The Seeker - Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church

Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church
56 Cleveland Drive
Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 271-4632
The Seeker
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
Pastor Anthony Stephens, Ph.D.
Seek and you shall find.
Knock and the door will be opened to you.
Sunday Worship Schedule
Sunday School:
9:30 am
Confirmation Class: 9:15 am
Adult Bible Study: 9:15 am
Worship:
10:30 am
Coffee Hour:
12:00 noon
Weekday Office Schedule
Office hours:
9:00 am - 12:00
Office Phone: (914) 271-4632
Office E-mail:
[email protected]
Website: www.oursaviourcroton.org
-Matthew 7:7
Weekday Activities
Sewing Guild:
Wednesday @ 10:00 am
Adult Bible Study: Thursday @ 9:30 am
Choir Practice:
Thursday @ 7:45 pm
Our Saviour Lutheran Church
56 Cleveland Drive, Croton-On-Hudson, New York
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
The Seeker
Bi-Monthly Newsletter for Friends & Family of Our Saviour Lutheran Church
75—Now What?
- Pastor Anthony Stephens
As you know, distance running has become something of a metaphor for my life. The early
miles feel uncoordinated and often painful, but I set myself some landmark to celebrate and then
really try to give it all after that.
In the New York Marathon in 2008, I got off to a fairly good start; as much as one can when
shoulder to shoulder with 30000 others and I found good company to stimulate me all the way to the
half way mark; 13.1 miles. I felt things had gone well that far, and unusually, I took a bathroom
break (not like Paula Radcliffe), had some power gel, and hydrated and then got going again.
A marathon is 26.2 miles, and the en route celebrations (10km, 15km, 20km, 13.1 mi or some
other psychological mile point) merely serve to empower getting to the 26.2 mile finish line.
Midpoint celebrations are nonetheless energizing.
The race for Our Saviour is not a 75 year race. It is a race until either a) we personally join the
Church Triumphant, or b) the Lord comes again.
There is no doubt that in 75 years there have been numerous exemplars of illustrious service
who have run their way right to the Gates of Heaven. There is no doubt that there are currently
servants whose ears are pinned back and they are not going to stop for anything. But there are also
those who amble off the course – running the race in different company is fine; quitting altogether; a
disaster.
Now is the time that we should and must ask what of the rest of the race that is set before us. A
Yorkshire roommate of mine at college use to say, “Get it done!” [or “Get it bought!” when it was my
round]. In the same way, we have enjoyed a delightful celebration, but of the race that continues
before us, energized by our celebrations, we say get it raced!
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Frank Orts, Council President
How time flies
I have to say this has been a real honor and pleasure to have served on the council as president
this year and those before as a member on the council. It certainly feels to me that the older I
get the faster time flies.
We really do have a great SPIRIT here at Our Saviour with all the members that are always
willing to step up to take on the tasks at hand. That’s what makes our church a great place to
come and share the worship service and fellowship that follows. We may not be as big as some
other churches, but we are mighty in our ability to set goals and ultimately meet them. Let’s
keep that going and come up with new and improved ideas on how to reach those out there that
have yet to find us.
We all have the ability to make a difference, for some of us it may be by only making monetary
contributions to our church. For others it may be in the stewardship we offer by doing the many
projects and services needed to run our church. For others yet it is simply both. For that I say
THANK YOU to you all. Wherever we are in our giving it is all appreciated and always
welcomed. Don’t be afraid to step up and offer yourself in any way you can in order to advance
the experience that you have and the rest of us have at Our Saviour. For me, there is a great
feeling of peace in giving without expecting something in return. What can you give?
Believe it or not our Christmas Fair is four weeks away! The date is Saturday
December 4th from 10am to 4pm. We will have our SERV table with wonderful items for
that special gift you’re looking for. Baskets with SERV goodies already made up will be
available for purchase. There will be a table of hand knitted items like sweaters, scarves,
throws, etc. We will have small poinsettia plants, assorted gift items and a wonderful
Christmas tree for our raffle, all generously donated by Rubrum’s Florist. Marcie our
Youth Leader will have something for the kids. Bakers get ready to whip up something for
the “Coffee Café” area. You will be getting a call or email reminder. Joe Esteves will be
doing a double batch of that great chili we enjoyed last year. Please let Nancy Riekert
know if you have hand made or crafts items that you made during the year and we will set
them up on a special boutique table. Let’s not forget our White Elephant section which always does well. It’s
time to check your “stuff”. Good clean useable items are needed however, no clothing. Please put the items in
the small office opposite Pastors office and mark it “white elephant”. There will be a Christmas musical sing
along led by Peter Ling.
