December - First Evangelical Lutheran Church

F IRST E DITION
DECEMBER 2015
God is our strength and shield.
Proclaiming Jesus Christ, God’s Word, is our life and mission.
1765-2015
The light shines in the darkness…
Many of you are aware by now that we had a major failure in the nave lighting system back in
September. The system, installed during our 2001-02 worship space renovation, is high-quality,
and its various controls have provided a lot of flexibility for lighting during different worship services and events in the nave over the past decade and a half.
But, as happens to many things, especially things that involve complicated technology, one
part of the lighting system simply gave up the ghost in September. We are hoping to have a our
new processor (the part which failed) installed by early December; we likely will need to replace
our dimmer rack (located in the boiler room) during 2016.
Right now, the only choices for lighting in the nave are “all on” or “all off.” Since the magic
button that allows you to choose “all on” or “all off” is located in the back of the boiler room
downstairs (not a very user-friendly location), I have gotten used to walking around in the dark in
the nave at night when I need to do or get something there.
I wonder how many of us feel like we are walking around in the darkness these days. We hear
of yet another terrorist attack, we see yet another picture of a drowned refugee lying face down
on a beach, we read yet another story about how someone was attacked because of their race,
their religion, or their language. It indeed feels like a dark, heavy, bleak world.
But we children of God have something to say into all this darkness, especially during the season of Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of a babe in Bethlehem: the light of the world
is coming. The Light – our Messiah, our Prince of Peace, our Brother, our God-with-us –is coming.
Come and help us tell the story of the light of the world this Advent and Christmas. Come and
help us share the good news that darkness and sin and death do not have the last word. That is the
good news the angels sang to shepherds watching their flocks by night. It is the good news we
have to sing as well!
Pastor Leber
Thank you so much…
I was very touched by the recognition of my 20th ordination anniversary at the
Celebration Weekend Banquet on October 18. The monetary gift presented to me
was extremely generous—I know it will be put to good use at my new home in
Carlisle!–but what I appreciated even more was your effort to recognize this
milestone in my ministry during what was already a very, very busy time for
our congregation. Thank you for that, and for your continuing partnership in
the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am blessed to be your pastor!
1
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
HANGING
OF THE GREENS
Sunday
8:00 a.m. – Holy Communion
9:15 a.m. – Sunday Church School
10:30 a.m. – Holy Communion
Sunday, December 6
Immediately following the 10:30 a.m.
worship service
1st Saturday of month
All ages are invited to join us for a light
lunch followed by decorating the church!
5 p.m. – quiet service of Holy Communion (chapel)
+++
Up
coming Events at
First:
Welcome Mary to the Neighborhood Party —
Wednesday, December 2 — 7:30 p.m. — Please
see page 3 for more details.
Advent Walking Tour — Saturday, December 5
— 1-3 p.m. — Please see page 9 for more
details.
Hanging of the Greens — Sunday, December
6, following the 10:30 a.m. worship service —
Please see above for more details.
Lessons and Carols/’Round-the-Tree Carol
Sing — Sunday, December 20 — 4 p.m. —
Please see pages 3 and 18 for more details.
Children’s Piñata Party — Thursday,
December 24, following 7 p.m. Christmas Eve
Service — See page 16 for details.
Epiphany Pot-Luck and Speaker — Sunday,
January 10, 2016, following 10:30 a.m. worship
service — See page 8 for details.
Youth Movie Night (3rd-6th grade) & FLF
Bananagrams — Sunday, January 31 — 6-8:30
p.m. — Please see the January issue of the First
Edition for more details.
Page
Poinsettia & Wreaths Order Form ........... 19
Special First Lutheran History Insert
(please pull out and save!)............. 10-11
Worship Assistants Schedule .................4-5
Youth Page ............................................. 16
PLEASE NOTE:
All contributions must be received in
the church office by noon on
Thursday, December 31, 2015, in
order for them to be
reflected on your 2015
contribution statement.
All
contributions
received after this date
will be posted in 2016.
Offering envelopes for 2016 are
available in the narthex. Please make
sure you pick up your box of
envelopes for the new year. If you
have any questions, please contact
Robin in the church office (249-3310).
2
Advent and Christmas worship at First Lutheran
Advent Evening Prayer: The Promise of Advent
Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16 and 23, at 7 p.m.
(preceded by a light soup supper at 6:15 p.m.)
Evening prayer is a beautiful service of light, praise, silence, and prayer. Join us as we gather for
these approximately 30 minute-long mid-week services to help prepare the way of the Lord! If
your schedule permits, join us for a light supper beforehand.
Our Advent/Christmas display of Mary in the
center High Street door will be set up early in
December. Please join us at 7:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, December 2, after Evening
Prayer, to welcome Mary “back to the neighborhood” with a few carols and some hot
chocolate and cookies!
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 20, at 4 p.m.
Through bible readings, hymn singing and anthems by our choirs, we will re-tell the story of how
God sent Jesus to us as a little baby. Join us for this beautiful service and for the light supper and
‘Round-the-Tree carol sing that follows!
Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 24, at
4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
All three of our Christmas Eve services include communion and candle-lighting as we sing Silent
Night together. Our 4 p.m. service is a spoken service with several Christmas carols. Our 7 p.m.
service is a children and family-oriented service, with children and youth participating in worship
leadership. Our 10 p.m. service is a full festival Christmas celebration, with music by our Chancel
Choir.
3
Additional Volunteers, please see page 5.
ACOLYTES (10:30 A.M.):
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
Nick Parsons
Mariella Guadalupe
Sarah Raphael
Ben Galbraith
ASSISTING MINISTERS:
Christmas Eve Services:
12/24 7 p.m. — YOUTH
10 p.m. — Benjamin Jumper,
Steven Jumper, Madelynne Staley
(8 A.M.)
(10:30 A.M.)
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
Sandy Kohler
Rich Bigelow
Rich Wood
Sam Orner
Christmas Eve Services:
12/24 4 p.m. — Roger Williams
7 p.m. — YOUTH
10 p.m. — Robin Orner
NURSERY (10:30 A.M.):
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
Cindy Allgyer and Jeri Fitzsimons
Kim Fickel and Cindy Markle
Kathy Hall and Robin Orner
Cindy Allgyer and Alecia Staley
LECTORS:
Hope Miller
Josh Staley
Taylor Miller
David Erickson
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
(10:30 A.M.):
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
Patty Gillingham and Sandy Jumper
Pam Doney and Lois Quigley
Sandy Kohler and Kathy Brunie
Hope Miller and Taylor Miller
(8 A.M.)
(10:30 A.M.)
Christmas Eve Services:
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
12/24 7 p.m. — YOUTH
10 p.m. — Caryn Carr and Sandy Jumper
Amy Baish
Jan Bigelow
Rich Bigelow
Rich Wood
Jered Hock
Robin Orner
Karen Galbraith
Donna Chestnut
GREETERS (10:30 A.M.):
Advent Vespers
(7 P.M.):
12/02
12/09
12/16
12/23
Kathy Hall
Robin Orner
Dilys Schuettler
Hope Miller
Christmas Eve Services:
12/24 4 p.m. — Roger Williams
7 p.m. — YOUTH
10 p.m. — Jay Chestnut
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
Cindy Allgyer and Roger Williams
Jane Ewing and Karen Longenecker
Donald Grell and Alecia Staley
Sam and Robin Orner
Christmas Eve Services:
12/24 7 p.m. — YOUTH
10 p.m. — Nancy Ingram and Alecia Staley
4
COMMUNION SETUP
(8 A.M.):
USHERS (10:30 A.M.):
Monica Frederick and Sue Simmons
12/06 Robin Orner, head, Ethel Simmons, Josh Staley,
Blanche Drumheiser, Matt Drumheiser
12/13 Doug Eshenour, head, Beverly Eshenour,
Taylor Miller
12/20 David Stum, head, Sam Simmons, David Haag
4 p.m. — Ken Egolf, head, Robin Orner,
Roger Williams
12/27 Sterlen Sheaffer, head, Bob Baker, Babette Hoch
(10:30 A.M.):
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
FLOWER DISTRIBUTION
(10:30 A.M.):
Christmas Eve Services:
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
12/24 4 p.m. — Sam Orner, head, Robin Orner
7 p.m. — YOUTH
10 p.m. — Jered Hock, head, Robert Jumper,
Don Grell, William Burkholder
YOUTH USHERS (10:30 A.M.):
12/06
12/13
12/20
12/27
NONE
Ian Stum
Jeremy Guadalupe
Ian Galbraith
WITH OUR MEMBERS
DEATH
Georgette Milos
birth — August 26, 1921
death — November 3, 2015
Cindy Allgyer and Kathy Hall
Sue Simmons and Cindy Allgyer
Ginny Brennan and Ruth Osborne
Judith Kauffman and Annette Nickey
Bill and Mary Ann Schirmer
Nancy Baish
Cindy Allgyer
Ann Roeder
250th Anniversary Community Outreach —
how we have touched lives this year!
From Head Start: Dear Friends at First Lutheran,
Thank you so much for your kindness. The collection of
materials for our classroom is being well used. The money that
was collected is being used to buy some bigger items that are
needed and will help engage the children in learning. Thank you
for supporting Head Start and the children in your community.
God Bless,
The Staff
and
Children at
Head Start
Rest eternal grant her, O Lord,
and let light perpetual shine upon her.
This banner was created by the children of Head Start and
hangs on the wall located in the church office hallway.
