LU HERAN - Allegheny Synod

Allegheny Synod
701 Quail Ave.
Altoona, PA 16602
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LU HERAN
NON
U.S
P
PE
TO INFORM, INSPIRE AND ILLUMINATE
www.AlleghenySynod.org HE IS RISEN
Also inside:
Spring-themed
photographs
from the
Alleghenies
March/April 2016
“At 3p.m. we ring the church
bell to signify the moment of
Jesus’ death ...
Our members return
home to remember Jesus’
sacrifice for our sins ...
Pastors Provide
Insight on the
Power of the JESUS HAS DEFEATED
Resurrection DEATH, WE ARE BLESSED
READ MORE ON PAGE 8 WITH EVERLASTING LIFE”
Photo by Courtney Kazmer
Read about a Kenyan Easter celebration on Page 9
Need a Good Laugh? Pastor Uses Comedy in Ministry
By RICK KAZMER
Lutheran Letter Editor
Pastor John Telyea’s job – leading
people to Christ – is no laughing matter.
But that doesn’t mean the Geeseytown/Newry Lutheran Parish pastor
can’t use humor to help his cause.
“Pastors are people and we haven’t
always done a good job showing that.
Jokes make me more ‘real’ to people. I
am not some high and holy pastor, but a
person who loves to laugh. My comedy
makes me more approachable,” said the
Hollidaysburg preacher. Growing up,
Telyea’s father was the “funny one” in
the house. Humor was part of the daily
routine. “He was also joking around and
telling jokes. I got my sense of humor
from him,” Telyea said.
Coming in May/June
(See LAUGH, Page 10)
We know it’s important to stay spiritually fit. Physical
fitness is important, too. You might be surprised why.
“
“
Volume 11, Issue 2
www.alleghenysynod.org
A symphony
of thrills.
­– Pastor
John Telyea
Inside this Issue
Bishop Michael Rhyne’s Message: Page 2
A Synod working as one - deans play key role: Page 10
2
March/April 2016
The Lutheran Letter
LU HERAN
A Message on God’s Divine Grace
Allegheny Synod
701 Quail Ave.
Altoona, PA 16602
Change Service Requested
To the Saints of the Allegheny
Synod:
It is very important that we
TO INFORM, INSPIRE AND ILLUMINATE
remember, especially in the seais published bi-monthlywww.alleghenysynod.org
by the
son of Lent, that all we have and
ALLEGHENY SYNOD OF THE ELCA
all we are, are gifts from God.
Bishop Michael Rhyne
Our existence, our relationship
701 Quail Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602-3010
Phone: 814-942-1042 • Fax: 814-941-9259
with God and our salvation from
www.AlleghenySynod.org •
sin, death and destruction hapemail: [email protected]
pen because God reached out to
EDITORIAL STAFF
us in divine grace and mercy and
Editor Rick Kazmer
pours life upon us.
email: [email protected]
In this Lenten season I want
Printed by the Daily American, Somerset, PA
to reflect on how we are so thorNote: The Office of the Bishop reserves the
oughly blessed by our Lord and
right to revise, cancel or reject any
Creator.
advertisement or editorial information.
SUBMISSIONS
Please contact the editorial team (above) with
your comments and story ideas. We look
forward to hearing from you.
OUR MISSION
Rooted in the Gospel of our Lord, the
Allegheny Synod inspires, encourages and
supports the church, in response to God’s call
to gather around word and sacrament, and
to scatter into the world to offer God’s gifts of
love, forgiveness, care, justice and mercy.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Articles for the Letter should be about 300
words or less and include applicable
website or contact information.
Images should be as high
resolution as possible, ideally 300 ppi at 3x5
inches (900x1500 pixels.)
Send files to [email protected].
CONTACT US
Newsletter: [email protected]
Bishop Rhyne: [email protected]
Bishop Emeritus Pile: [email protected]
Rev. Tim Knauss: [email protected]
Rev. Paula Schmitt: [email protected]
Michelle Bossler: [email protected]
Office: [email protected]
Life and Existence
We and all that is, all that was
and all that ever will be exist because God brought it into being.
In Genesis 1 we learn that, “when
God created the heavens and the
earth, the earth was a formless
void and darkness covered the
face of the deep.” What Genesis is telling us is that there was
God and there was nothing. The
earth is an empty nothingness
without shape. In the beginning,
there was nothing but God. God
has always existed. God will always exist. God was perfect in
this time before creation, existing in a perfect life of the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit. Then God
begins to bring light and life into
being. God brings the world, the
stars, the plants, the fish and the
animals into life. Finally, God
decides to create woman and
man in his own image. The point
is that nothing was around — but
God began to bring life and existence forth. This action of creation only happens because God
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Bishop Rhyne
willed it to happen. All that will
ever be exists because God decided it should be that way. We
can sometimes believe that we,
humans, are the center of all of
creation. If we look at the Biblical story, we are reminded that
we are only part of creation. We
should be humbled by the fact
that the true master of all that
we see is the one who graciously
called us into existence.
