The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer G L E A N I N G S Vol. 23, No. 1 Spring 2018 Erica Dreabit, editor ericadreabit@gmail.com 610-351-6234 Message From the Pastor For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21 As I write this, local stores are filled with decorations and confections to honor our loved one on Valentine s Day. We enjoy our monthly observances, and in the drabness of midwinter, a bit of lively red and tasty chocolates lift our spirits. How much do you know about Valentine s Day? Like many holy days, we ve lost touch with its religious roots. There was a man named Valentine many years ago, but his story wasn t about romance it was about love... the love of Christ. Years ago, it was a crime to be a Christian. The Roman Emperor made Christianity an outlaw religion; many of the faithful were persecuted, jailed and executed for proclaiming Christ. This has little resemblance to what people today call persecution for faith (they demand to have everyone worship and believe exactly as they do, which itself is another form of religious persecution). Being Christian long ago was often a death sentence. In ancient Rome there lived a gentle, humble man, Valentine. He was a doctor, but secretly was a Christian priest, whose life was in constant danger in a city that destroyed Christians. Valentine cared for his patients by day, and prayed for them by night. He cared for all who called on him, no matter who they were, or what they believed. One day a Roman soldier brought his daughter to the doctor: the little girl was blind. Valentine knew there was little he could do for her, but his gentle spirit formed a friendship between the soldier, the doctor and the girl. The doctor did what he could to bring some joy to the child s life: he d bring her flowers, oranges and funny stories. By night he prayed for her and her father. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 1
Someone knew the truth about Valentine s outlaw faith: police came, destroyed his home, his books, and took him prison. His soldier friend visited him in prison and begged for forgiveness, but since the Emperor ordered this arrest, what could he do? What could he tell his little girl? The doctor gave the soldier a small scroll of paper as the executioners marched him away. The man took the scroll home to his daughter. As her fingers unrolled it, the man read the words: From your Valentine and a small flower fell out. At once the child could see. The date of Valentine s execution was February 14, 270. Valentine was canonized as a saint in year 496 CE, another example of sacrificial love, the love of Christ. This year, Valentine s Day falls on Ash Wednesday, a day that begins the season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday we pray: Create in me a clean heart, O God. That s where we begin: we ask God to re-create us in the purity of his love for us shown in the sacrificial death of Jesus. We cannot know the depths to which Christ s love descends to claim us but we can gather as a community of the faithful, confess our sins, and receive the Holy Supper to fill us with healing grace so we, like Dr. Valentine, can bring Christ s gentle and humble presence to the world. Where is your heart s desire revealed and fulfilled? Not in a box of chocolates, but on the Cross. Share your faithful love: Bring all of your beloved to worship THE Beloved, Your true Valentine, Christ Jesus, who on the cross took on the broken world and made us whole through his abiding love. See you in Church, Pastor Donna T. Deal A Note from the Council President Hello Dear Friends of Redeemer, I think we may officially be in the future. It s 2018 how crazy is that? As we embark on another year of ministry and worship in Allentown s West End, I am both excited and optimistic about the possibilities this year has in store for us as a church. The cold days of winter are slowly giving way to the warmer days of spring and our ministries and staff remain busy doing God s work. This year our congregation will be challenged to get creative and think of new ways that we might engage our community and share Jesus powerful message of hope and love. Like always, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved and I highly encourage you all to do so. I m eager to see all the wonderful activities and projects our ministries will share with us. I m sure they will probably need our help to get them done, too. While I do not know what Redeemer Lutheran will achieve in the days and weeks ahead, I am certainly thrilled to get an opportunity to see us in action. Until next time Onward! Bob The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 2
Midweek Lenten Suppers, Study, & Worship The West Side Collaborative: Midweek Lenten Soup Suppers, Study and Worship Our community partners (Christ Lutheran, St. Timothy Lutheran, Muhlenberg College) gather every Lent to enjoy soup suppers, faith conversation, and Evening Prayer. We gather at St. Timothy s fellowship hall in their lower level, as it is easy access for anyone with accessibility issues. But it s fun to share a meal with others, and to gather in faith. These services are Wednesdays at 5: 30 from February 21st through March 28th. If you can make soup and bring in a slow cooker, or loaves of good bread, or a small salad, speak to Fellowship Team. Or as the youth group grace says: Good soup, good bread, dear Lord, thanks, and let s be fed! Redeemer SCRIP On December 3 Redeemer Church began a SCRIP program that up to this issue of Gleanings has raised $490.00 for the general fund. The SCRIP program involves purchasing gift cards for retailers across the country. The cards you receive are valued at the amount you paid for the card; however, Redeemer Church is only required to pay a reduced amount for the card, allowing for a certain amount to remain with the church. Hundreds of retailers across the country are involved, including approximately 60 in the Lehigh Valley. Orders are placed on Sunday evening with delivery to church members the following Saturday or Sunday. Order forms are available on the table in the narthex next to the front doors. For more information please contact Craig Long at 610-437-1996 or chief41@ptd.net. Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 11th, following the 10:15 am worship service, we gather as a congregation to assess this past year s ministry, and plan for our ministry for 2018. Please worship and stay for the meeting for financial plans, to vote in a new Church council, and to thank our leaders for their wisdom and energy. Website Update Work on the Redeemer website is ongoing. We recently retooled the menu to improve navigation and our ability to share news and updates with everyone. If you have any questions or feedback, see Bob Dreabit - bdreabit@gmail.com The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 3
2018 Lenten Worship Schedule Ash Wednesday February 14 Redeemer Church Noon and 7:30 p.m. Imposition of Ashes and the Holy Communion Midweek Worship St. Timothy Church 140 S. Ott Street, Allentown Celebrated with the Congregations of the West Side Collaborative Ministry Wednesdays: February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Soup Supper, Fellowship, Study, Discussion and Worship St. Timothy's Fellowship Hall - enter through the lower level parking lot Weekend Worship Redeemer Church February 17/18 Sat. 6:00 p.m. / Sun. 10:15 a.m. Installation of Church Council Spark Sunday School Children Sing at 10:15 worship February 24/25 Sat. 6:00 p.m. / Sun. 10:15 a.m. March 3/4 Sat. 6:00 p.m. / Sun. 10:15 a.m. March 10/11 Sat. 6:00 p.m. / Sun. 10:15 a.m. March 17/18 Sat. 6:00 p.m. / Sun. 10:15 a.m. Palm/Passion March 24/25 Redeemer Church Saturday 6:00 p.m. The Holy Communion Sunday 10:15 a.m. - The Passion Story and the Holy Communion Holy Week Joint Worship Opportunities Holy Tuesday March 27 Muhlenberg Egner Chapel 5:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross Maundy Thursday March 29 St. Timothy Church 7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship Good Friday March 30 Redeemer Church 12 noon & 7:30 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy Easter Vigil Saturday March 31 Christ Church 1245 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown 6:00 p.m. Easter Vigil Liturgy The Resurrection of Our Lord Sunday April 1 Celebrated 10:15 a.m. at Redeemer Church Festival Worship of Holy Communion with Brass The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 4
Sheets Needed for Quilts The Quilters continue to put together quilts, approximately eight to ten quilts each month, to send to Lutheran World Relief or to be used locally through Pathways, a program of the Lehigh Conference of Churches. Each quilt requires two or three sheets (or blankets or other large pieces of fabric). Right now our supply of sheets is exhausted. All sizes can be used. Flannel sheets are especially appreciated. Any donations should be marked QUILTS and placed by the coat rack across from the sacristy. As always, we welcome additional helpers especially knotters.second Wednesday each month, 8:30 to 11:30, Fellowship Hall. THANK YOU for your help with this important project. Diaper Drive Support the Diaper Bank of Philadelphia (which includes the Lehigh Valley and Parish Nurses from Sacred Heart Hospital). Diapers of all sizes are being collected. Open packages are acceptable. Look for the box in the Narthex for your contributions in January and February. Visitor Greeters Needed The Outreach committee needs some help engaging visitors who come to worship with us. All it takes is a smile and an ability to hand out a welcome bag. No travel required. See Mary Ann Weiss or contact the office with questions or to sign up. Garden Update Work on our community garden continues. We are still finalizing the rules and regulations. As the weather breaks and the ground thaws, the outside work will begin on the building of a garden. We have interest from one neighbor thus far and are hopeful that more will come in time. See Vaughn Shappell with questions shappellv@enter.net The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 5
SCS Save the Dates All worship services listed are at 10:15 a.m. February 18 SCS children sing during worship March 25 SCS children lead Palm Procession for worship & Egg Hunt following worship April 1 9 a.m. SCS children sing at Easter Breakfast & during worship April 22 - SCS children sing during worship May 20 Last day of SCS; SCS children sing during worship It Should Be an Egg-stra Egg-citing Event! This year s Annual Egg Hunt will follow the Palm Sunday worship service at 10:15 on March 25. The SCS children will lead our palm processional to start the Palm Sunday service. Following the service the children will first prepare a card for our shut-ins and then prepare their unusual containers for the hunt. The children will be divided into two groups (primary and intermediate) based on age range to go in search of their treat-filled eggs! Be certain that your child is registered for the event. The registration list will be located on the Education Bulletin Board in the Narthex from March 1 March 18! If you have any questions