5
Guadalupe, Jamie
12/17
Eberly, Sue
12/1
Ward, Juliet
12/17
Taylor, Brynlee
12/1
Shiffer, Kara
12/19
Van Orden, Philip
12/1
Simmons, Brent
12/20
Orner, Andrew
12/2
Bloser, Adam
12/21
Stone, Jeremy
12/2
Haggerty, Tammara
12/21
Weaver, Zachary
12/2
Sheaffer, Kara
12/21
Brenneman, Kimberly
12/3
Raphael, Sarah
12/22
Franklin, Kayla
12/3
Schirmer, Mary Ann
12/22
Jones, David
12/4
Foote, Gertrude
12/23
Anderson, Timothy
12/5
Mentzer, Jonathan
12/23
Fulton, Martha
12/5
Cozort, Kace
12/24
Gitt Jr., Charles
12/6
Anderson, Trent
12/25
Snyder, Michelle
12/6
Luisi, Kim
12/25
Bloomquist, Seth
12/7
Neal, Collin
12/25
Franklin, Chelsea
12/7
Yocum, Elizabeth
12/25
Martin, Nickolas
12/7
Orenyo, Phyllis
12/27
Kintzer, Amber
12/10
Yoder, David
12/27
Stuart, Harrison
12/12
Hogg, Stephen
12/28
Raphael, Michael
12/14
Stuart, Douglas
12/28
Osborne, Donald
12/15
Colón, Ethan
12/30
Bloser, Martina
12/16
Jacobs, Janet
12/31
Monday — Friday
If you are a
member of
First Lutheran,
have a birthday
this month, and
do not see your
name listed,
please contact
Robin in the
church office so
our records can
be updated.
Thanks!
Reminder:
8:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Deadline for the January
newsletter is December 15.
The church office will be closed on
Friday, December 25, and Monday,
December 28, for the Christmas
holiday and will close at noon on
Thursday, December 31.
6
OCTOBER WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
Week Of
Sep. 28 — Oct. 4
Sunday
Total Sunday
Offering
8:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Attendance
26
111
137
$3,945.00
Quiet Service of Holy Communion:
21 (5 p.m.)
Oct. 5 — 11
27
94
121
$7,562.00
Oct. 12 — 18
No service
166
166
$5,234.50
Oct. 19 — 25
29
102
131
$3,976.50
Offerings reported in the above totals represent the following funds: Benevolence, Current, Plate,
Sunday School, Initial Offerings, and The Lutheran.
CONGREGATION COUNCIL
NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Pastor Leber provided a presentation on our
current Child Protection Policy, challenges for
continuing with this very comprehensive
policy, and what is required by the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. After the
presentation council engaged in a discussion
about what our future policy should look like.
Pastor Leber will take suggestions from
Council and prepare a draft for Council to
consider.
Frank Ramond, on behalf of the Property
Committee, provided an overview of the
current desire to record sermons, worship, and
other events in the nave and what it will take
technology-wise and financially for this to
occur. Frank informed Council that it will take
in the neighborhood of $2,400 to replace our
outdated equipment; we currently have
Memorial Funds available for this project. The
council concurred with this and asked Frank
to continue with his research on this matter.
Roger Williams
Council President
Council reviewed a set of revised minutes from
both the Personnel Committee and Council
outlining the reasons why Personnel
recommended and Council approved the
changes to the Minister of Music position and
the cost of living increase in 2016 for Pastor
Leber. Since Council and committee minutes
become a part of the church historical records,
Council felt it important to fully explain the
reasons for these two decisions.
Haven’t submitted your
stewardship form(s) yet?
It is not too late to complete Invitation to Stewardship and Count Me In forms to let us know
how you will offer yourselves, your time and
your possessions to God’s work in 2016.
Council conducted its annual review of the
Personnel Policy that was submitted as a
recommendation from the Personnel
Committee. After an informative discussion,
the submitted policies were approved by
Council.
Additional stewardship forms remain available
in the church office.
7
FROM OUR MINISTER OF MUSIC
What is a carol anyway?
Carols have such a long history and are so varied that it is difficult to define exactly what a carol is. They
are simple melodies that are typically in strophic form (verse-refrain-verse-refrain), unlike many of the hymns in
our hymnal. The first carols were dances accompanied by singers. Later on, they began to be used as processional
songs during important festivals and as accompaniment to mystery plays (medieval plays which depict biblical
events). In England, carols became associated with wassailing, the traditional term for caroling from house to
house. It is worth noting that while the carol is most commonly associated with Christmas, there are carols for
other seasons of the church year as well, especially Passiontide and Easter.
Early carols were sung as popular devotional songs outside of worship. After the Reformation, carols began to be included in worship services. Since they are popular expressions of belief that are typically written in
the vernacular language, Martin Luther encouraged their use in worship. One example of a German carol that
remains in our repertoire is LBW 55, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice. In English speaking countries, the carol’s meteoric rise in popularity dates from the Victorian age (the late 19th century), in which everything historical and
traditional was suddenly trendy. Englishmen such as George Ratcliffe Woodward were responsible for translating
a great deal of carol repertory from throughout Europe into English (such as the Dutch Easter carol This Joyful
Eastertide).
It was during this time (1880) that Lessons and Carols services, first introduced in Truro by Edward Benson, began to spread throughout England’s prominent cathedrals, churches, and schools. The carol had come a
long way from its humble origins!
Today Lessons and Carols services like the one we will celebrate at First Lutheran on Sunday, December
20 at 4 p.m. are held in churches of many denominations. It is easy to understand why---the Christmas story is
told engagingly through scripture passages that tell of salvation history leading up to the birth of Christ and illustrated with beloved carols from the world. Please join us!