Life with God
When we start to think about
who God is, we may find it extraordinary that God has anything
to do with us. God is the Lord of
all who brought everything into
being because God willed it to
happen — and made it so through
speaking. This is power that we
cannot begin to imagine.
We also know that God has an
interest in us. In Genesis 1 and
2 we hear that the great God of
power and might knows and has
a close relationship with our first
parents. God walks with them in
the garden and speaks with them.
Even after they have turned from
God, our Lord still cares for them
and talks to them. We see God involved in our lives in the way that
Noah, Abraham and Jacob speak
to God. We learn of God steering
their lives. Later we know that
God is intimately involved in
the lives of the people of Israel,
working through Moses to free
them from bondage. For 40 years
God leads Israel through the desert and provides for them. God
is involved with the lives of his
people. Martin Luther reminds
us that not only does God have
an interest in us, but also works
through the power of the Holy
Spirit to call us to this life with
our Lord. In his “Small Catechism,” Luther writes, “I believe
that I cannot by my own reason or
strength believe in Jesus Christ,
my Lord, or come to him; but the
Holy Spirit has called me by the
Gospel, enlightened me with His
gifts, sanctified and kept me in
the true faith.”
Luther is reminding us that
God is the one who pours the
Spirit on us so that we might
come to Jesus and come to his
life.
Salvation
We began by talking about
God, who is our Creator and who
brought everything into being.
God calls us into a relationship
and loves us. We see this relationship played out in Chapter 1 and
Chapter 2 of Genesis.
In Chapter 3 everything falls
apart. Our first parents turn away
from God. The rest of Holy
Scripture is the story of how God
is working through his people,
through the prophets and finally
coming here in Jesus Christ to
save us from our sins.
(See BISHOP, Page 3)
March/April 2016
Bishop
(Continued from Page 2)
Great news from Kenya
Last year the Allegheny Synod
participated in the Kenya Motorbike Challenge ­­— raising more
than $13,000 for the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church to purchase motorbikes for pastors.
The bikes provide a way for pastors to take the Gospel to more
remote areas of the country. So
far the Kenya church has been
able to purchase six motorbikes
and will be able to purchase a
few more. Thanks to all who have
helped make this project a reality.
Challenge exceeds goal
People throughout the Allegheny Synod donated more than
61,000 cans of food for the food
challenge that ended Super Bowl
Sunday ­— 20 thousand more than
the goal. Synod leaders thank everyone who donated to this worthy cause.
3
The Lutheran Letter
God never gives up on us or on
creation. God keeps working, and
humanity keeps sinning and turning
away from the one who is life. We
undervalue all that our Lord has given to us – yet God is faithful and loving, especially when we are not.
We do not deserve all that God
pours upon us. We are people, and
a world, that continually turns away.
Thankfully, however, God is loving,
patient and eternally forgiving. He
never stops calling us back. We did
not deserve Jesus. This broken humanity literally tried to destroy the
Savior. That is the thanks that our
Lord received when he became flesh
and lived among us in Jesus Christ.
But God in Christ Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen, and he
did it anyway. Jesus came from heavenly glory for the purpose of sacrificing himself for you and me and all
of this world. Jesus is showing us
that through him we can be saved
from evil, sin and destruction. Even
as the world was in open rebellion
against the loving God who made it,
God still came in Jesus and took on a
life to lay it down for the sake of the
world. That is the only way we can
be saved, in and through Jesus Christ
our Lord. When we look at all that
God has done, we should be amazed.
God has given us everything. We
have life with God and God has saved
us from our sins and from ourselves.
I believe that our response should be
one of thanksgiving and praise. We
thank God by worship and striving
to walk closer with our Lord. We
live that out by remembering all the
blessings that God has given us, and
we turn to share that love and mercy with the world that so desperately
needs it. Our thanksgiving for all that
God has done, is to be people who
follow and strive to share God’s love
and the love of Jesus with this world.
May you know the many ways
that the Lord of all has blessed you.
In Christ,
+Bishop Michael
Ordination
Photos by Courtney Kazmer
Bishop Michael Rhyne
and other church leaders
were among around 100
people who traveled to
Trinity Lutheran Church
in Somerset on a frigid
day Feb. 13 for a warm
celebration. Jennifer Soltis, who has been serving as a vicar at Trinity,
was ordained in front of
friends, family and peers.
Soltis will be serving
Zion Lutheran Church in
Petersburg and St. Matthew Lutheran Church
in Marklesburg. Read a
Q&A with the new pastor
in the next edition.
Lutheran Letter Patrons
Thanks to these individuals and groups for their generous donations, which helped to make
this issue of The Lutheran Letter possible.