concerning the event, please see Cyndy Hillegass or Mary Richards. Let s Egg One Another On! In conjunction with our Annual Egg Hunt (March 25) we once again are in need of treats to fill those eggs! A box will be located in the Narthex from March 1 March 18 in which all treat donations will be collected. Please keep in mind that all candy must be wrapped and the candy must be able to fit inside a small plastic egg! (Kit Kats are a challenge!) Egg cartons are not needed as we have acquired numerous cartons. We generally have between 15 to 20 children participating in the Egg Hunt. If you prefer to make a monetary donation for the purchase of items, please speak with Cyndy Hillegass or Mary Richards. Thank you so much for giving so generously to our children! Thank You Thank you to the wonderful members of Redeemer who brought me meals and took me to Dr. appointments during my recuperation from my fall on Christmas eve. You are a blessing to us in sharing your love and concern. Olwen Bougher The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 6
Food Bank Our SCS children are encouraged to bring a donation for the Lehigh County Conference of Churches Food Bank each Sunday. Please join our efforts to share with those less fortunate. You may bring the designated monthly item or any non-perishable food item. Your donation can be placed in the wagon in the narthex. February - canned soup or stew March - complete macaroni & cheese kits April - peanut butter & jelly May - canned tuna, vegetables or fruit To meet the needs of the families needing assistance, please consider purchasing the larger size quantities of these items. Mission Ministry Updates Mission Ministry would like to thank all who participated in the Reverse Advent Backpack Project. We filled 63 backpacks which were delivered on Wednesday, Dec. 27, to Crossroads at St. Paul s Lutheran Church, Allentown, for the homeless. With frigid weather, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and hand warmers were appreciated with all the special treats. Thank you for making Christmas a little brighter for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. We will be collecting the following items for Crossroads: coffee, sugar, and non-dairy creamers (in large amounts, rather than individual servings). Hot chocolate will also be collected in individual serving sizes. A box will be in the narthex to place your items in January and February. We will also be collecting diapers of all sizes for the Diaper Bank of Philadelphia (which also includes the Lehigh Valley) and the Parish Nuurses from Sacred Heart Hospital, who also work with the homeless. A box for the diapers will bein the narthex for our collection during January and February. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 7
ELCA Northeastern PA Synod Events & News Do you enjoy Lutheran Hymns? Here is a golden opportunity for lay persons to learn and have great fun. Dr. Michael Krentz is leading a class entitled The Theology of Luther s Hymns and the Music of JS Bach. Even if you don t or can t sing, this class is worth every penny, as Dr. Krentz energy and enthusiasm will fill your soul. The class will be offered on Saturday, March 17, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Lutheran Center. Any member or friend of one of our congregations is welcome to attend. The cost is $10 and can be paid the morning of the event; but you must register by Wednesday, March 14 by calling Pastor Mary Gade at 610-266-5101. Beginning February 20 Lutheran Congregational Services offers "Journeys Through Grief" counseling in small groups, where for six 1½ hour sessions you will learn about the stages of grief and explore your feelings about the loss you have experienced. To register for the next session contact Bereavement Coordinator Sylvia Havlish at 610-395-5045. The session will be held Tuesday nights, February 20 to March 27, from 7pm to 8:30pm, at Emmaus Moravian Church, 146 E Main St, Emmaus, PA 18049. Join Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania and fellow advocates from across the commonwealth in Harrisburg on May 21 for the Lutheran Day of Advocacy. You will find inspiration, education and participation in worship, service and advocacy with a focus on a powerful element in our life together: Water. We are drowned and reborn in it at our baptism. The promises made at the font recall God s covenant reminder in Amos to let justice roll down like it. And, in Pennsylvania, we are surrounded by it with more miles of waterways than any of the other lower 48 states. We will consider our response to the status of being the most flood-prone state in the U.S. and the fact that nearly one third of our waterways are impaired. Most importantly, we will explore how we can be church together in Pennsylvania, so that justice might roll down like waters. Did you know there are Lutherans in the Holy Land? Some of the Lutheran Churches in the Holy Land are comprised of Palestinians. We have a sister congregation in Jerusalem: The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. These Palestinians are our brothers and sisters of the faith. Please don t be led to believe by news broadcasts that Palestinians are terrorists- they are family in Christ. But here s the news: just as our synod elects new bishops, so does the Church in the Holy Land. Please keep the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) in your prayers as it installs the Rev. Sani Ibrahim Azar as the ELCJHL s fourth bishop. Mid-Week Bible Study Postponed Because Lent is beginning so early this year, the usual Wednesday morning Lenten Bible Study series is being postponed until a little later in the year in the hopes of better weather. Stay tuned for more information and a sign-up to come. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 8