Yours,
Aaron Sunstein
El Salvador Mission Trip
Presentaon and Pot-luck
Sunday, January 10, 2016
The Epiphany season is a great me to
talk about mission, as we celebrate the revelaon of Christ to
the world. On January 10, 2016, Eric Brown will show slides
and tell about his trip to El Salvador in February 2015 for 8
days. Hear the story of the shoes. Please join us in Festal Hall
on Sunday, January 10, a,er the 10:30 a.m. service for lunch
and Eric’s presentaon. Any quesons, please call Pa2y Gillingham at (717) 939-9382
8
A HUGE THANK YOU!
A total of $1,035.00 was donated to
our Sister Parish as a result of First
Lutheran’s 250th Anniversary Community Outreach in September. Many
sincere thanks to everyone at First
Lutheran for your tremendous kindness and generosity. Our brothers and
sisters at Divine Redeemer will be absolutely ecstac, immensely grateful
and will feel bounfully blessed.
FINE ARTS AT FIRST NEWS
On Reformation Sunday, October 25, 2015, Fine Arts at First presented a festive sacred concert, “Jesus
Christ, Our Cornerstone”, in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of First Lutheran Church. Directed by our
Minister of Music, Aaron Sunstein, and performed by the Chancel Choir with guest singers and instrumentalists, the concert featured music to celebrate God’s freely given grace and First Lutheran’s continuing witness in
Carlisle.
J. S. Bach’s Cantata 80 “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” was the musical centerpiece of the program, accompanied by harpsichord, organ, and a 15-piece festival chamber orchestra. The concert also included works
by Mendelssohn, “Verleih uns Frieden” (text by Martin Luther); Brahms, “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place”;
Grieg, “God’s Son has Set me Free;” and Bainton, “And I Saw a New Heaven.” Everyone joined the choir in
singing the celebratory hymns “All People That on
Earth Do Dwell,” “Built on a Rock,” and “A
Mighty Fortress is Our God.”
As part of the church’s anniversary community service theme in 2015, concert-goers brought
toys and books for children in need this Christmas.
Along with all the toys collected, a total of $940
was received, which will be donated to Toys for
Tots and The Salvation Army, along with donations collected throughout our November appeal.
The concert was a grand success and a wonderful highlight in First’s year-long commemoration of our 250 year milestone.
2015 ADVENT WALKING TOUR OF CARLISLE CHURCHES
You are cordially invited to participate in this year’s Advent Walking Tour of Carlisle Churches scheduled for
Saturday, December 5, starting at 1 p.m. This is a free community event and will provide an opportunity to
see four of Carlisle’s downtown churches and learn about their unique history and traditions of Advent and
Christmas. This event also provides the participant an opportunity to see some of the unique architecture,
interiors, and beautiful stained glass. Come join in singing festive hymns and carols in a spirit of fellowship!
This year’s church tour schedule is as follows:
1 p.m. -
First United Church of Christ - 30 N. Pitt St.
1:30 p.m. - Carlisle United Methodist Church - 45 W. Pomfret St.
2 p.m. -
First Lutheran Church - Corner of S. Bedford and E. High Sts.
2:30 p.m. - First Presbyterian Church - On the Square
The event will start at the First United Church of Christ located at the corner of North Pitt and West
Louther Streets. There is plenty of parking in the rear of the church. After parking tour participants will enter
First United Church of Christ through the rear entrance. Church doors open at 12 noon for registration.
Participants who are unable to walk will have transportation provided to each of the venues.
9
Part Ten
First Lutheran Church History
This article is the tenth in a series written by Rich Wood and celebrating First Lutheran’s history and our
250th anniversary as a congregation. Articles will continue to appear throughout our anniversary year of
2015 and beyond.
PEOPLE OF GOD: SOME FIRST LUTHERAN MEMBERS IN 1900 Part I
As First Lutheran’s new church was being built in 1900, census takers were busy going from house to
house in Carlisle gathering information for the twelfth Federal census of the United States. Mandated by
the original Constitution for electoral purposes, the census has since become an fundamental tool for the
study of American history and personal genealogy. This article and the following one will feature a partial
snapshot of some members of First Lutheran Church whose names appear in the 1901 directory as members and in the manuscript 1900 census.
John W. (41) and Annie Plank (35), resident at 10 South Hanover Street and married for 15 years. They
had three children: B. Leroy (13); J. Forney (6); and Leah (2). The family members were all native born
Pennsylvanians. John’s occupation was “Merchant (Dept Store).” In addition the household included
“servant (nurse)” Cora Karris (16) and “renter (decorator)” George Hilton (31) and “renter (shipping
clerk)” Harry Cultshall (23), the latter two with probable connection to Mr. Plank’s retail business. The
Planks were prominent and affluent townspeople. It was they who both purchased First Lutheran’s old
building site and sold the church its present location.