PATRONS: Allegheny Synodical Women’s Organization, Centre Hall • Bishop Michael and Karen
Rhyne • Bob and Linda Thomas • Charles F. and Mona L. Yingling • Dean D. Naugle • Johnstown
Conference of the Lutheran Churches • Kirby and Susan Barclay • Lowell and Carna Friedline
• Peggy Thatcher • Spence and Vicki Garvin • Terry and Joyce Conrad • The Rev. Gregory and
Barbara Pile • The Rev. Nelson and Sandy Ilgenfritz • The Rev. Paula Schmitt • The Rev. Rick and
Kriss Klotz • The Rev. Robert and Caryl Swanson • The Rev. Susan Mazer Winger and Larry L.
Mazer • The Rev. Timothy and Monica Knauss • The Rev. Vernon and Carolyn Miller • The Rev.
Warren and Phyllis Karshin
IN HONOR OF: Bishop Gregory and Barbara Pile by John and Betta Kriner • Bishop Gregory Pile
by Ruth Marshall • Pastors Lee and Dena Gable • Sequanota by Revs. Bob and Eleanor Abarno •
Revs. Bob and Eleanor Abarno by Jim Angello
IN MEMORY OF: Jeff McCready by Mary Jane McCready • John M. Kriner II by John and Betta
Hirko Kriner • the “Lost 74” from USS Frank Evans DD-754 June 3, 1969 (www.USSFEE.ORG) by
USS Frank E. Evans Assoc. Inc. • The Rev. Robert G. Whisler • W. Clair and Aletta S. Calvert by
James A. Calvert
4
March/April 2016
The Lutheran Letter
Why Kids Need Camp ­— Now More Than Ever
By the REV. NATHAN PILE
Camp Sequanota
If I had my way, summer camp would be mandatory for all kids.
My rationale is not because I want good things
for Sequanota. I believe camp provides kids a world
of good experience. It has been 25 years since I
was a camper at Sequanota. Those early years of
building new friendships, trying new activities,
challenging myself by taking safe risks and learning to be a part of a community beyond my family
became experiences that molded me as a young
man. As a “loosely-defined” mature adult, I have
found that lessons in compassion/empathy, team
work, self-confidence, creativity, leadership, grit,
persistence and courage to try something new are
valuable tools. It does not matter what new technological gizmo is invented next; we will adapt to it.
These characteristics become the building blocks
that enable us to change as the world evolves. A
good camp experience engages campers socially,
lasting impact. One of the greatest gifts we can give
is a sense of success and achievement after working to accomplish a goal. A good camp community
teaches kids how to be active participants by asking questions, offering assistance to someone who
needs help and fostering a “can-do” attitude. Now,
more than ever, kids need camp. Our world will
need innovative, confident young people who can
Submitted photo work on a team and relate to others. A good quality
Pastor Nathan Pile is pictured leading worship at camp with summer camp provides a safe place for kids to practice the
staff Sara Conway and Maggie Pfaff.
skills needed to be successful in life. Go Camp! †
emotionally, physically and mentally. Camp proUPCOMING CAMP SCHEDULE
motes community. Trained staff teach how to live April 2-3: Men on a Mission at Camp Sequanota. A big project needs
help. This free event includes two days of projects and overnight fun.
together and care for one another. Camp is a place your
April 22: Women’s retreat. Conversations will be held based on the book
where kids practice growing up negotiating bound- “Stitches” by Anne Lamott. It will be facilitated by Pastor Sue Winger. Costs
are based on double occupancy. The cost is $130 for the weekend; $90 for
aries, learning empathy for others and accomplish- one overnight stay; $30 for Saturday only; $50 for no lodging.
April 29: Tours and appetizers at 4:45 p.m. at Camp Sequanota. Dinner
ing activities with the support of their peers.
will be held at 6 p.m. A $50 donation is suggested.
As a kid there is a lot to explore in this world. May 7: Spring work day planned. Starts at 9 a.m. Lunch is included.
May 8: Mother’s Day Banquet. Two seatings are scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
Whether it is dying a shirt, learning about the natu- and 1:30 p.m. Call 814-629-6627 to make reservations. A free-will donation
be accepted.
ral world, climbing rocks or using the imagination willMay
12: Adult day workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The
to create a skit, camp is a place designed for hands- cost is $10, which includes lunch.
May 21: Free day at camp is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is free
on experiences with trained staff. Camp makes a and includes lunch.
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The only problem is that their families have been bitterly feuding for
so many years that they aren’t even sure what they’re feuding about.
But true love, hillbilly style, prevails in the end when a surprising
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Surrounded by a collection of colorful, loveable, sassy and eccentric
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All performances will be held at The Mountain Playhouse north
of Jennerstown along Route 985. Performances will be held at 7
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p.m. at the Laurel Trinity Lutheran Church Hall before the show);
and 2 p.m. May 1. No tickets are needed for the shows. Reservations are needed for the dinner. Donations will be accepted at the
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March/April 2016
The Lutheran Letter
5
er
Lett
n
a
r
e
UTH
The YO
Class is in Session on Sunday Evening at Grace
Time Change Helps to Grow Participation in Sunday School Program
By THE LUTHERAN LETTER
Two years ago Grace Lutheran
Church in Johnstown began a new
Sunday school program to address
the situation of fewer youth coming to the traditional Sunday morning classes.
