The Seeker - Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church

Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church
56 Cleveland Drive
Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 271-4632
The Seeker
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Rev. Anthony Stephens, Pastor
Seek and you shall find.
Knock and the door will be opened to you.
Sunday Worship Schedule
Sunday School:
9:30 am
Confirmation Class: 9:15 am
Worship:
10:30 am
Coffee Hour:
following worship
Weekday Office Schedule
Office hours:
9:00 am - 12:00
Office Phone: (914) 271-4632
Office E-mail:
[email protected]
Website: www.oursaviourcroton.org
-Matthew 7:7
Weekday Activities
Choir Practice:
Thursday @ 7:45 pm
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
2013
Our Saviour Lutheran Church
56 Cleveland Drive, Croton-On-Hudson,
New York
The Seeker
A PENNY FOR THE GUY
- Rev. Anthony Stephens
For the several British ex-pats in the congregation November is most memorable because of November 5, Guy Fawkes
Night. Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason and plot.
On November 5, 1605 an anti-royalist faction sneaked into the undercroft of the British House of Parliament in an effort to
assassinate James I, then King of England. Guy Fawkes was one of the conspirators who was nabbed. He was
persuaded, with the aid of thumb screws, to confess to the plot.
What was memorable as a child were the weeks ahead of Guy Fawkes Night when small children begged for the money
to buy fireworks, which would be set off on the dark, cold night of November 5. On November 5 a “Guy” would be burned
on top of a bonfire.
In the weeks before Guy Fawkes Night, the Guy (a scarecrow like dummy, complete with Machiavellian painted face) was
dragged around, as the children would ask for “A penny for the Guy.”
The original plot was essentially a religious conspiracy. James I was trying to navigate a line between the Puritans and
Roman Catholics in England. James I was a great proponent of the Divine Right of Kings, and denied Papal authority over
the English and Scottish monarch. Guy Fawkes may thus be said to be part of a “fundamentalist” Roman Catholic plot.
James I responded with many draconian measure, which were fiercely anti-Catholic. However, he also convened a
conference of scholars who produced The King James Version of the Bible.
The KJV was an effort to harmonize Geneva Puritans with pro-Royalists. The result, miraculously, was a translation of the
Bible that still catches people’s imagination, and, which, many contend, is “The Bible.”
Luke’s Gospel promises an imminent reign of justice, and Isaiah and other prophets also look forward to a future reign of
justice. Part of that reign of justice is an inferred cultural, religious, ethnic and gender harmony:
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them (Isaiah 11:6 – New International Version).
What are we seeing today? Inter-racial and inter-faith marriages, churches Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant all gathered
around common themes of economic justice, and a Pope who says:
And I believe in God, not in a Catholic God, there is no Catholic God, there is God and I believe in Jesus
Christ, his incarnation. Jesus is my teacher and my pastor, but God, the Father, Abba, is the light and the
Creator. This is my Being
A Pope who says:
A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another
question: ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with
love, or reject and condemn this person?’ We must always consider the person.
He chose Francis because Francis:
[i]s the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation.
We need not all dash out and rejoin the Roman Catholic Church any more than we need jettison all newer and clearer
translations of the Bible in favor of the KJV. However, when one person has voice that it is heard across the planet it is
significant what that voice says, and what trend it advocates.
For instance,
I believe that it is truly important for everyone to confront in dialogue the historical reality of the Reformation, its
consequences and the responses it elicited. Catholics and Lutherans can ask forgiveness for the harm they
have caused one another and for their offenses committed in the sight of God. Together we can rejoice in the
longing for unity which the Lord has awakened in our hearts, and which makes us look with hope to the future.
That this essential unity may crystallize not around issues of sexual orientation or reproductive choice, but economic
justice and a faith based response to hunger, is nothing short of thrilling.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
John Magerlein
I have long had a special liking for the period late in the church year—Reformation Sunday, All Saint’s Sunday,
and the final Sunday of the year celebrating Christ the King. These services emphasize some of the most important aspects of our faith and also have some of my favorite hymns. In addition, they give us an opportunity to
review the past year and to make plans for the new church year beginning with the season of Advent.