Frank Bender (38), Annie Bender (52), and Mrs. Mary Maedler (57), brother and sisters, all resident at
260 East Pomfret Street (now the site of the Letort Park tennis courts). Frank, a single man, was listed as
the head of household in 1900; Annie was likewise single and Mary Maedler was a widow. All three were
born in Pennsylvania though their parents had immigrated from Germany (and were both First Lutheran
members as well). Frank’s occupation was “gardner” but he was really a truck farmer, raising produce on
Bender owned property comprising the block now bounded by Letort Creek, East Pomfret Street, South
Spring Garden Street and High Street. Annie Bender was a Sunday School teacher at First Lutheran and
had inherited a property at 149 East Pomfret Street from her grandmother. It was used at the time as a
rental and is now Rich Wood’s home. Also listed in the household was “laborer” William Johnson, a 30year-old African-American.
George Rupp (32). The 1901 church directory lists him as a resident of St. Michaels, Alaska. He appears
in the 1900 census there as a single “soldier” whose father was born in Germany and his mother in Pennsylvania. He was a sergeant in Company F 7th Infantry.
Amelia Beetem (66), the widowed head of household resident at 236 South Hanover Street, whose occupation was listed as “landlady.” She lived there with fellow First Lutheran members Ella Brenneman (43),
her daughter and L.R. Brenneman (53), her son-in-law who was a “clerk, Carlisle Mfg Co.” Also resident
were her grandson George (12) and “servant” Emma Lucas (27).
Alice N. Harris (23) “clerk milliner” and Edna S. Harris (20) “saleswoman, confectionary,” the unmarried
daughters (and only congregational members) of head of household Thomas Harris (63) and his wife Emma (52) living at 143 North West Street. Thomas was a blacksmith who worked at the Indian School. Also
in the household were Alice and Edna’s siblings “commercial traveler” (traveling salesman) Clyde (34),
Thomas (18), Guy (13) , and Jennie (11) the last three of whom were “at school.”
10
James (38) and Mary O’Hara (32) resident at 114 North Pitt Street. Married 12 years, they apparently had
one living child not listed in the household. James was a “supt traction company” which was probably the
local trolley company. They owned their Pitt Street home (as opposed to renting) but there was a mortgage
on it.
George (44) and non-member Sarah Hoffman (42) resident at 373 West Louther. They had no children.
George was a native Pennsylvanian though his parents were born in Germany. He was a “barber.”
Gustave (59) and Mary Grethman (66) resident at 125 East North Street. Married 33 years, their one child
was deceased by 1900. Gustave was born in Russia; his parents in Germany and Russia. Mary and her parents were all born in Pennsylvania. Gustave’s occupation was “painter.”
Laura Diffenderfer (30). Wife of Pastor (and head of household) George Diffenderfer of First Lutheran.
Married 3 years the Diffenderfers lived as renters at 242 South Hanover Street together with their daughter
Isabell (1).
Annie B. Egolf (75), possibly the Barbara Egolf living with her head of household (and non-member)
brother William J. Egolf at 11 North Hanover Street. Annie’s occupation was that of “housekeeper” while
that of her brother was “boarding house keeper.” The boarders were M. Fannie Gibson (67), William Leicket (59) who came to the United States in 1841 and whose occupation was “Dean, Law School,” Alice P.
Graham (45) and Lillian Graham (34).
Allan A. Line (50). The widowed Line was listed as a boarder in the house of non-member Jacob B. Stock
at 30 West Main (High) Street. Line’s occupation was “photographer;” his business was located at 18 West
High Street. Line photographed extensively in the Carlisle area and his photos (as A. A. Line) form an important collection in the Cumberland County Historical Society’s holdings.
Jacob Zeigler (52). One of the relatively few First Lutheran members not to live in town, he appears in the
1900 census as a farmer in North Middleton Township together with his wife Amelia (48), day laborer son
Elmer (23), son Joseph (20), daughter Annie (18), sons Josiah (13) and Roiden (10) and daughter Emma
(8). Jacob owned the farm, but there was a mortgage on it. Mrs. Zeigler was noted as the mother of seven
children, all living in 1900, which points to a child having moved out of the family.
Laura Liggett (44) and Eliza Liggett (21), wife and daughter of non-member head of household Peter Liggett (44) living at 401 North Bedford Street. Peter and Laura had been married 23 years and had 11 children, 9 of whom were still living. Peter’s occupation was “moulder.” The children living at home in 1900
were, in addition to Eliza who worked as a “winder, silk mill,” daughter Laura (18), sons William (14),
James (11), Ross (9), and George (7), as well as daughter Mary (4) and Peter’s sister Mary (50) who was a
“dressmaker.”
Annie E.Hollinger (20), the daughter of non-members James (45) and Carolyne Hollinger (40) living at 168
East Pomfret Street. James was a blacksmith; he and Carolyne had been married 22 years; both were native
Pennsylvanians though Carolyne’s parents had been born in Germany. In addition to Annie, listed as a
“bookeeper” residents included daughters June (18) a “cashier,” Sarah (15) a “seamstress,” and sons James
(14) a “grocery clerk” and Harold (12), listed as “at school.”