“It seemed like the kids just
did not want to get up on Sunday
morning,” said Nancy Hoover, lay
worship leader of Grace, “so our
Learning Committee came up with
a new idea.”
Sunday School for Kids, as it is
called, now meets at 6 p.m. on Sunday. The group has grown from 2 to
3 children on Sunday mornings to
15 to 20 on Sunday evenings.
The sessions begin with worship
geared toward a young age group,
followed by Bible stories, lessons
and crafts for the younger children
and discussion groups on topics of
interest for young teens.
The gatherings highlight how
faith helps in everyday life. At the
end of the sessions, students help
to prepare and serve a light dinner.
The children bring their friends
along too, so it has become a
neighborhood project. Some parents also come to see what’s happening, and to help. “Our goal all
along was to get more kids to learn
about the love of God, and the
fact that they’re bringing their
friends makes us feel the message
is getting out.”
Allegheny Synod Bishop Michael Rhyne said the success is
proof that Grace is “making it hapis
pen.”
reach“It’s a small church doing some ing out and bringintentional outreach to those kids,” ing kids in from the comhe said. “It’s a story of a church that munity.” †
Submitted photos
Grace Lutheran Church in Johnstown is growing youth
involvement in Sunday
school, in large part
by moving it to Sunday
evening. Meals and
special activities are also
part of new developments
that are attracting children to
learn about God.
St. David’s Lutheran Church Youth, Inspired by ‘The Shoemaker’s Dream’ Story, Take on Charity Work
By BARBARA PILE
St. David’s Lutheran Church, Davidsville
The members of St. David’s Lutheran Church
in Davidsville had an especially busy Advent this
year.
Inspired by a successful “God’s Work-Our
Hands” outreach day in September, leaders of the
congregation’s Advent Planning Team wanted to
keep planning opportunities for outreach that involve the children and youth of the Sunday school.
The series of projects was kicked off by sharing
the story “The Shoemaker’s Dream” about an old
shoemaker who dreamed he was to meet Jesus the
next day, but instead met three people who needed his help. The next night Jesus returned in his
dreams and told the shoemaker how much he enjoyed meeting him. Of course the shoemaker denied meeting Jesus — until Jesus told him that he
had met the shoemaker all three times he reached
out to the strangers in need, reminding him: “whosoever reaches out to the least of my brothers —
also does so to me.”
This story led the way to an exciting four weeks
of faith in action. Week 1: The children bagged
dried soup mix and baked biscuits. They delivered
these to the senior members of our congregation.
Week 2: The children collected 96 newborn-size
sleepers donated by members of the congregation. They also made 15 fleece blankets (prepared
by several of our skilled crafty women) to cover
the children in the neonatal intensive care unit at
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown. Week 3: Finalized a month-long request
for donations of clothing, toys and other needs for
eight “angel families” from a local school district.
In addition, one single-parent family with four
children had no washing machine. With the aid of
Thrivent Action Team and congregation funds, a
washer was provided to this family as well. Week
4: Focused on practicing for the children’s Christmas Eve program and later in the week, Christmas caroling and distributing Christmas cards and
hand-made ornaments to residents of a local nursing home. †
See photographs of the youth on Page 9
6
Synod Women to Meet at St. James
for Their 29th Annual Convention
By MARGARET THATCHER
The Allegheny Synod women’s
organization is scheduled to meet for
the 29th annual convention 8 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. April 30 at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Altoona.
The theme of this year’s convention is “Bring God’s Gifts to Life.”
The group has been busy planning
for this event. Organizers are hoping
for a great turnout.
Donna Greifzu, WELCA representative, will be on hand for the day.
There will be a display of used
purses to buy as part of a program
called “Change Purse.”
March/April 2016
The Lutheran Letter
Bring a used purse and buy another one.
Bishop Michael Rhyne and bishop’s assistant Pastor Paula Schmitt
will be in attendance.
Many other workshop leaders and
special guests will be a part of the
event. Officers will also be elected.
The Synod WELCA is seeking candidates to serve as officers.
WELCA is created in the image of
God and called to the discipleship in
Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy
Spirit.
The group is committed to grow in
faith, affirm gifts, support one another and engage in ministry. †
The Bishop
at Mt. Olive
Auxiliaries: What They Are, and
Why You Might Want to Join
Each spring Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries kicks off its Auxiliary
Membership Campaign. Materials are
sent to congregations. During the campaign ALSM invites people to join the
auxiliary and help support the organization’s mission.
