study based on the Revised Common Lectionary lessons for each Sunday. We will focus each week on the preceding texts gathering insights into the lessons appointed for Lent. The format of study is designed to elicit conversation. Each session will begin along the lines of themes that emerge in the lessons. Next, questions will be presented that relate to the text and evoke general connection to message and context. We will discuss how the texts speak to us today. As always, the questions presented are presented to begin conversation and allow the Spirit to lead. Please make a commitment to join us for Wednesday worship and study this Lent. During Lent, we are particularly invited to ask create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. We hope you will join us!!
SERVICE ASSISTANTS USHERS: 8:15 am Harry Seltzer, Pam Eveleth, David Strickler, Rita Strickler, Jody Fullmer 10:45 am Arch Watkins, Debby Frey, Lauren Russell, Charles Luppert, Thad Day LAY ASSISTANT: 8:15 John Silverstrim; 10:45 Georgette Copp COMMUNION ASSISTANT: 8:15 Mandy Feinberg; 10:45 Diana DiCenso ALTAR GUILD: 8:15 Jody Fullmer; 10:45 Jean Bower GREEETERS AND COMMUNION PRESENTERS: 8:15 Cheryl Chapman, Betty Weiskerger; 10:45 Carol and Marilyn Winter CHIEF COMMUNION USHERS:8:15 Dave Strickler;10:45 Dave Wonderlich ACOLYTE: 8:15 Sidney Brown (Acolyte); Olivia Welter (Crucifer) Megan Aungst, Owen Sherman (Torchbearers) 10:45 Heath Jones (Acolyte); Brock Jones (Crucifer) Alia Taylor, Olivia Turner (Torchbearers) FLOWER DELIVERY: Carl and Betty Fenstermacher CANTOR: 8:15 Gordie Emick; 10:45 Abby Greevy Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Messiah: Attendance 140; Offering - $8,230.72 The Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God by and in loving memory of Bert McCracken on his 98 th birthday, February 14, by his wife, Ann and sons, John and Mark. The Basket of Flowers is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Peter L. Sinibaldi, Sr. by his wife, Lil and his children and their families. The Flame in the Sanctuary Lamp burns in honor of the 65 th wedding anniversary of Don and Shirley Fullmer. This Sunday, February 11, those who were married at Messiah will be recognized. Lenten Banks are available in the narthex. The offerings collected in our Lenten Banks this year will be donated to the Shepherd of the Streets. Sunday School News: This week in Sunday School we will talk about Ash Wednesday and Lent. It's hard to believe it's that time of year again! The discussion will be age appropriate for K - grade 3 and grades 4-6. We will also have an activity supporting the discussion. Ages 2-4 will continue with "Jesus is always with us". Our Sunday School children will be sharing global Alleluia songs in worship this Sunday, as well as carrying out the Alleluia, to return on Easter.
Daily Bible Readings Sunday February 11 2 Kings 2:1-12; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9 Monday February 12 Psalm 110:1-4; Exodus 19:7-25;Hebrews 2:1-4 Tuesday February 13 Psalm 110:1-4; Job 19:23-27; 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Wednesday February 14 Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; 2 Corin. 5:20b 6:10 Matt. 6:1-6, 16-21 Thursday February 15 Psalm 25:1-10; Daniel 9:1-14; 1 John 1:3-10 Friday February 16 Psalm 25:1-10; Daniel 9:15-25a; 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Saturday February 17 Psalm 25:1-10; Psalm 32; Matthew 9:2-13 The Library Corner highlighted books for the week: Children/Family - Bible Stories for 40 Days - Here are the stories of our ancestors, from Adam and Eve and Esther to the nameless woman who smashes the jar of perfume and anoints Jesus for burial. Here are Noah and his family. Here is Jonah at sea. Here are Abraham and Solomon entertaining guests. Here is Judith risking her life for her people and Shadrach strolling with friends in the fiery furnace. Quite a crowd! Can children come to know these stories? Can they be at home with these characters? Read together the stories and enjoy the illustrations. Book in the Easter Holiday section. Adult - The Final Week of Jesus by Max Lucado - What really matters to God? When a man knows the end is near, only the important surfaces. Impending death distills the vital. So, if you would truly know the heart of Jesus, consider his final days. Retrace Christ's steps to the cross through highlights from Max Lucado's best seller, And the Angels were Silent. It's a walk you'll never forget. Book in the Easter Holiday section of our library. A rented organ was used when services were held in Luther Hall during the sanctuary renovations. At the very first service the musician at the organ was Mary Schweikle, a church member since childhood and who was in her last fifteen months in medical school. On September 25, 1966 exactly one year after renovations began the first service was held in the new sanctuary. After thirteen years of ministry at Messiah Church, on June 2, 1969 Pastor Hartzell tendered his resignation. We are having "A VALENTINE TEA" on Sunday, February 11, 2:30-4:00 p.m. in Shaheen Hall for the ladies and young ladies of Messiah and their friends. There will be delicious tidbits to eat and, best of all, a Musical Program by Carol Waltz and Candy Watkins. The invitation to this free event is from Messiah's Women of the ELCA. Please come!