We need people to man the tables and collect money. Let Nancy know if you can help in the morning or
afternoon. We will also need people to help set up on Friday Dec 3rd.
Most of all, our Fair is about getting together, celebrating the start of the Christmas season and shining our light
in the community. The proceeds from the Fair will go into a building repair fund. We need to replace the Link
doors, make the bathroom next to Pastors office handicap accessible and in the near future we will have to
address the roof of the Parish hall. The money from the Fair will jump start these plans.
OUR SAVIOUR COUNCIL MEMBERS—2010
Frank Orts, President
Bryan Montgomery, Vice President
Anita Baumann, Secretary
Ex Officio:
Janet Behning, Treasurer
Chuck Cooper
Laura Keil
Barbara Henninger
Peter Ling
Kunmi Johnson
Susan Papertsian
Barbara Henninger, Financial Secretary
2
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES
We will be celebrating the Birth of our Lord on Christmas Eve
with a service of Lessons and Carols at 7:30 pm and a Chorale
Mass with Eucharist at 9:30 pm. Christmas celebration will
continue with a service of Holy Communion at 10:30 am on
Christmas morning. Keep the true meaning of Christmas alive &
in your heart by worshipping with us this year.
There are many opportunities for Worship Assistants, Lectors,
Communion Assistants and other Worship Servants at this time.
Look for the sign-up sheet on the Link Table during Advent.
Our Saviour Fall Retreat 2010
LAST CALL!! Our retreat at Koinonia is Friday, November 12 – 14.
Included is three meals on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday, and
one snack each day. Always a good time, Koinonia is in Highland
Lake, NY, an easy and scenic two hour (or less) drive from Croton-onHudson. Usually we have a program and/or service project, hayride,
hiking, plenty of free time, etc. You can also visit Koinonia’s web site
for more information: www.koinoniany.org. We look forward to seeing
you all! Please contact Eric Golberg if you have any questions.
POINSETTIAS
Every Christmas Eve poinsettia plants magically appear and brighten our sanctuary.
Please consider sponsoring one of these red or white leaved beauties. Cost per plant is $20.
Plants may be donated in memory or in honor of someone special.
Send orders with payment to the church office or place in the offering plate on Sunday.
Order forms can be found at the bottom of this page and the church office.
3
It’s Not Too Late
If you have not yet returned a pledge card and time and talent sheet, your response will make a
significant difference.
Consider This…
Providing an offering card with our intentions is one of the easiest and most helpful things we can do for
the church.
We may hesitate because we do not want to go back on our word. After all, what if
something happens? Yet, this is true of any intention, even saying to a friend, “I’ll
see you tomorrow.” We seldom add, “unless something happens.” It doesn’t need
to be said, it’s understood.
Regardless of what your offering may be, your intention is appreciated in planning
the work of our congregation.
If you have returned your pledge card, we thank you.
The Stewardship Committee
Property
- Frya Barnes
A great big 'Thank You' to Peter Schuyler for the fabulous work he did on the yard in back of
the Parsonage.
It involved cutting up a big branch that had fallen off a Locust tree
and weed-whacking the tall growth on the entire hill.
I am still looking for someone to do some serious trimming on the
dogwood tree in front of the Church. It still has some broken
branches and dead limbs.
WHITE GIFTS
-Frya Barnes
When I first joined Our Saviour 46 years ago we had a wonderful practice at Christmas when the children brought 'White
Gifts' (specific items of infant clothing wrapped in white tissue paper) that were placed under the Christmas tree in church. When
the tree was taken down in early January the gifts were gathered together and assembled into layettes that were requested by Lutheran World Relief for distribution to places around the world where these things were and are desperately needed.
I would love to see Our Saviour continue with this. I remember my boys each bringing such a gift to church every Christmas way
into adulthood. I think it is a good way to have children focus on the needs of other children, in this case infants, at a time when
we focus on the birth of the baby Jesus.