All gifts raised from the drive go directly to provide charitable care for those
with limited resources. Participants become a member of the auxiliary simply
by making a gift; however, they are also
invited to give time, talents and treasure
by volunteering in Blair, Cambria or Centre counties. Members can be as active as
their time allows. Being part of committees, meetings, social activities and fundraising events are all ways to help.
New members are welcome. Gifts of
any amount are appreciated. The auxiliary members help to make a difference in
the lives of those ALSM touches. They
Submitted photos
On Jan. 17 Bishop Michael Rhyne visited the congregation at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Fairhope.
During the visit, he recognized lay worship leader Homer Duppstadt (at left,) who has served churches in the state for 68 years. He began leading services in 1947. The cemetery there has graves that
are centuries old. The bottom photograph shows the congregation enjoying a meal after worship.
In 2015 the congregation collected more than $6,400 to support local, national and global mission
projects. Regular weekly attendance at service is between 20 and 30 people.
serve as a connection between the residents and the community. Membership
is open to everyone. Here are a few of
the many things members do: • Staff the
ALSM gift shops at The Lutheran Home
at Johnstown and The Oaks at Pleasant
Gap • Organize and help at fundraising
events, such as the fashion show at The
Oaks and Autumn Boutique in Johnstown • Enrich the lives of residents by
reading to them, assisting them with
crafts and spending time visiting • Attend social events • Provide some extras
to those served by ALSM, for example,
special events, outings and music therapy •Assist with the annual membership
drive.
ALSM thanks the auxiliary members
for their commitment and service. For
questions about joining, contact the advancement office at 814-696-4560 or
email [email protected]. †
Wishing you
a reflective
Lenten season &
a Blessed Easter.
From
alsm.org
800.400.2285
March/April 2016
In God’s Name
Join the Allegheny Synod in
prayer for these congregations.
March 6 St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church,
Johnstown
(Mundy’s Corner)
March 13 Trinity
Lutheran Church,
Johnstown
March 20: Zion
Lutheran
Church,
Johnstown
March 27:
Shepherd of the Hills
Lutheran
Church,
Karthaus
7
The Lutheran Letter
Grace Adds Columbarium in State College
By DIANE & KEN KULP
Grace Lutheran Church, State College
April 10: St. Luke
Lutheran
Church, Lilly
April 17: St. Peter
Lutheran Church,
Luthersburg
April 24: St.
Matthew Lutheran
Church,
Martinsburg
Grace Lutheran Church
in State College has added a columbarium for its
members and their families
as another option for a final
resting place.
Columbariums
are
popular in city churches
where land for cemeteries
is scarce. Funerals with
May 1: Mount
in-ground burials can be
Pleasant
expensive. This option inLutheran
Church,
cludes cremation.
Mattie
April 3: Holy
May 8: Greenville
The Grace Church
Trinity
Lutheran
Church,
Lutheran Church,
Columbarium is outside on
Meyersdale
Lanse
the east side of the build-
Marriage Development
Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekends coordinators Fred and Julie Schamber are planning a slate of
events for 2016. Weekends run from 8 p.m. Fridays
to 4 p.m. Sundays. There is a $100 fee per couple.
The stay includes two nights of lodging, five meals
for each person and all supplies needed for the event.
Events are scheduled for the following times:
• April 8-10 at the Heritage Hotel Lancaster.
• April 22-24 at the Penn Stater Conference
Center Hotel in State College.
• Sept. 16-18 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center,
Canadensis.
• Oct. 21-23 at the Olmsted Manor Retreat
Center, Ludlow.
To sign up online, go to www.GodLovesMarriage.
com. For more information, call the Schambers at
724-325-3166 or email them at [email protected].
Submitted photo
The columbarium at Grace Lutheran Church in State College has a baptismal font, which signifies God’s presence from birth to death.
ing. Visitors will notice that
there is a baptismal font on
the left of the structure.
This indicates that life begins with baptism and ends
with the columbarium, all
under God’s care.
The unit at Grace has
two size options. The large
one houses two sets of re-
News & Events
uel’s and Messiah churches who gave donations for
shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child — and
to the volunteers who prepared and helped to pack
the boxes. Volunteers filled 173 shoeboxes during
a packing party. Thanks to others who took boxes
to fill on their own, the New Centerville parish was
able to send 195 boxes to the charity. Last year boxes were tracked to the Ukraine. Organizers planned
to track some of the boxes this year as well.
Montana Mission
People age 16 and older are invited to a unique
ministry in Montana. The trip will likely provide
service opportunities with congregations, as well as
projects with Native Americans on a reservation. As
part of the program, people from the Montana Synod
may visit the Allegheny Synod in the future. The trip
is planned for July 15 to 23. The group will travel to
the Montana Synod office in Great Falls. The Rocky
Boy Indian Reservation and surrounding areas for
sight-seeing are slated as part of the trip. The flight
Shoebox Update
costs about $900 a person. If enough people sign up,
Members of New Centerville Lutheran Parish a bus could be rented. For more details contact the
thank members of the parish from St. Paul’s, Sam- Synod office at 814-942-1042 by March 15.
mains, with individual
choice of urns.