11
From Our Archives
STARS, WREATHS, AND
CHRISTMAS TREES
This photograph shows First
Lutheran’s sanctuary decorated for Christmas and was
taken during the Fourth Sunday in Advent. Though undated (the handwritten caption
says simply “Christmas Time
First Luth. Church Carlisle
Pa”), it was clearly taken before the church’s first renovation in 1931.
250th ANNIVERSARY DECEMBER
OUTREACH PROJECT
250th ANNIVERSARY
OCTOBER OUTREACH PROJECT
UPDATE
We have come to our final project for our
250th Anniversary year, The Grace Fund,
which is used by the Pastor to help individuals
in need. We have town folks who occasionally
need a helping hand with gas, food, or, at the
Pastor’s discretion, other requests. We also have transients who stop by with the
same requests. This project
will consist of monetary donations only. Checks should
be made payable to First Lutheran Church and noted for
December Outreach.
For those members who were not at our congregation meeting on November 8, it was announced that we collected 377 items of food
and $550.27 for the Gettysburg Seminary
Food Pantry.
A student from the seminary was at the meeting to
tell us all how important
these gifts of food are to
them and how very much
they appreciate our
thoughtfulness. Thanks to all for your very
generous support of this project!
From the 250th Anniversary and Outreach
committees, we again thank you very much.
You all have made this a very successful,
meaningful and memorable anniversary year!
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The 250th Anniversary Block Party committee chairs want to thank all those who helped with planning, organizing, decorating, and publicizing our 250th Anniversary Neighborhood Block Party celebration. There were
40+ church members who volunteered their time and talents that day in making this event special.
It was a cool, windy autumn day, but that didn’t stop the neighbors from coming out and enjoying our celebration. The food tables were bustling and the fresh popped popcorn and
hot chocolate were in high demand. The various stations such as
BINGO, kids games, obstacle course, crafts, church tours and the
organ demo were all lots of fun. The information table was busy getting neighbors signed up for the drawings. The band, Faith-X, performed several sets. The neighbors commented on how nice the party was and how they enjoyed themselves. We were especially glad to
see some of the neighbors attend services the following Sunday.
Thanks to all who donated food, crafts, prizes and other supplies and
thanks to all who contributed in so many other ways
to make the day a success.
Special Note: The straw bales we
used as decorations for the party were
donated to the Adams County SPCA
for bedding for their animals.
God’s Work…our Hands!
Cindy Markle & Babette Hoch
SpecialThanksgoto…
A number of local businesses supported our Block Party on October 17 by offering gift certiicates and
cards,couponsandotheritemsforustosharewithattendees.Pleaseconsiderpatronizingthesebusiness
neighborsofoursasawayofthankingthemfortheirgenerosity,whichwepassedontoothers.Andkudos
toKenEgolfforsolicitingthesedonations,valuedatmorethan$1,000!
StudioEastHairDesign
GiantFoodStore PapaJohn’sPizza Hoss’sSteak&SeaHouse
Nell’sFoodStore Bruster’s
BurgerKing KarnsFoodMarket WeisFoodStore
TheMeadowsFrozenCustard
Applebee’s Scalles
Massey’sfrozenCustard
Wendy’s
Domino’sPizza
Beeman’sBakery
BimboBakery
McDonalds
ClassicCleaners
P.S. Did you know? Classic Cleaners on High Street regularly cleans our altar linens for free! If they are
yourdrycleaner,pleaseconsiderthankingthemthenexttimeyoustopin.
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Adult Forum
Advent is either coming or already here (depending on when you received your newsletter)! Please join the
Adult Forum on Sundays in Advent for It Was Not a Silent Night, led by Cindy Jones. This video and book
series by Adam Hamilton will show us the nativity based on Mary’s experiences. All
adults are welcome to join us in the lounge off the Martin Lutheran Room at 9:15 a.m.
each Sunday. Please note that there will be no Sunday Church School on December 27.
SNACKS FOR OUR TROOPS
On 11/8/2015 Sunday School classes, Grades 1-3 and 4-7, participated in a service project to pack snacks for several of our members serving in the military. The students sorted then packed each
box with a variety of snacks, notes thanking them for their service
and hand drawn pictures of family, a helicopter, tank, US flag and
football! Thanks to our teachers Karen Galbraith and Lisa Stum who
were a big help!
This service project was funded
with $250.00 from Thrivent for
the Thrivent Activity Team Project “Snacks for Local Military.”
Five military men and women
were sent packages, but we will pack
snacks again early next year to include
others on our military list. We need updated addresses. Please provide an
updated address for your family member on the military list by calling the church office at 249-3310 or by sending an email to Robin at [email protected]. Thanks!
BROWN BAGS AND BIBLES WITH PASTOR LEBER
Thursdays from 12:15-1 p.m. in
room 16 (across from the office)
Bring your lunch (or not!) and join us as we study the scripture
readings for the upcoming Sunday.
Please note: Brown Bags and Bibles will not meet on
December 17, 24, or 31. The study will begin again on January 7.
