PEACE CHIMES AUGUST 2014

PEACE CHIMES
AUGUST 2014
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 209 Eastern Avenue, Augusta, Maine 04330
Women of the ELCA Triennial Convention
and Spring Gathering in Charlotte, NC
POP women, Carlene Kaler, front center, and Liz Burgess, second row on left,
attended this recent gathering of women.
“Choice – Change – Service – Collaboration”
Are you fascinated with the study of social work, choice, and history… and that “change” is so prominent in
our ever day lives, and throughout our fast-paced culture? I am! I also am constantly evaluating that change
is cyclical and change IS difficult stuff to deal with. I can tell you from my heart, that I am amidst a huge
change in my personal life – a change that is fear-provoking, intimidating and numbing...IF I remain in my
human-understanding world. I have a choice…and so do each of you.
We are about to embark upon new ventures, with new opportunities and change in the way that we collectively provide “Relief” in the greater Augusta area. However, I don’t know how this is all going to work
out…But someone close to us does…So with prayer and seeking discernment, I go to the history books to
cobble together a bit of a lesson.
I did not know that the doors to the Wittenberg Castle Church in Germany were used as a community
“bulletin-board.” The 95 Theses “posted” in 1517 by the Catholic Monk, Martin Luther were NOT an
attack on the church, but a form of “foisting” an idea to local discussion about certain “reformations” that
were apt for debate. I did not know that a copy of the 95 Theses were printed and sent to the Bishop of the
Catholic Church, and that his name was “Bishop Mainz.” Also, I learned that a year later a lengthy
publication of more than 150 pages was set-to-press and distributed far and wide, and that this publication
sparked the “Protestant Reformation” as we have come to call it today. I did know that the Printing Press
was ascribed to have been invented at this time, and transformed communication among the people of Western Europe, and later the world.
Did any of you know any of this? Now, I blast speedily into the 21st century…
We are using a new form of technology to communicate – an electronic means to present information, foist
ideas, and enter into discussions and debates. The new idea that I am excited about here is for the five (5)
Episcopal churches in Southern Kennebec County and our Prince of Peace Lutheran Congregation to join
together to transform the way in which we provide community service, worship together and are ONE in
Community. We are “posting” links, sending e-mails, viewing blog-pages, uploading Facebook images and
“texting” in our new-age communication – a parallel form to the nailing the Theses to the Cathedral
Entrance. Please bear-with me – “I may have gone too far in my analogy here!”
Our printing press IS the internet, and our “Castle Church” is made-up of our six(6) congregations. We all
“want” to do God’s work in the greater Augusta area, and we are “right in the middle” of change – The
members of the steering committee began a “Listening Series” on July 13th at Prince of Peace Lutheran
Church. The “listening will continue.” Please know that if you didn’t or couldn’t make it to that meeting,
your concerns and ideas are being sought. You are invited to attend any one of the upcoming five (5)
sessions which will be held at each of the Episcopal Congregations in the Augusta area; St. Barnabas,
St. Marks, St. Andrews, Christ Church, and St. Matthews.
You can communicate by attending a session, or you can write a note, hand it to any one of us, or better yet
meet face-to-face to discuss this important new collaboration. Together we are seeking guidance, foisting
discussion, and wanting to “listen” to your concerns, and hear and embrace your fears as we embark on a
new shared ministry plan. History has taught us that we are directed to pray, discuss and enter into Christian
Service in our community. God clearly instructs us to BE His presence here. Join us as we seek to discern
God’s plan for us. We have an awesome counselor, and leader and a guide who has provided us a Roadmap
for our work…We are instructed to “Do God’s Work” with our hands, and hearts.
Blessings,
Tom
Tom Benn, POP Mission Chair-Person
2
Council Reorganizes
In a continuing attempt to downsize the Congregation Council to be more efficient and to better
reflect the changes within the congregation, the Council has had to reorganize its’ standing
committees for the coming year. The changes were necessitated by the reduction to 10 from 13 of
Council members. The changes were made keeping in mind the recommendations that are already
part of suggested Constitution and By-Law amendments.