The smaller one also
houses two sets of remains,
which are kept in smaller
brass urns. Once the remains are inside, names
are etched in white on the
outside surface of brown
granite.
There is a small garden
with benches around the
columbarium to simulate
a restful garden that will
be cared for by the church.
The public is welcome to
visit the new addition. For
more information about
this project, contact the
church at 814-238-2478. †
Grace to Hold Unique Concert
Grace Lutheran Church in State College is hosting an ecumenical concert on March 23. This is an
internationally-themed event that explores the life
of Jesus and the meaning of the cross from people
representing countries on five continents. An internationally-themed fellowship meal will be followed by events at 6 p.m. and a concert at 7 p.m.
Events include a display of crosses from
around the world; poetry readings about the cross;
three prayer labyrinths; portable finger prayer labyrinths, and more. An ecumenical choir, youth
choir, bell choir, soloists and an organ player will
feature music spanning 500 years from South
Korea, Nigeria, Argentina and countries in the
Americas and Europe, collectively portraying the
life of Jesus from ancient prophecies through The
Last Supper. Selections are woven together by the
plainchant singing of The Lord’s Prayer. Admission is free. Free-will offerings will benefit Interfaith Human Services and help to defray costs.
For event details, call Laurel Sanders at 814-2382478 or email her at [email protected].†
8
March/April 2016
The Lutheran Letter
What happened on
the cross will never
be forgotten. Sin has
been defeated.
H
E
I
JE S U S
R
A reflection based on Hebrews 11:1:
Faith is …
Assurance and conviction! When I am assured of
something and convicted by and through it, I change,
am transformed and become something new. My spiritual, emotional and personal conviction and assurance
of the resurrection is evident
to the world only by my faithful response to that which
I believe, (have faith in, live
by.) Diehard fans have faith in
their teams, even when empirical evidence may suggest
that to be a fallacy. But they
live, hope and root as if there
is always a chance.
This faith in the resurrection that we speak of so
freely in the life of the church is not simply a thought process, but a
way of life. We live, hope and root our lives in what that resurrection
means for us. Note primarily that we live according to it. It changes
us! It gives us a new outlook on what life is and what it means to have
life. I am a spiritual, emotional and physical being. Those aspects of
my being are changed (transformed) by my faith in the resurrection,
more so by my faith in God who acts through the birth (life) death and
resurrection of the Son. I am a new creation. It would be spiritually,
emotionally and physically impossible to live the old life once I have
faith. In fact, it changes me so ontologically that nothing about that
old life seems to be life. Thanks be to God.
­— The Rev. Robert J. Way, St. John Lutheran Church, Clearfield
Photos by
Jeffrey
Robison
and
Courtney
Kazmer
I
S
E
N
†
The power and Importance of the resurrection ...
We are grateful when folks do something for us, especially when
we feel that we do not deserve it, or expect it.
The most wonderful thing that has been done for us is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God, in his love for us, allowed his only son to
become fully human, die on
the cross and then he raised
Jesus from the dead so that
we would receive the gift
of eternal life. That is something that, in our human
sinfulness, we should not
expect.
Yet God did this for us. I
believe that when we really
think about that, we see the
awesomeness of God’s love
for us his children. Without
Jesus’ resurrection, we would have no hope.
Through the resurrection we have the assurance that no matter
how difficult life gets, we have a promise — a promise from God that
we will enjoy life everlasting in the kingdom that is to come. In that
we find peace.
­— The Rev. Sharon Erb, First English Lutheran Church, Tyrone
You are forgiven ...
Last year the confirmation students from four of the rural congregations in Bedford
County led the community in a Passion Week drama called “Walk With Jesus.” This drama allowed participants of all ages to walk through the church to experience the events leading
up to the cross and the resurrection. At the last stop everyone was given a card that said,
“You Are Forgiven.” We are reminded that we have a loving father who has forgiven us. As
we live in that forgiveness, let us forgive others as well. In God’s grace, may we forgive our
spouses, our friends, our bosses, our neighbors and even our enemies.
— The Rev. Jenny Barnes, Yeager Memorial Lutheran Church, Bedford
March/April 2016
9
The Lutheran Letter
Kenyans Celebrate Easter with Song, Dance and Reflection
(Editor’s Note: The Lutheran Letter asked
Lutheran officials in Kenya about what makes
their Easter celebrations unique. The following
are some highlights from African observations
of the religious holiday. Easter is March 27.)
By ELIZABETH HENDRICKSON
Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church Communications Director
Easter celebrations in Kenya start on Palm
Sunday.
We commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
with singing, dancing and waving of palms.
This is a big celebration in Kenya.
The church is decorated with palm branches,
the worship service is full of energy and excitement and many families gather after worship for
special meals and parties.