As we move into the new church year, I look for our congregation to grow in grace and also in numbers so as to
better carry out our mission. Growth in grace involves first increasing our assistance to those in need, where our
focus has been largely on fighting hunger in our community and around the world. We would also like to increase the involvement of our members in educational opportunities and other activities of the congregation. I
see a need to grow congregational leaders and hope that you will seek ways to serve the congregation and will
accept if you are asked to join one of our congregational committees. To increase our numbers, we need to find
ways to increase the visibility of our congregation in the community, especially in the upcoming joyous seasons of
Advent and Christmas.
In closing, I would like to thank my fellow Council members, Pastor Stephens, and our other staff members for
their support during the past year. I am certain that the Lord will again richly bless us as we enter a new church
year.
SEAFARERS AND INTERNATIONAL HOUSE CHRISTMAS MINISTRY
Each year Seafarers and International House coordinates the giving of Christmas Gifts to mariners aboard
ships visiting the ports of NJ/NY ports. Many of these seafarers come from desperately poor circumstances
and are very touched at being remembered at this time away from their homes and very appreciative to have
warm clothing as they stand watch on board on bitter cold nights.
Each seafarer met by our port chaplains in the days and weeks before Christmas will receive a Christmas
satchel containing these NEW items:
A hooded or unhooded sweatshirt (size L-XL)
Three pairs of socks – thermal or white gym
One casual pullover T-shirt (size M-L)
One knit winter cap
One can of nuts or large bar of chocolate
If you would like to support this holiday ministry, please purchase any of these items.
Contents can be left in Pastor’s office and will be delivered to SIH in mid-December.
2013 COUNCIL MEMBERS
Our Congregational Council members would like to keep the conversations and ideas that will move our church in
the right direction going. If you have any ideas that you feel Our Saviour can benefit from…..
Please...Talk To Us!!
Here is a list of our 2013 Council Members :
Circle School: Dianne Carroll
Property: Steven Millar
Christian Education: Dianne Carroll
Social Ministry: Angie Nu wesra
Evangelism & Outreach:
Stewardship: Greg Evans
Finance & Secretary: Peter Ling
Worship & Music: Greg Evans
President: John Magerlein
Treasurer: Eric G olberg
Pastor / Parish Relations: Bryan Montgomery, Vice President
Ex Officio:
Barbara Henninger, Financial Secretary
TREASURER’S REPORT: JULY-SEPTEMBER
- Eric Golberg, Treasurer
The council recommended a Treasurer’s update, as we are three months
into out fiscal year. We are running a $5,935 YTD deficit due to lower
offerings. Offering in July, August and September was lower than last year,
with September $2,500 less than September 2012. The good news is that expenses are running below
budget as well. Please consider your stewardship pledge and ability to give your time and talents. We
thank and praise God for all blessings and each person attending our church.
CROTON
I spend a lot more time in November and December thinking about breakfast
and lunch than I do about turkeys and Christmas cookies. This November
Lori and I invite you to think about breakfast and the Cortlandt Food Bank:
oatmeal, cereal, canned fruit. December is lunch with peanut butter, jelly,
canned fruit, mayonnaise, tuna fish. Of course, any food staple or cash that
you want to contribute is welcome.
If you have any questions please contact Lori Esteves or Janet Behning.
POINSETTIAS
Every Christmas Eve poinsettia plants magically appear and brighten our sanctuary.
Please consider donatinging a poinsettias plant in memory or in honor of someone special.
Cost per plant is $20.
Send orders with payment to the church office or place in the offering plate on Sunday.
Order forms can be found at the bottom of this page and will be available on the tables
in the narthex and link starting in November.