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Bible Study — The morning WELCA bible study group will meet on Wednesday, December 2, at 9:30 a.m.
in Room 16. Since we did not meet in November due to illness, we will be planning our budget for 2016. Please
plan to attend this meeting of study, planning, and fellowship. We will meet on Wednesday, January 6, same
time, same room, unless the weather is bad.
The evening circle meets the fourth Monday evening each month from 6:30-8 p.m. Please join us! Contact
Hope Miller at 241-6424 for more information.
Results of Quilt Auction at Camp Nawakwa — Because of the kindness of Babette Hoch a group
of First Lutherans were able to attend the Quilt Auction. We motored to Camp Nawakwa through Cumberland
and Adams counties on a lovely All Saints Day, passing apple orchards still hanging with red apples as we
traveled into the mountains with their trees dressed in all their majesty of colored leaves. Our members were
well represented at the silent auction with a beautiful ceramic bowl and a ceramic necklace both crafted by
Janelle Hoch, a 3-piece animal ornament set donated by Babette, three key rings made by Shelby Hoch, a denim
bag made by mother Hoch, and an embroidered oriental framed wall hanging done by Cindy Markle. There
were 126 items to bid on including some beautiful woodworking, tickets to Rainbow’s Comedy Playhouse, a
quilted checkerboard, tin items, and so much more. There were 40 quilts for the quilt auction. The first few
only brought $30, $35 and $40, but then the price went up with Roxanne Konkel’s quilt donated by First
Lutheran’s Quilting Group. Her quilt went for $130, others sold for $100, $200, up to $700 and $800. The silent
auction brought in $2,774.50 and the quilts, $7,395.00, for a total of $10,169.50. (First Lutheran’s donation to
the auction totaled $267.00.) Thrivent for Lutherans from three counties will be adding supplemental funds to
this amount, which will be put into the Camp Nawakwa Endowment Fund. We appreciate all that Thrivent
does for Camp Nawakwa and also for our own church. We wish to thank all those First Lutherans, who
donated silent auction items, quilts or made monetary donations. Following the auction the group enjoyed a
wonderful supper of chicken ala king on homemade pastry squares, ham, oven-browned potatoes, green beans
with toasted almonds, mashed squash with cranberries, ceasar salad, pickled cabbage, rolls, butter, two desserts
and coffee. The cooks did a wonderful job. We thank them for all their hard work.
Christmas Gift Table/’Round-the-Tree-Carol Sing — On December 20, the WELCA group will
have a gift table available before and after the 10:30 a.m. service, following Lessons and Carols, and before and
during the ‘Round-the-Tree Carol Sing. There will be many items for sale, including the Rada stainless that are
wonderful gifts for you or someone on your list. We are selling Rada at 2012 prices, so now is the time to buy.
There will be crystal items, dolls, CD’s stuffed toys, Christmas items, handmade items, ornaments, and many,
many other items. These items are new or like new and make wonderful Christmas gifts for those on your list.
Please plan to support the WELCA group, as the monies collected from this table are used for those in need.
COOKIES! COOKIES! COOKIES!
We will need lots of cookies for our holiday distributions. These include Truck Stop
Ministry, homebound members , and the inmates at Cumberland County Prison. The
deadline for cookie donations is Sunday, December 13. Please bring your donations
to the kitchen off Festal Hall. We will need help in packaging and delivering cookies on
Monday, December 14, at 9 a.m. Thank you for your help!
~ The Social Ministry Committee and Women of the ELCA~
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FIRST LUTHERAN YOUTH PAGE
SOUP KITCHEN THANK YOU!
Thank you to all the youth and adults who helped to prepare
food for My Brother’s Table on November 15. We are grateful
for those who helped prepare the meal, those who served at
the soup kitchen, and those who baked cookies for the dessert. There were a total of 85 meals served!
“God’s Work. Our Hands.”
Piñata Party
December 24—7 p.m.
Youth from 3rd to 12th grade will
assist with worship leadership.
A Piñata Party for children and youth
(all ages) will be held in the
Martin Luther Room following the 7 p.m. Christmas
Eve service. Come join the
fun!
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THANK YOU FROM THE REV. THOMAS HURLOCKER
To First Lutheran Church — Pastors, Anniversary Committee and Congregation,
Thank you to all of you for the wonderful opportunity to be a part of your worship service on September 20th
and in celebration of the congregation’s 250th anniversary. Connie and I were honored to be a part of this
year-long celebration event. It is our prayer that First Lutheran congregation will continue to be blessed by
God as you move into a new year and a new chapter in the life of the church.
To Pastor Leber, the Planning Committee for the 250th celebration and the Reception Committee, thank you
for the wonderful post-service gathering and to all the congregation for your warm embracing of this former
pastor and family.
The renovated sanctuary is a joy to behold. The feeling of openness and the ease of congregational worship
and sacraments all attest to the depth of planning which went into this inviting space.
Thanks also for the wonderful gifts you presented to me. The collage of First Lutheran is already on the wall
of our family room and will be enjoyed daily. The prayer shawl is a blessing and will be the source of my
fondest memories as I wrap up in it. The note cards and the equal exchange coffee will remind us of First
Church each time they are used.