The days following Palm Sunday include
special worships. Remembering the location and
activities of Jesus’ last week are a hallmark of
worship services leading up to Easter.
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we hold
services to commemorate the path Jesus took toward his crucifixion. On each of these days we
reflect on Jesus’ activities, such as his time in the
temple on Monday, or at the Mount of Olives on
Wednesday.
Submitted photo
The Timbila Parish Choir is part of a typical Kenya Easter service,
which includes singing and dancing.
On Thursday our churches celebrate Holy
Communion. We remember Jesus’ life and death
in this celebration of the sacrament. For several of our rural congregations, the celebration of
Holy Communion is infrequent, so this is an important celebration of faith as well as a remembrance of Jesus’ last days.
Good Friday is a solemn day and many of our
churches hold two services to remember the day
and time of Jesus’ death. In the morning members gather for the first of our Good Friday ser-
vices.
Then in the afternoon the service focuses on
the last moments of Jesus’ life. We recite and reflect on the last statements of Jesus as he was
crucified.
At 3 p.m. we ring the church bell to signify
the moment of Jesus’ death. After worship our
members return home to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins and to prepare for his resurrection on Sunday morning.
Easter Sunday is a vibrant and celebratory
day in KELC congregations!
Many of our congregations begin their service at dawn in the graveyard.
This location helps us to remember that Jesus
has conquered death.
Jesus has defeated death and through his sacrifice we are blessed with everlasting life. From
there we proceed to the church for the Sunday
service.
Like many churches around the world our
members joyfully celebrate the resurrection of
Jesus with singing, dancing and praying.
After several hours of worship in the church,
families and friends will end their Easter celebrations with meals and parties in their homes.†
‘The Shoemaker’s Dream’
Inspired by a story, Davidsville St. David’s Lutheran Church youth made a community impact through four
weeks of good work. Here are some photos of the children in action. The story about their work is on Page 5.
Submitted photos
10
March/April 2016
The Lutheran Letter
Deans Help Keep the Synod Working as One
From Remote Churches to City Congregations, Communication is Key to Success
Lutheran Letter Editor
Congregations in the Allegheny
Synod are spread through many
country miles.
From little churches in the hills
of Somerset, Lanse and Meyersdale to large congregations in
Altoona, Johnstown and State
College, each sanctuary is part of
the larger body of the Lutheran
church.
Congregations are divided into
seven conferences, each with a
representative that communicates
with the Allegheny Synod office
in Altoona.
The elected person is called a
dean.
“Each Conference elects one
dean to help coordinate the work
of the conference, to disseminate
information about what is going
on in the Synod, and to be a con-
“
They are
a valuable
sounding board.
— Bishop Michael Rhyne
duit of information both to and
from the conferences to the Synod office,” Bishop Michael Rhyne
said.
“All in all the deans work to
help facilitate the work we do as a
Synod across the conferences and
help the process of us all working
together.”
The deans serve as an advisory
board to the bishop.
They gather bi-monthly to discuss upcoming issues, brainstorm
ideas and to test initiatives.
“They are a valuable sounding
Laugh
(Continued from Page 1)
“
By RICK KAZMER
But mastering a good joke – like any fine craft
– takes time.
“Growing up I found myself always wanting to
be a jokester, but wasn’t very funny,” he said. “My
humor started to develop in high school and college. It was after college that I decided to try out
stand-up comedy (in 2010) and have never looked
back since.”
He has performed at various venues during the
years, including churches and colleges, as he has
followed the path God made for him to the Allegheny Synod.
Now Telyea performs shows in these hills and
board,” Rhyne said.
Sharon Erb has been a dean for
five years for the Upper Juniata
and Altoona Conference.
“I have greatly enjoyed working with the bishop and other colleagues in discerning how we can
best serve the people and each
other,” said Erb, pastor of First
English Lutheran Church in Tyrone.
Deans are elected in the spring
and serve a two-year term.
The position has provided Erb
with support.
“Being a dean has reminded
me that I am not in this alone,
that I am not by myself in the
service to God and his people,”
she said.
“Being a pastor can be a very
lonely business sometimes, and
knowing that there are others in
the same situation has been uplifting.”
valleys. Some have been publicized in the local
media.
“Pastor John’s natural gift for humor helps him
to bring a new dimension to his ministry,” said
Pastor Paula Schmitt, assistant to the bishop. “So
often we take ourselves too seriously. Pastor John
helps us to lighten up a bit and realize that sometimes the messes we get ourselves into really are
funny.”
Telyea said that he uses everyday situations as
the basis for many of his routines, viewing normal
situations through the Telyea lens.
“Great comics can take boring situations and
make them exciting. So I look for things in life
Friedens Lutheran Church
Pastor Ed DeVore has served as
dean in the Clearfield, Johnstown
and now Northern Somerset conferences.
He has been in the synod for
34 years.