We will be celebrating the Birth of our Lord on Christmas Eve with a service of
Lessons and Carols at 7:30 pm and a Chorale Mass with Eucharist at 9:00 pm.
Christmas celebration will continue with a service of Holy Communion at
10:30 am on Christmas morning.
Keep the true meaning of Christmas alive & in your heart
by worshipping with us this year.
There are many opportunities for Worship Assistants, Lectors, Communion
Assistants and other Worship Servants at this time.
Look for the sign-up sheet on the Link Table during Advent.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Our Saviour’s 2013 Annual Congregational Meeting is Sunday December 8.
Meeting will begin directly following our Sunday Service. All members are
encouraged to attend this important meeting for our congregation.
All Committee Reports was requested to be handed in by November 8. If your report is not
in as yet, please be sure to contact Melanie.
NOVEMBER SUNDAY SERVANTS
DECEMBER SUNDAY SERVANTS
November 3
Greeters&Ushers:
MaryBeth Soucy & Lily Evans
Worship Assistant:
Greg Evans
Lector:
Anita Baumann
Altar Guild:
Karen Magerlein
Communion Assistant:
John Magerlein
Acolyte:
Zoe Staats
Hospitality:
Anita Baumann & Karen Polacek
November 10
Greeters&Ushers:
John & Tom Magerlein
Worship Assistant:
Lori Esteves
Lector:
Frya Barnes
Altar Guild:
LeeAnn McCarthy
Communion Assistant:
Lee Ann McCarthy
Acolyte:
Leon Johnson
Hospitality:
Karen Kuchnicki & John/Laura Keil
December 1
Greeters&Ushers:
Anita & David Baumann
Worship Assistant:
Lee Ann McCarthy
Lector:
Matilda Weekes-Johnson
Altar Guild:
Lori Esteves & Greg Evans
Communion Assistant:
Shoshana Nuwesra
Acolyte:
Emma Montgomery
Hospitality:
Abbie Voss & Sue Montgomery
December 8
Greeters&Ushers:
Frya Barnes & Eric Golberg
Worship Assistant:
Rosie Evans
Lector:
Tom Magerlein
Altar Guild:
Lee Ann McCarthy
Communion Assistant:
Alexandra Stephens
Acolyte:
Zoe Staats
Hospitality:
Jen Stieglitz & Karen Callahan
November 17
Greeters&Ushers: Alexandra Stephens & Rosie Evans
Worship Assistant:
Matilda Weekes-Johnson
Lector:
Eric Golberg
Altar Guild:
Jeanne Spacek
Communion Assistant:
Bob Riekert
Acolyte:
Harry Cooper
Hospitality: Lori Esteves & Brigitte Anderson-Crumb
December 15
Greeters&Ushers:
Evelyn Garrett & Lily Evans
Worship Assistant:
Greg Evans
Lector:
Lee Ann McCarthy
Altar Guild:
Janet Behning
Communion Assistant:
Chuck Cooper
Acolyte:
Harry Cooper
Hospitality:
Michelle Hough & Lee./Angie Nuwesra
November 24
Greeters&Ushers:
Chuck Cooper & Diane Carroll
Worship Assistant:
Lily Evans
Lector:
Alexandra Stephens
Altar Guild:
Lori Esteves
Communion Assistant:
Evelyn Garrett
Acolyte:
Taylor Cunningham
Hospitality:
Lee Ann McCarthy & Heather Cooper
December 22
Greeters&Ushers:
John & Tom Magerlein
Worship Assistant:
Lori Esteves
Lector:
Janet Behning
Altar Guild:
Greg Evans
Communion Assistant:
Evelyn Garrett
Acolyte:
Leon Johnson