Following is a list of items called for in one layette: (Target and Toys R Us carry these items)
4 Cloth Diapers, not prefolded
2 Receiving Blankets
2 Onesies
2 Wash Cloths
1 Gown
1 large Bar of Mild Soap
1 Sleeper
1 Sweater
I would recommend that the gown, the sleeper, and the onesies not be smaller than 9 months in size.
Most of the items mentioned will be available for purchase at our Christmas Fair on December 4th.
10
INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES
-Amy Gardiner 432-3134
Considering the ongoing debate surrounding the Islamic Center due to be built in downtown Manhattan, I believe an opportunity for
education and understanding of Islam is needed. One can either shake an angry fist in the air or expand their knowledge to
arrive at a conclusion in a more peaceful manner. As someone who has always had an avid interest in the Abrahamic faiths;
Judaism, Christianity and Islam, I am always saddened by how little people I encounter really know about who holds these three
faiths together as a family. This would be God!
I have been told by some Christians that the Muslims, “don’t worship MY God!”. Yet for the three Abrahamic faiths, yes, God is
God; God the Father, The Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth and of all that is seen and unseen.
May I suggest for anyone harboring any ill feelings towards Islam or just an honest curiosity about the religion to visit the Islamic
Cultural Center of New York at 1711 Third Avenue at 96th Street. The visitor center is open every day except Friday and it is free.
Group tours may be arranged. On Fridays the mosque is open for anyone who would want to observe the Friday congregational
prayer and listen to the sermon by the imam. It is a lovely place with some interesting history.
I would be happy to accompany anyone who may like to set the center on their next itinerary for a visit in the city.
EXHIBIT AT THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
“Three Faiths: Judaism, Christianity, Islam” is currently on view at the NY Public Library. It focuses on religious texts and
illuminated manuscripts stretching from a bible found in a monestary in coastal Brittany that was sacked by the Vikings in the year
917 to a 1904 lithograph showing the original Temple Emanu-El on 5th Avenue in Manhattan.
This exhibit highlights the characteristics that the Abrahamic religions share. Each believes that God has made himself known to his
prophets through acts of revelation, and such revelations shape groups of believers by being incorporated in canonical written texts:
the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Gospels, the Islamic Qu’ran.
The exhibit runs through February 27th, 2011. Check NYPL.org for hours.
Croton
Community
SAVE THE DAY! (well actually only an hour between 9am & 3pm)
Sunday, December 5 The Croton Community Blood Drive will be held at Croton
Harmon High School. If you CAN give blood, please DO give blood that day. Most
healthy people can safely donate whole blood every 56 days. Your single
donation of whole blood can be separated into red cells, platelets and plasma to
help several different people. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with
written permission from their parent or legal guardian) and weigh 110 pounds and
be in good health. Please see or call Karen Kuchnicki at 914-374-3669.
REMINDER FROM THE SEXTON
-Amy Gardiner 432-3134
Groups using the parish hall are responsible for its cleanliness after their event is finished, this includes AA, NA, girl scouts, private
renters and HELLO!!! Our Saviour groups!!!!
Please remember to wipe tables and chairs, sweep the floors and clean up any spills. There are blue recycle bins available for receiving
any recyclable materials from paper to plastic (#1 and #2), and garbage cans for garbage. These days please remember to turn the
thermostat down below 60 when leaving the room and always make sure all lights are out, including link, stairs and downstairs.
Also, food and drink consumption is limited to the parish hall, no food in the Link please. The tables and
chairs in the hall present a comfortable way to sit and eat in a civilized
manner.
It is very important to securely close and lock the green garbage pails outside
after depositing trash. If they are not locked tight the night critters break in and
make quite a mess!
Also please refrain from putting yard waste in the garbage pails. There are old
pails up under the walkway for yard waste. God bless you all for your efforts.
Thanks for all your help at keeping the church buildings presentable for
whoever may come by after you.
7
Our Saviour Lutheran Church Cluster Discussions
-Kunmi Johnson
Thank you to all who participated in the series of OSLC cluster discussions over the last 3
months. My special thanks go to all our great hosts, Jennifer Stieglitz, Eric Golberg, John &
Laura Kiel, Eleanor Soderlund, Lance & Julie Kelly, Lori Esteves, and Lee & Angie Nuwesra.
They graciously shared their homes and hospitality with us.