Lenten Path Lent is the period of 40 days that comes before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 weekdays (no Sundays). Dear Redeemer Families, During the 40-day season of Lent, the Education Ministry is encouraging our families to participate in our Walk the Lenten Path activity. Beginning Ash Wednesday, February 14 (Day 1), please use the attached daily suggested prayer and service activities for the 40 days of Lent. You can follow the tasks in order or modify as needed. As you complete an activity, color in that block on the path. Let s make this a time to lift others in prayer and do service for others. Our Sunday Church School offerings throughout Lent and from the Easter Breakfast will be shared with the ministry of On Eagle s Wings. OEW is an ecumenical Christian ministry that brings God s love to the native people in northern Canada. Without our assistance, these communities would be unable to hold Bible Camp, a program similar to our Vacation Bible School. A Lenten Coin bifold to collect your OEW offering is available on the table in the narthex. You can bring your coin holder to the Easter Breakfast or place it in the offering basket any Sunday morning. We hope your family will participate and support our Walk the Lenten Path activity and contribute to the OEW Ministry. If you have any questions regarding these projects, please see a member of the Education Ministry Team. Your Partners in Christ, Dottie Beazley, Dottie Dilliard, Lois Eisenhard, Cyndy Hillegass, Mary Richards, Debbie Stewart and Darcie Wolf The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 9
Walking the Lenten Path The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 10
You re Invited Sunday Church School Easter Breakfast All Are Welcome On Easter Sunday morning at 9 A.M., the SCS is hosting the annual Easter Breakfast in Fellowship Hall. If you plan to attend, please complete the reservation form below (copies are also available in the narthex) and place it in the reservation box in the narthex by Sunday, March 25th. If you are able to help set-up on Friday, March 30th or assist with preparing and serving on Easter morning or cleanup after the breakfast, you can sign up on the sheet posted on the Education bulletin board in the narthex. The Easter Breakfast offering and the SCS offering collected throughout Lent will be directed to the ministry of On Eagle s Wings. Redeemer has been supporting this ministry for many years. We hope you will consider supporting this outreach project. Sunday School Easter Breakfast - 2018 April 1st 9:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall Name(s) Phone #: Number attending: I will bring: Breakfast Bread 1 dozen decorated hard-boiled eggs I can help: Set Up/Decorate Clean Up Due to the popularity of the breakfast and limited space in Fellowship Hall, reservations are required! Please return this slip to Sunday School or to the church office by March 25th! The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 11
Shut-In Birthdays February 2/15: Carmella Bell, 3230 Cambridge Circle, Allentown, PA 18104 2/24: Donna Stauffer, Phoebe Terrace #516, 1940 Turner St, Allentown, PA 18104 March 3/3: Kathryn Dieter, Fellowship Terrace - #152A, 3010 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052 3/12: Shirley Arnold, Woodland Terrace at The Oaks Room 226, 1263 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA 18103 April 4/2: Erna Zotter, Whitehall Manor C75, 1177 6th St, Whitehall, PA 18052 4/7: Anna Ritter, Phoebe Nursing Rm T 308A, 1925 W Turner St, Allentown PA 18104 4/10: Irene Buehler, Fellowship Villa Rm. 312A, 3020 Fellowship Dr, Whitehall, PA 18052 4/15: Earl Schlegel, 1930 Jane St., Allentown, PA 18104 May 5/22: Glenda McNelis, Fellowship Villa Room 329B, 3020 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052 The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 12
EASTER PLANT SPONSORSHIP FORM - 2018 Lilies and other spring flowers will decorate our worship center for the Easter services. If you choose to sponsor a plant for Easter, please complete this form and place it in the offering plate, or return it to the Church Office no later than Monday, March 19. Any sponsorships received after that date will not be included in the Easter bulletin listing. Please enclose your payment of $10.00 for each sponsorship. PLEASE PRINT: In loving memory of or In honor of Name of person(s) ordering plant Env. # Following our Easter Worship Services, the lilies and some of the other plants will be shared with our sick and shut-in members. The rest of the flowers will be planted in the church yard. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no plants available for individual purchase or pick up. Moving? New Email? Change Your Phone Number? It is difficult to keep up with everyone s current mailing and contact information. We are asking everyone to make sure the information we have is up-t0-date by completing this form and either mailing it to the church secretary or dropping it in the offering plate. Name Address City State Zip Code Home Phone Cell Phone (optional) Work Phone (optional) Email (optional) I would like to receive The Gleanings via: Mail Email (check one or both) The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 822 N. 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1291 redeemer1@rcn.com redeemerallentown.org 13