Hospitality:
“Christmas Cookie Party”
December 29
Greeters&Ushers: MaryBeth Soucy & Alex Stephens
Worship Assistant:
Matilda Weekes-Johnson
Lector:
Ken Gabrielsen
Altar Guild:
Janet Behning
Communion Assistant:
Frya Barnes
Acolyte:
Taylor Cunningham
Hospitality:
Mikiko Golberg & Greg Evans
LECTIONARY READINGS
11/3
Dan 7:1-3, 15-18
Eph 1:11-23
11/10 Job 19:23-27a
2 Thess 2:1-5, 13-17
11/17 Mal 4:1-2a
2 Thess 3:6-13
11/24 Jer 23:1-6
Col 1:11-20
12/1
Isa 2:1-5
Rom 13:11-14
12/8
Isa 11:1-10
Rom 15:4-13
12/15 Isa 35:1-10
James 5:7-10
12/22 Isa 7:10-16
Rom 1:1-7
12/29 Isa 63:7-9
Heb 2:10-18
01/05 Jer 31:7-14
Eph 1:3-14
January 5
Greeters&Ushers:
Worship Assistant:
Lector:
Altar Guild:
Communion Assistant:
Acolyte:
Hospitality:
Rosie Evans & Chuck Cooper
Shoshana Nuwesra
Anita Baumann
TBD
John Magerlein
Emma Montgomery
TBD
5
Abatiello Baptism
Confirmation 9:30am
Sunday School 9:15am
Service
10:30am
(green)
Twenty-Fifth Pentecost
10:30am
(white)
24
Confirmation 9:30am
Sunday School 9:15am
Service
10:30am
(white)
Christ the King
Confirmation 9:30am
Sunday School 9:15am
Service
10:30am
(green)
Twenty-Sixth Pentecost
17
10
Service
All Saints Sunday
HB Cliff Gabrielsen
HB Alec Hough
25
HB Sue Montgomery
HB Pastor David
18
11
AA
26
AA
19
AA
12
AA
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
NA
27
7:30pm
HB Lee Ann McCarthy
NA
20
NA
13
NA
6
7
28
7:45pm
Happy
HB Tom Carroll
Choir Practice
21
7:45pm
HB Pam Schwartz
Choir Practice
14
HB Lisa Stephens
HB Greg Befanis
Choir Practice
7:45pm
THURSDAY
29
22
15
8
4
WEDNESDAY
3
TUESDAY
1
MONDAY
KEY:
HB—Happy Birthday
HA—Happy Anniversary
SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 2013
FRIDAY
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
30
HB Susie Gardiner
AA
23
AA
16
AA
9
AA
2
SATURDAY
29
22
Confirmation 9:30am
Sunday School 9:15am
Service
10:30am
(white)
First Christmas
HB Jen Stieglitz
Confirmation 9:30am
Sunday School 9:15am
Service
10:30am
(blue)
Fourth Advent
Confirmation 9:30am
Sunday School 9:15am
Service
10:30am
(blue)
Third Advent
30
23
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
TUESDAY
AA
31
7:30pm
Services 7:30pm & 9:00pm
24 Christmas Eve
AA
17
10
AA
3
15
16
9
2
AA
Confirmation 9:30am
Sunday School 9:15am
Service
10:30am
(blue)
Second Advent
Confirmation 9:30am
Sunday School 9:15am
Service
10:30am
(blue)
First Advent
MONDAY
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
8
1
SUNDAY
10:30am
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Service
25
NA
18
NA
11
NA
4
WEDNESDAY
7:45pm
Choir Practice
26
7:45pm
HB Barabara Befanis
Choir Practice
19
HB Shoshana Nuwesra
HA Ed & Evelyn Garrett
7:45pm
7:30pm
Choir Practice
12
AA
5
THURSDAY
27
20
13
6
DECEMBER 2013
HB Evelyn Garrett
FRIDAY
7:30pm
HB Arlita Hoyt
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
KEY:
HB—Happy Birthday
HA—Happy Anniversary
AA
28
HB Pastor Stephens
AA
21
AA
14
AA
7
SATURDAY