April 2014 - Christ`s United Lutheran Church
Transcription
April 2014 - Christ`s United Lutheran Church
CHRIST’S UNITED’S NEWS & VIEWS APRIL 2014 PASTOR’S PARAGRAPHS DEATH AND RESURRECTION CHRISTIANS During this month of April we observe Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and moving through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to Easter Sunday. These prayerful and worshipping observances reflect deeply upon the manner in which Jesus lived his final days, died and was raised, impacting the present and the future for us and the whole world. That is, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection has ultimate meaning for us in the way we live, die and are received by God’s grace into that which is eternal. As such, our Christian faith is predicated upon the belief that our experiences of life and death are subsumed within Christ’s own experience of death and resurrection. In other words, what ultimately befalls upon us is but the continuous beneficial effect of Christ’s sacrificial love expressed through the manner in which he lived and died for each and every one of us, in spite of our continuing propensity to sin. Because of Christ, our lives, temporal and eternal, are bound intricately and intimately to what God has done and continues to do in and through the presence of the risen Jesus. In short, we live because Jesus lives. We are who we are, in that we are defined not solely or even ultimately by the concentration of all our thoughts and actions riddled with an insurmountable array of shortcomings and misgivings as they may be, but rather we are claimed and identified by the manner in which God approaches and receives us in and through the gracious and merciful presence of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. A good place to begin to draw upon the eternal impact of the transcendent and life-changing meaning of Holy Week upon us is to be found in a devotional and worshipful reflection of the Apostle Paul’s writing in Romans 5. Carefully note the numerous times that in which Paul states that the actions of Christ have direct impact and connotation for what happens and what will happen to and for us. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly…God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us…For if while we were enemies, we were 1 reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.” Our faith and hope are grounded in the love of God demonstrated once, and for all, in and through the death of Jesus. Thus, we receive and gain confidence of the salvation that God has in store for us. Paul notes that generationally before Christ, all humanity, from Adam on, was in the perilous and precarious constraint and restrictive exercise of sin and death. But the free gift in the grace of Jesus Christ changed everything. “The free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification…Just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all…Just as sin exercised dominion in death, so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This eternal promise has immediate bearing on the present. As Paul adamantly states in Romans 6, “How can we who died to sin go on living in it?” The answer lies not in our self-professed abilities and desires, but in and through him who lived, died and was raised for us. “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Share the promise. Live the hope. There by the grace of God we go. As Paul encourages, Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life.” --Pastor John HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday, April 13 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:15 a.m. Sunday School Good Friday, April 18 7:00 p.m. Worship at Lincoln Chapel Easter Sunday, March 31 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service 7:30-8:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast 9:00 a.m. – Festival of the Resurrection 10:00 a.m. – Sunday School Maundy Thursday, April 17 6:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Meal & Service 2 2014 LENTEN SCHEDULE Wednesday, April 2 Lenten Breakfast – 8:00 a.m Speaker – TBA Menu – Scrambled Eggs, Ham, & Home Fries Lenten Supper – 6:00 p.m. Christ’s United Lutheran church Speaker – Pastor John Yost Menu – Spaghetti Monday, April 7 Easter Egg Mixing - 9:00 a.m. Easter Egg Dipping - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 Lenten Breakfast – 8:00 a.m. - CULC Speaker – Pastor Karl John Stone Menu – French Toast & Fresh Sausage Lenten Supper – 6:00 p.m. First Evangelical Lutheran Church Speaker – Pastor Peter Bergstresser Menu – Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes Thursday, April 17 Maundy Thursday Service – 