The reorganization looks like this:
NEW
OLD
President
Vice President
Secretary
Financial Secretary
President
Vice President
Secretary
Financial Secretary
Don Sproul
Bobbi-Jo Burdin
Ave Chuprevich
Darryl Praul
Property
Worship
Learning
Service
Congregational Life
Standing Committees
Becky Pearce
Property
Heidi Joslyn
Worship
Beth Pfeffer
Education
Bev Savage
Social Awareness
LouAnne Story
(3) Stewardship, Fellowship & Youth
The 6 standing committees would each have one council person as their “Council Liaison
and Facilitator”. This Council person can either chair the committee, or recruit a noncouncil chair. This person would make sure the committee meets regularly; at least
once every 3 months.
Committees are free to organize themselves as they deem necessary, but having a
non-Council point person or coordinator for each responsibility may be productive.
Currently we have 2 non-Council chairs: Joyce Bagnall for Worship and Gene Kaler for Property.
If anyone has an interest in serving or chairing a committee, or being the coordinator for any
particular committee responsibility, please contact the appropriate Council person.
Don Sproul, Council President
3
“New Look” Youth Sunday School
4 PM, beginning Sept. 7
Over the course of the summer there have been two meetings of a Youth Education Task Force. The task
force first met to discuss preferred times for conducting youth education. At the first meeting those in attendance (and all parents of youth were invited) felt 4 PM on Sunday afternoons would be the best time. It
was also felt we could invite children from other churches and from the surrounding neighborhoods to
attend Sunday School. There were hopes expressed of a once per month youth group activity following SS
for the older youth.
At the second meeting, representatives from some of the “K-5” churches were present. The findings of the
first meeting, a suggested joint SS time of 4 PM on Sundays, was reviewed and discussed. That seemed to
be supported and affirmed by all present. The location will be at Prince of Peace. One of the K-5
participants, Kerry Mansir, has a degree in Christian Education. She has developed a curriculum for
children Pre-K through grade 6 that follows our Sunday worship lessons. She is willing to share that with
us. Curriculum can be purchased for youth in grades 7-12. We need to get a better idea of number and
ages of participants, so we can determine how many classes (therefore how many teachers) will be needed.
It was decided we needed to set up a joint education team with at least 1-- and with a second person
welcome -- from each of the 6 congregations. They will jointly set up the education program, solicit and
assign teachers and support volunteers, and serve as the point person within their respective congregations
to disseminate information, and keep members active in SS. The first meeting of this group will be at 11 am
on Sunday, August 17 at St. Barnabas Church on Bangor Street in Augusta.
To get a better idea of participants, it was decided to have a "Kick-Off Sunday" on Sunday September 7 at 4
PM. Hot Dogs, Pot Luck and lots of children's games. This will be a time for the kids to interact and the
parents to hear the plans for the new SS format and to determine exactly how many teachers are
needed. Teaching volunteers can make themselves known, as well. It may take a few weeks to get all
necessary materials and a regular routine set; but we will keep it going each week starting the 7th.
In order to get the families there, it was agreed that someone had to serve as the point person in each
congregation and invite them, then follow up, and make sure they came on the 7th. This intensive invitation
and encouragement effort is only needed with families with children. But we will certainly let everyone in
all 6 congregations know that they are welcome to come on the 7th, get to know each other and learn about
the joint SS effort.
Don Sproul, Council President
Kennebec 6 Christian Education Cookout!
Sunday, September 7, at 4 p.m. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Join families from the K-6 churches (K5 Episcopal Churches plus Prince of Peace
Lutheran) for a fun-filled evening on Sunday, September 7th. We will gather at Prince of
Peace Lutheran Church, 209 Eastern Ave., Augusta, for a cookout, games for the kids,
and an opportunity to learn more about an exciting new education program. The K- 6 is
collaborating to form an education program to begin in the fall.
This program is open to kids of all ages and will have a youth group component as well. It
is still very much a work in progress, and the planning committee is open to ideas, but
initially it will start with a lectionary-based lesson and fun activities for the kids. There is a
vision for the future that includes shared meals and possibly a shared worship service.