He has witnessed the position
change during the years, from
assisting with the call process to
providing assistance to pastors as
needs arise.
DeVore has enjoyed the camaraderie of the post.
“I enjoyed in days past working with congregations at the
time of a pastoral transition. You
got to meet with congregations
and hear about their joys and
challenges. The dean position I
think reminds me that we are not
alone as congregations, but connected as partners in ministry on
the conference, synod, national
and global levels,” he said. †
that people do and pass over, and write my jokes
around them.”
He describes performance as a “symphony of
thrills and emotions that lead to a beautiful work
of art.” And like all good comedians, Telyea
thrives mainly on one thing: laughter.
“When you hit the punch line of a joke just
right and the crowd erupts in laughter, that is one
of the greatest feelings in the world,” he said.
When asked if he thinks God has a good sense
of humor, Telyea cited Martin Luther.
“Martin Luther wrote, ‘If God doesn’t laugh,
then I don’t want to go to heaven.’
“I agree with Mr. Luther,” he said. †
March/April 2016
11
The Lutheran Letter
Sent Overseas
with Care
Submitted photo
First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Philipsburg is a proud chapter of Military Family Ministries.
MFM provides support and much-needed supplies to military members who are serving overseas.
During the holiday season, the congregation was busy reaching out to other individuals, businesses and organizations from the area to help provide stockings and stocking stuffers to be shipped
in time for the Christmas season. The photograph is of the group at work. With the support of the
listed organizations and businesses, the group was able to send more than 350 stockings.
First Lutheran Partners with New Day
First Lutheran Church in Johnstown has partnered with New Day Inc. for the last few years
to provide a “Giving Thanks Dinner” on the
Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day. New Day
provides the food. The church prepares and
serves it to local residents.
This year there were about 60 volunteers who
served 125 people a full holiday meal of turkey,
stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, rolls and lots of
pumpkin pies.
It was a wonderful evening of good food and
fellowship, according to a report from the congregation. The diners were very appreciative.
One guest in particular, who has no use of her
hands, commented on how welcome she felt.
Many others expressed their joy over being
able to sit down among friends, both old and
new, to give thanks and share a meal. †
Thrivent Financial was named
one of the “World’s Most Ethical
Andrea K. Paul
Companies” by Ethisphere
Institute 2012–2015.
CLTC®, FIC
Financial Associate
1301 Allegheny St., Suite 124
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Groups who provided
support include:
Philipsburg Class of 1969
VFW Philipsburg
Cornerstone Community
Fellowship Church of God,
Wallaceton
Faith United Lutheran
Church, Houtzdale
Lee Industries, Philipsburg
Pleasant Gap Lioness,
Pleasant Gap
Windy Hill
Girl Scout Troop 40084
Dr. Susan Harchak
Members of the
Moshannon Valley YMCA
In the
MAIL
(Editor’s note: Letters may be
edited for length.)
You must have had a copy of the latest issue of National Geographic when writing the
lead article (Tips & Advice on How to Avoid
the Blues, published in the January/February
edition) in the current issue of The Lutheran
Letter. If not, get your hands on a copy, Pages
54-69, “The Power of Parks.”
I’ve had my copy of National Geographic for
a week, and am just getting into it.
I find myself too busy keeping busy and not
taking a break to get outdoors.
I was halfway through the (National Geographic) article when my wife brought in the
mail, including The Lutheran Letter. I glanced
through it and read your article.
Too often we look for an excuse rather than
take on beneficial activity … just do it — get
out and walk!
­­— John Schueltz, State College
Go in
PEACE
There are more than 6,200 Lutheran Letters
published and distributed in the Allegheny
hills and valleys.
In the newspaper business, we estimate that at
least two or three people
see each copy printed as
they sit in homes, busiCourtney and
nesses and community
Rick Kazmer
centers. The good news is being spread. It is a
message unique to the Alleghenies.
The region’s culture is reflected in the service
projects undertaken in many congregations.
Last issue we learned about a program at
Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Lanse where donations were used to buy a
farm for less fortunate people in another country. Buy someone a hamburger and they have
a meal, buy them a farm and they can feed
a community. It’s a practice that has worked
here for centuries. The service project is fitting,
as it’s a reflection of this region.
That’s only one of many examples of the
reach that your congregations have in the
Synod, state, nation and world. Please keep
sharing your good works with the Letter, so we
can share it with others. See you in the next
edition. — Rick Kazmer
Stay Connected
Synod news is also online.
The Synod’s Facebook page is updated with events and video messages from Bishop Rhyne. Find the
Synod at Allegheny Synod 8C.
For Twitter users, follow the Synod using “AlleghenySynod.”
Find videos from around the
Synod on YouTube at Allegheny
Synod, ELCA channel (www.
tinyurl.com/synodyoutube).
12
March/April 2016
T:10”
The Lutheran
Letter
S:10”
Yo u c o u l d i n v e s t i n a n o r d i n a r y I R A .
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