Thank you to all who took part in our Souper Bowl! The Philadelphia Eagles won our Souper Bowl here at Messiah by a landslide. All monetary donations and food items collected will be donated to the United Churches of Lycoming County. Way to go, Team Messiah! SECOND SUNDAY FAITH NIGHTS - MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR! The next Second Sunday will take place on February 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Youth in grades K-12 (plus their parents) are invited to attend. GLOW (Grades K-2): Please come join us as we make "Thinking of You" cards to send to those who might need a warm thought. What greater way to spread God's love to others than to let them know that they are being thought about! This is always such a fun evening so don't forget to bring a friend or two. Led by Kathryn Pratt, Sue Hess Anita Bair BYG (Grades 3-6): Ready, Set, Cut! Yes, get those scissors ready and join the party as we kick off our BYG Service Project to provide backpacks for Lutheran World Relief! Sally and Mary have been shopping and they went wild choosing fabric for the backpacks. There is much to do! All hands on deck! We will be measuring, marking, and cutting fabric for the backpacks so the ladies can get started sewing. As always, friends will be warmly welcomed. Led by Sally Congdon and Georgette Copp Making Disciples (Confirmation Class): We will discuss Christian Baptism. Read in preparation for class: Matthew 28:1-19; Small Catechism pp. 28-30 Led by Pastor Josh Grades 9-12 and Parents are invited to join in with any class as mentors/helpers. GRADES 6-12 YOUTH NEWS Planet Wisdom Meeting Sunday, February 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. REMINDER: All participants who have signed up for the trip MUST attend the meeting WITH a parent/guardian or a responsible adult designated by a parent. Regular Youth Group Meetings will resume on February 25. Sight and Sound Production: Jesus Saturday, May 12, 2018 $146.00 Adult - $95.00 Child 3-10 $50 deposit per person is due by March 1 to reserve your space. Balance due March 15.
Kids in Mission: A Lenten Journey to Easter Saturday, March 10, 9 A.M. - 12 Noon Age 4 through Grade 6 Learn the true Story of Easter and how we prepare for Easter Day. Soft Pretzel Baking Service Project Games Crafts Songs Please return registration forms - available on the alley bulletin board or from the church web site by February 24 to help us prepare. SPAGHETTI DINNER Boy Scout Troop #41 Saturday, March 3, 4:00-7:00 p.m. Dine in or Take out; Adults - $8, Children under 8 - $4 Tickets available at the door or in advance by contacting a Scout member or call Sandy Lownes at 570-745-7191 Shepherd of the Streets is always in need of the following items: (Bring regular sizes please) Deodorant - Soap - Combs - Shaving Cream and Razors - Tissues - Toilet Paper Toothpaste - Toothbrushes - Shampoo and Conditioner - Towels - Wash Cloths - Women s Hygiene Products Baby Needs: Diapers, Shampoo, Powder, Oil, Q-Tips, Wipes This is the complete list of hygiene items they use. Thank you to all of you who collect them as well as bedding and blankets (please, NO pillows). Items may be placed in the gray bin in the elevator alcove. Church Women United will hold its World Day of Prayer Service on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at Montoursville Presbyterian Church, 900 Elm Street, Montoursville. The theme for the service is All God s Creation Is Very Good, based on Genesis 1:31. Refreshments will be served following the celebration. Walkers, catheter bags and lap robes will be received. Instructions can be obtained by calling Pat Wittig at 570-322-4330. Thank you to whomever extended the heartwarming guesture of offering a bud vase in honor of my birthday. God s love touched me in a special way through your kindness. Thank you to all who support and encourage me in my ministry here at Messiah. I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 Kathy Wither
Weekly Calendar of Events Sunday, February 4 Wednesday, February 7 8:15 am Holy Communion 6:30 pm Preschool Committee 9:30 am Sunday Church School 10:45 am Holy Communion Thursday, February 8 1:00 pm 150 Ann. Committee Monday, February 5 6:00 pm Boy Scout District Meeting 6:00 pm Cub Scouts 6:30 pm Celebration Ringers 6:30 pm Boy Scouts 7:30 pm Alanon 6:30 pm Fellowship Committee 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir 7:30 pm Worship and Music Tuesday, February 6 Friday, February 9 4:00 pm Morningstar Choir 6:30 pm Sunday School Teachers 7:00 pm Congregation Council Saturday, February 10 7:00 pm South Little League 9:00 am Alanon District Meeting February 14, 2018
Weekly Calendar of Events Sunday, February 11 Wednesday, February 14 8:15 am Holy Communion 12:15 pm Ash Wednesday Service 9:30 am Sunday Church School 7:00 pm Holy Communion 9:30 am Coffee Hour 10:45 am Holy Communion Thursday, February 15 2:30 pm Valentine Tea 6:00 pm Girl Scouts 5:30 pm Second Sunday 6:30 pm Scout Leaders 6:30 pm Celebration Ringers 7:30 pm Alanon Monday, February 12 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir 6:00 pm Cub Scouts 6:30 pm Boy Scouts Friday, February 16 6:00 pm Blue and Gold Banquet Tuesday, February 13 Saturday, February 17 4:00 pm Morningstar Choir February 14, 2018