So join us on September 7th for fun and fellowship and the opportunity to learn more
about what’s coming! Even if you do not have school-aged children, feel free to join us
and be a part of this new ministry. If you have questions, please contact Kerry Mansir at
[email protected]
New Book Study to begin on Tuesday, August 26th at
10 AM at Prince of Peace. If you would like a book,
please contact Bev Savage at 446-1238 and Pastor
Erik has an assignment to help people prepare for the
study.
All are welcome to participate.
5
7
Dear Prince of Peace Church Council and Members,
Words cannot express how appreciative we are for all the love, financial support and
prayers we received from you! Helping to send us off to Haiti on our Mission to
work with the Deaf was such a tremendous blessings to us! We thank God for you
and the part you played in our Mission Trip.
Our journey was a great success and we felt God’s presence with us in so many
wonderful ways! Though challenging at times, we pressed through and overcame
any obstacles that were set before us. We could feel the prayers of the saints as we
sought God each day for unity in our team, stamina in the extreme heat, creativity
and patience in teaching 50+ deaf children in Summer School, and for His wisdom
and guidance as ministry opportunities were laid before us. In all things, His grace
was sufficient as He promised it would be!
Highlights include our daily rides over rugged terrain in Haitian Tap-Tap taxis, 20+
men, women and children in the back of each small truck stacked 2 or 3 people
high! We also loved the several days we spent living with the deaf children and
staff at the Haiti Deaf Children’s Home in Leveque. All the sounds and sights of
hectic living in a Haitian city were very different than being at the Global Vision
Orphanage Farm where there are mountains and cornfields all around. The lively
outdoor markets, the goats and cattle roaming the streets, the roosters crowing in the
middle of the night, all made for a very “different than Maine” experience. Also,
sharing one toilet with 50 other people and one trickling shower was a bit of a
challenge but we sure do appreciate our comfortable homes more than ever before!
The love and perseverance we experienced with these people was so humbling.
Home visits to deaf families in the village were very touching experiences. People
welcomed us into their tiny dwellings, pulled up some over-turned buckets for seats
and invited us to sit and chat and pray for their families and various needs. Each
home was unique in who lived there and what stories they had to share. Most had
been earthquake victims and had lost their homes as well as loved ones. Some knew
Jesus as their Savior and some did not. Their burdens were many and their loads
were great. The time we shared with these families was so precious! God used us to
bring light and hope into these situations, offering our love and compassion in
whatever way He led us to minister.
We brought home pictures and biographies of several deaf children in need of
sponsorship for their living expenses and schooling. These children can be viewed
on www.deafchildhope.org if anyone would be interested in sponsoring a deaf child.
“For He delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy, and He saves their lives. From oppression
and violence He redeems their life; and precious is their blood in His sight.”
Psalm 72:12-14
Patti & Jim Gardiner
7
What Lutheran Christians Can Do
in a World Where Children Suffer the Most…..
“I am weary with my moaning; every night… I drench my couch with my weeping” (Psalm 6:6).
Many nights we sit on our couch and watch the evening news.
Night after night we see the pictures of children suffering and dying because of war in Palestine—currently
a child is killed every hour!
Night after night we hear of the plight (and flight) of children fleeing the drug-gang violence in Honduras—often to be deported back home at the US border.
Many of those nights tears come to our eyes as we watch and listen to the so-called “news”—but it’s not
new; it’s the same old story: children suffer the most!
So, what can Lutheran Christians do in this world where children suffer the most?
1st, Pray: Pray for the Palestinian and Honduran children, and pray for their parents. Pray for the eyes of
their (and our own) government officials to be open to their plight, and to seek peaceful solutions with
constructive efforts.
2nd, Learn: Learn more about the situation in Palestine and Honduras. Learn by focusing on the victims.
Learn by not allowing strident and biased politics cloud the picture. Be mindful that throughout the
Bible, there is God’s expressed concern for widows, orphans, and aliens above all others. Our church’s
Lutheran magazine often has many fine informative articles about these situations and the plight of such
persons.