May the joy of our Lord continue to be with you for the remainder of the joyful year and for all time ahead.
In Christ,
Thomas W. Hurlocker
Dear First Lutherans,
The altar flowers from All Saints Sunday are
just beautiful and have lasted over a week. Thanks to
Ann Roeder for her visit and bringing the flowers.
Also a belated thank you to Mary Ann and Bill
Schirmer for their visit and the booklet, A Lot On My
Mind Lord. I also appreciated a visit by Annette
Nickey.
Miss you all,
Sandy Tomassone
Many, many thanks to the following office volunteers who gave of their me to help in the church
office during Robin’s recent surgery and recuperaon me. Their service and dedicaon were greatly
appreciated by all the staff members!
Caryn Carr
Karen Hollen
Lois Quigley
Cindy Jones
Andrea Keck
Don Osborne
Yvonne Karper
Kathy Hall
Brenda Helwig
Dilys Schue2ler
Janet Jacobs
I want to thank everyone for the
beautiful flowers, cards and all the prayers
concerning my most recent health issues and surgery.
~ Babette Hoch ~
I wish to express my deepest appreciation and thanks for the many cards, well-wishes, meals, and especially
prayers, received following my recent surgery. Also thanks to Pastor Leber for her care and concern during
this time. I am blessed to be part of such a caring family of faith! God bless you all!
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~ Robin Orner ~
First Lutheran Fellowshi p
Time to tune up the instruments and limber up
the fingers and practice your favorite Christmas
carols to play at the
‘Round-the-Tree Carol Sing
Sunday, December 20, 2015 and
Christmas Eve Service
Thursday, December 24, 2015.
Whether you’ve played 1 year, 10 years, or you
haven’t practiced in 20 years, all are welcome.
We have music for piano, brass instruments,
woodwinds, strings, and percussion. All interested in playing, sign up below or at the church office 249-3310. Please stop by the church office
for copies of music to practice ahead of time.
We will hold a rehearsal after the 10:30 worship
service on Sunday December 13.
Love to sing your favorite Christmas Carols?
Please join us in the Martin Luther Room
for a delicious meal, Christmas caroling, and
fun & fellowship.
Please sign up below or at the church office
249-3310
************************
‘Round The Tree Carol Sing
**********************
Names _______________________________
Phone # ________________
FLF Christmas Musicians
Dessert Dish to Share ______________________
Name _______________________
Favorite Christmas Carol ___________________
Phone number ________________
Instrument __________________
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POINSETTIAS, WREATHS & WORLD HUNGER
Poinsettias and wreaths will be purchased to decorate the nave for Christmas. As in the past, donations of
the cost of the flowers will be received in memory or in honor of loved ones. From these donations, sixty flowers
will be purchased. Twenty-four of them, plus or minus, will be given to the homebound. The remaining thirty-six
will be available to those who want to take their flower with them. If there are more requests to take flowers
than the thirty-six remaining, the order of sixty will be increased. After the flowers have been purchased, the
balance of the money received will go to World Hunger. Those who contribute will have their names and the
names of their loved ones printed in the bulletin. This procedure should limit the number of poinsettias, while
at the same time beautifully decorating the nave and contributing to World Hunger.
The cost for poinsettias is $8.00 each. We are also in need of eight 24" wreaths at a cost of $28.00 each, six
30" wreaths at a cost of $34.00 each, and one 34” wreath at a cost of $37.00. If you are interested in purchasing
poinsettias and/or wreaths, please fill out the form below and return it to the church office or put it in the
offering plate with your check made payable to First Lutheran Church and marked “poinsettias”. Orders must be
received by Sunday, December 13.
Quantity ________
________
________
________
poinsettias @ $8.00
24” wreaths @ $28.00
30” wreaths @ $34.00
34” wreaths @ $37.00
Please check one: ______
______
Total Amount $_________
Total Amount $_________
Total Amount $_________
Total Amount $_________
I will pick up my poinsettia(s) after the 10 p.m. Christmas Eve service,
or on Sunday, December 27.
Distribute to homebound members
In loving memory:
In honor of
In thanksgiving for
Donor:
Envelope # ___________
If you wish to contribute to the World Hunger appeal, please check your desire below and make your check
payable to First Lutheran Church marked “World Hunger.”
WORLD HUNGER
Amount ____________________
In loving memory:
In honor of
In thanksgiving for
Donor:
Envelope # ___________
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First Edition
DECEMBER 2015
21 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-3310
717-249-2941 fax
www.firstlutheracarlisle.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The Reverend Lisa M. Leber — [email protected] - (717) 462-6138
The Reverend Richard Lorenz — (717) 249-3310
Aaron Sunstein — [email protected] - (717) 462-6140
Erin McCusker — [email protected] - (717) 701-8318
Robin Orner — [email protected] - (717) 249-3310
John Shughart, Jr. — (717) 249-3310
Roger Williams — [email protected]
label
Check out our website!
www.firstlutherancarlisle.org
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