In all, Forty-five parishioners participated in the seven scheduled discussion sessions. Each
session was full of lively, open and in-depth/insightful discussions. So we do have some rich
material to work with to create a mission statement and guide Our Saviour for the next 75 years.
In the coming weeks, we will be analyzing and summarizing the information gathered from
these discussions and expect to discuss our results at our retreat
at Koinonia, November 13-14, 2010. For those who will not be
making it to Koinonia, we will hold another gathering in the
church for presentation at a later date.
If you did not have a chance to participate in any of these
meetings, you can still complete the questionnaire and email it
to me ([email protected]) or drop it at church. Also, if you
are interested in discussing, I will be happy to set up a
convienent time for a telephone call or to meet in person.
Please let us continue to pray for God's guidance as we discuss
and plan the future direction of our church.
FINANCE COMMITTEE NEWS
- John Magerlein
The Finance Committee met this week to review our financial status after the first quarter of the
fiscal year. Despite careful expense management, which has kept our expenses below the level of
last year, we face a deficit of about $6900 for the period from July-September. This is due to
reduced level of giving compared to the same period last year. While giving is often weak during
the summer, the deficit at this time last year was only $3800.
Such a deficit is a serious concern due to our very limited savings. We ask you to bring their
contributions up to date and to consider an additional offering before the end of the year as you are
able. Also please consider increasing your pledge for 2011 during the current stewardship
campaign in order that our ministry may continue strong.
4
10
NOVEMBER SUNDAY SERVANTS
DECEMBER SUNDAY SERVANTS
November 7
Greeters&Ushers: Alexandra Stephens & Abbie Voss
Worship Assistant:
Lance Kelly
Lector:
Anita Baumann
Altar Guild:
Karen Magerlein
Communion Assistant:
LeeAnn McCarthy
Acolyte:
Lily Evans
Hospitality:
John / Laura Keil & MaryBeth Soucy
December 5
Greeters&Ushers:
Nancy Riekert & Lily Evans
Worship Assistant:
Lance Kelly
Lector:
Amy Gardiner
Altar Guild:
Nancy Riekert
Communion Assistant:
Sandy Kelly
Acolyte:
Rosie Evans
Hospitality:
Lance/Julie Kelly & Abbie Voss
December 12
Greeters&Ushers:
Jillian McCarthy & Rosie Evans
Worship Assistant:
LeeAnn McCarthy
Lector:
Pam Schwartz
Altar Guild:
Nancy Riekert
Communion Assistant:
Eleanor Soderlund
Acolyte:
Gillian Stieglitz
Hospitality:
The Gabrielsens & The Nuwesras
November 14
Greeter&Usher:
Karolyn Kingman & Frya Barnes
Worship Assistant:
Greg Evans
Lector:
Lily Evans
Altar Guild:
Karolyn Kingman
Communion Assistant:
not needed
Acolyte:
Rosie Evans
Hospitality:
Arlita Hoyt & Nancy Riekert
November 21
Greeters&Ushers:
John & Tom Magerlein
Worship Assistant:
Lori Esteves
Lector:
Eleanor Soderlund
Altar Guild:
Karen Magerlein
Communion Assistant:
Evelyn Garrett
Acolyte:
Gillian Stieglitz
Hospitality:
Brigitte Anderson-Crumb
& Sue Montgomery
November 28
Greeters&Ushers:
Anita & David Baumann
Worship Assistant:
LeeAnn McCarthy
Lector:
Matilda Weekes-Johnson
Altar Guild:
Karen Magerlein
Communion Assistant:
Frya Barnes
Acolyte:
Lily Evans
Hospitality:
Sue Montgomery
LECTOR’S READINGS
11/7
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Ephesians 1:11-23
11/14
Malachi 4:1-2a
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
11/21
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Colossians 1:11-20
11/28
Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