3rd, Contribute: Contribute money to our church’s work in Palestine/Israel through the Lutheran World
Federation Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem and our church’s work in the USA through Lutheran
Disaster Relief for Unaccompanied Children. Your contribution can be made through Prince of Peace
Lutheran Church, earmarked for “LWF Augusta Victoria Hospital” and/or for “Lutheran Disaster Relief
for Unaccompanied Children”—those contributions will then be distributed to the respective church funds.
Our church’s work through the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA) is very dear to our hearts; Joyce and I intend to express that through our prayers and
out of our checkbook. We encourage you to join us.
Remember: When you give “Lutheran” your contribution goes further because (in contrast to many
charities) over 90% of your contribution goes directly to those in need. Furthermore our charitable
endeavors are done in cooperation with other church aid agencies — we do not do “independent
ministries.”
— Joyce & Ronald Bagnall
8
ADDIE’S ATTIC NEWS
Good news! We have a wonderful person who has agreed to lead Addie’s Attic – Christina
Mitchell! She knows the need in our community and wants to maintain the purposes and values that
Addie’s Attic has stood for since its inception. In addition to our twice monthly Saturday hours, she
has decided the need is great enough to need us to be open during the week so has decided to open
Addie’s Attic on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-2:00, with an eye to adding Wednesdays if the
need is there and we can get volunteers to help out. This clothing bank meets an urgent need in our
communities and we really need to keep it open; but it is not a job one person can do alone.
That is where the real issue is. We desperately need volunteers to help out Tuesdays and Thursdays
when open as well as other times sorting and distributing clothes. She is also not able to be there on
the weekends so we are in urgent need of people to help out on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month
from 1:00-4:00. Please pass the word to your members!
If anyone is willing to commit to 1 period of time a month – for however many or few hours you can
spare – please let us know! If you can help more than once a month, even better!!
If anyone can be of help call St. Mark’s office at 622-2424 and talk to me (Stephanie) or leave a message on my voicemail; I will get it to Christina.
Thank you so much for your help!
Stephanie Cote
Administrative Assistant, St. Mark’s Augusta
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
1
Millie Mauthe, David Wheelock
3
Sarah Praul
9
John Merrill
15 Joanie Rhoda, Ron Bagnall
17 Hunter Praul
21 Kathy Belisle, Cindy Glynn
24 Daniel Brennan, Christine Lowell
25 Walter Lowell
AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES
27 Kellie MacLagan
10 Doug & Shannon Ames
28 Emma Harvey
22 David & Eva Wheelock
9
AUGUST SERVANTS
Deacon:
Tom Benn
Worship Assistants: 3-Tim Elliott, 10-Jacob Praul, 17-Peter Matthies, Jr., 24-Danny Dawe,
31-Roland Pease
Usher:
Roland Pease
Greeters:
3-Bill & Jane Peterson, 10-Bill Dolhopf, 17-Anita Wyman, 24-Bud Walters,
31-Cindy Gyorgy
Altar Care: Nancy Allen
DEACONS
Don Sproul - President
622-5785
Tom Benn - Vice President
549-7186
Ave Chuprevich - Secretary
933-4001
Darryl Praul - Financial Secretary
968-2023
Congregational Life - LouAnne Story 549-7377
Learning - Beth Pfeffer
514-4289
Property - Becky Pearce
242-9340
Service - Bev Savage
446-1238
Witness - Tom Benn
557-5513
Worship - Heidi Joslyn
623-2284
Lloyd Balderston
Tom Benn
Myrna Duplessie
Nancy Merrill, Head Deacon
Paul Rhoda
Duane Scott
CHURCH STAFF
Transitional Pastor - Erik Karas
Parish Secretary - Patti Gardiner
Organist - Alice VanDerwerken
Choir Director - vacant
Sextons - Tim Elliott, Diane Richard
377-4293
549-7186
923-3128
737-8105
845-2437
623-2092
557-3637
344-9162
397-4214
462-1750
REACHING OUT MINISTRIES
Trustees: Don Sproul-Chair, Tom Benn, Bobbi-Jo
Burdin, Ave Chuprevich, Beth Pfeffer
Head Deacon - Nancy Merrill
737-8105
Nominating Committee: Bobbi-Jo Burdin, Liz Burgess, Women’s Prayer Breakfast - Nancy Merrill 737-8105
Prayer Shawl - Liz Burgess
622-3570
Ave Chuprevich, Myrna Duplessie, Paul Rhoda
At Your Side Committee - Liz Burgess
622-3570
Endowment Fund Committee: Dick Belisle, Bill
Helping Fund - Patti Gardiner - POP Office 623-9486
Burgess, Darryl Praul, Paul Rhoda, Bud Walters.
POP Quilter’s Group - Lil Stresser
377-2591
Women of the Church - ELCA- Liz Burgess 622-3570
Dorcas Circle - Jutta Hartung
623-2040
We Celebrate with...Church Office - Patti
623-9486
Bread of Life Ministries - Office-Wendy
626-3434
*Soup Kitchen on Water St.
*Shelter on Hospital St.
10
621-2541
626-3479
Augusta Food Bank
622-5225
Chelsea Food Bank - Diane Richard
462-1750
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
11:00-12:30
Support Group
(TR)
3
Pentecost 8
9:00 Worship
4
5
7:00 AM WPB
6
7
8
VBS WEEK
VBS
VBS
VBS
VBS
1:00-2:30 FA(L)
11:00-12:30
Support Group
(TR)
13
14
15
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Veterans’ SG
1:00-2:30 FA(CCR)
11:00-12:30
Support Group
(TR)
20
21
22
6:00 PM
FA (CCR)
Fellowship
5:00-6:30 PM
7:00-8:30 PM
Menswork (DR)
10
Pentecost 9
9:00 Worship
11
12
7:00 wpb
6:00 PM
FA (CCR)
Fellowship
Sat
2
2:00-4:00 PM
Kaoma, Zambia
Presentation
Margaret
Mundia
Muyatwa (CCR)
7:00 PM
Seadogs
9
8:30–10:00 AM
Menswork (DR)
16
8:30-10:00 AM
Menswork (DR)
5:00-6:30 PM
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Menswork (DR)
17
Pentecost 10
9:00 Worship
18
19
7:00 AM WPB
Fellowship
6:00 PM
FA (CCR)
11:00 K5+1
Education Com.
At St. Barnabus
5:00 - 6:30 PM
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Menswork (DR)
24
Pentecost 11
9:00 Worship
Fellowship
11:00 Council
______________
31
Pentecost 12
9:00 Worship
Fellowship
.
25
Newsletter
Articles due for
1:00-2:30 FASeptember
(CCR)
11:00–12:30
Support Group
(TR)
26
7:00 AM WPB
27
28
29
10:00 AM
New Book Study
Begins (CCR)
6:00 PM FA
5:00—
9:00 AM
September
Newsletter
Mailing
1:00-2:30 FA(CCR)
11:00-12:30
Support Group
(TR)
11
23
8:30-10:00 AM
Menswork (DR)
30
8:30-10:00 AM
Menswork (DR)
AUGUST 2014
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
8:30 am – 3:00 pm Daily
PRINCE OF PEACE CHURCH STAFF
Pastor Erik Karas - Transitional
Parish Secretary - Patti Gardiner
Office Telephone 623-9486
Email: [email protected]
Web Page: www.princeofpeacemaine.org
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
9:00 AM Communion Service
Coffee Hour
Everyone Welcome.
Handicap Accessible.
VISION STATEMENT
LISTEN! God is calling!
We, the members of Prince of Peace Lutheran
Church, actively seek to put God first and
glorify our Lord in all that we do. We strive to
be the foundation supporting the growth of good
works our Creator puts on each of our hearts as
we respond to God’s call.
MISSION STATEMENT
Prince of Peace Lutheran proclaims Christ as
our Savior and Lord.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church provides a
Christian home where all people are welcome
and offers everyone opportunities to grow in
their faith-walk with God. Blessed to be a
blessing, we strive to share our gifts and show
God’s love to all.