12/5
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-13
12/12
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-10
12/19
Isaiah 7:10-16
Romans 1:1-7
12/26
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:13-23
01/02
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Ephesians 1:3-14
December 19
Greeter&Usher:
Dianne & Meagan Carroll
Worship Assistant:
Lori Esteves
Lector:
MaryBeth Soucy
Altar Guild:
Karen Magerlein
Communion Assistant:
Chuck Cooper
Acolyte:
Lily Evans
Hospitality:
Heather Cooper & LeeAnn McCarthy
December 26
Greeters&Ushers: Chuck Cooper & Jeanne Spacek
Worship Assistant:
Greg Evans
Lector:
Frya Barnes
Altar Guild:
Sarah Doherty
Communion Assistant:
Alexandra Stephens
Acolyte:
Rosie Evans
Hospitality:
Frya Barnes & Abbie Voss
January 2
Greeters&Ushers:
Abbie Voss & Frya Barnes
Worship Assistant:
Lance Kelly
Lector:
Nancy Riekert
Altar Guild:
Karolyn Kingman
Communion Assistant:
Bob Riekert
Acolyte:
Gillian Stieglitz
January 9
Greeters&Ushers:
John & Tom Magerlein
Worship Assistant:
LeeAnn McCarthy
Lector:
Janet Behning
Altar Guild:
Nancy Riekert
Communion Assistant:
Ken Gabrielsen
Acolyte:
Lily Evans
Christ the King Sunday
First Advent
(blue)
Confirmation
9:15am
Sunday School 10:30am
Service
10:30am
28
HB Tom Carroll
(white)
Confirmation
9:15am
Sunday School 10:30am
Service
10:30am
Consecration Sunday
Annual Congregational
Meeting 12:00 noon
21
HB Pam Schwartz
Sunday School 10:30am
Service
10:30am
Retreat at Koinonia
29
22
15
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
HB Susie Gardiner
HB Adam Gabrielsen
30
AA
23
AA
16
(green)
14Twenty-Fifth Pentecost
9
AA
8
2
1
AA
Tue
Mon
(white)
Confirmation
9:15am
Sunday School 10:30am
Service
10:30am
Church Council Mtg noon
HB Lisa Stephens
HB Greg Befanis
7 All Saints Day
Sun
7:30pm
NA
10:00am
7:30pm
Sewing Guild
NA
24
10:00am
10:00am
7:30pm
Sewing Guild
17
Sewing Guild
NA
Happy
HB Cliff Gabrielsen
25
HB Sue Montgomery
HB Pastor David
Choir Practice 7:45 pm
Bible,Church and
World
9:30am
18
Choir Practice 7:45 pm
Bible,Church and
World
9:30am
11
Sewing Guild
10
Bible,Church and
World
9:30am
Choir Practice 7:45pm
10:00am
4
Thu
3
Wed
NOVEMBER 2010
HB Loretta Rapetti
26
19
Retreat at Koinonia
12
5
Fri
Bake Sale 9:00am
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
HB - Happy Birthday
HA - Happy
Anniversary
Key:
AA
27
7:00pm
HB Nick Schwartz
HB LeeAnn McCarthy
AA
20
AA
Retreat at Koinonia
Bake Sale 9:00am
13 Circle School Tag &
AA
6 Circle School Tag &
Sat
Third Advent
12
First Christmas
26
(white)
Sunday School 10:30am
Service
10:30am
(blue)
Confirmation
9:15am
Sunday School 10:30am
Service
10:30am
HB Barbara Befanis
Fourth Advent
19
HA Evelyn & Ed Garrett
(blue)
Confirmation
9:15am
Sunday School 10:30am
Service
10:30am
27
20
13
HB Evelyn Garrett
6
Second Advent
5
(blue)
Confirmation
9:15am
Sunday School 10:30am
Service
10:30am
Croton Blood Drive
Mon
Sun
AA
7:30pm
HB Arlita Hoyt
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
HB Pastor Stephens
28
AA
21
AA
14
AA
7
Tue
Bible,Church and
World
9:30am
10:00am
7:30pm
Sewing Guild
NA
NA
29
NA
10:00am
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
HB Jen Stieglitz
HB Marion Phillips
Sewing Guild
22
NA
Sewing Guild
10:00am
7:30pm
NA
15
10:00am
Sewing Guild
8
2
1
30
23
Choir Practice 7:45pm
Bible,Church and
World
9:30am
16
Choir Practice 7:45pm
Bible,Church and
World
9:30am
9
Choir Practice 7:45pm
Thu
Wed
DECEMBER 2010
31 Happy
Christmas Eve Services
7:30pm & 9:30pm
24
17
10
3
Fri
7:00pm
7:00pm
HB - Happy Birthday
HA - Happy
Anniversary
Key:
Service 10:30am
Merry Christmas
25
AA
18
AA
11
10:00am-4:00pm
4
Sat