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 18 Good Friday Service – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 31 Sunrise Service – 6:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast – 7:30-8:30 a.m. Festival of the Resurrection – 9:00 a.m. 3 EASTER FLOWERS One of the customs of this season at Christ’s Untied is to celebrate the risen Christ with a bevy of flowers adorning the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. If you would like to provide flowers to decorate the sanctuary for Easter, fill out the form below and return it to Margie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - EASTER FLOWER ORDER FORM Order Deadline: April 6 Return With Payment To Margie Dunkle _______Lily @ $12.00 _____________ _______Tulip @ $8.00 _____________ _______Hyacinth @ $8.00 _____________ _______Daffodil @ $8.00 _____________ _______Pansy @ $2.00 _____________ _______Lily Blossoms @ $1.00 _____________ (silk blossoms for the lily cross) TOTAL _____________ GIVEN BY______________________________________________________________ in memory of_____________________________________________________________ in memory of_____________________________________________________________ in honor of_______________________________________________________________ in honor of_______________________________________________________________ to the Glory of God_______________ NUMBER OF PLANTS ORDERED____________________ 4 EASTER EGGS April 7 is the final day for making Easter eggs. The eggs will be mixed and shaped starting at 9:00 am each Monday morning and coating and packaging will begin each Monday evening at 6:00 pm. Help will be needed both at 9:00 a.m. and at 6:00 p.m. Please plan to come out and help make these popular confections. PLEASE NOTE: Orders not in the church kitchen by NOON on Sunday will be filled last (if quantity permits) If you have any questions talk to Bev Catherman, Dennis Boop or Tammy Boop. BIBLE STUDIES Matthew’s gospel continues to be the topic of the Bible studies in April. Following is the schedule for the month. 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 1 Tuesday, April 8 Monday, April 21 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 3 Wednesday, April 9 Wednesday, April 23 Study Matthew 5:21-48 Matthew 25:31-46 Matthew 7:1-14 Looking Ahead May 17 – Mother & Daughter Banquet May 24 – Elijah’s Table May 31 - Block Party June 14 – Father & Son Banquet July 28-August 1 – Vacation Bible School August 3-9 – West End Fair Watch for more information on these events as it becomes available. 5 2014 Pot Pie Supper A potpie supper is planned for April 12. Serving will begin at 3:30 p.m. Tickets will only be sold at the door. Adults - $9.00 Children (6 – 12) - $5.00 Children under 5 – No Charge Take Out Meals - $9.00 Quarts of Potpie - $8.00 Workdays will take place on Thursday, April 10 and Friday, April 11. Please come out on the workday(s) to help make pickled cabbage, peel and cut potatoes, mix broth, etc. Also, please come out on the day of the pot pie supper. At 8:00 a.m., help is needed to roll potpie, cook potpie, dish out applesauce and pickled cabbage, prepare dining room, etc. Help is also needed as the day goes on for other duties including serving eat ins and take outs as well as clean up. If you are experienced, that is great; if not, we will provide training! We are also asking for donations of things needed for the supper. Sign Up sheets are on the bulletin board for your use to indicate if you are willing to provide any of the items. +++ 6 CHICKEN BARBECUE DATE – April 26, 2014 TIME – 3:00 - ? TICKETS – ADULT MEAL - $8.00 CHILD’S MEAL - $4.00 ½ CHICKEN - $4.00 All kind of help is needed with this fundraiser…to sell tickets, wash dishes, cook the chicken, serve the dinner, clean up, peel potatoes, work in the dining room, etc.., etc... Can we count on your help? If you know of places to distribute or hang posters, there are some available in the vestibule. Also, there are workdays scheduled for April 25 & 26, for which help is needed. If you are available, look for start times in the bulletin and show up to lend a helping hand as you are able. On the bulletin board are sign- up sheets which you can use to sign up to donate the following items Brown Sugar Butter Cupcakes Cash Celery Decaf Coffee Eggs Ketchup Sugar Great Northern Beans CIDER Vinegar LUCKY LEAF Applesauce BLUE BONNERT Margarine HELLMAN’S Mayonnaise MIRACLE WHIP Salad Dressing DAILY’S Orange Concentrate If you have general questions about the barbecue, talk to Maurice Clouser. If you are available to help cook the chicken at the pit, call Eugene Hassinger. If you can help peel potatoes for potato salad, call Maurice Clouser or Ben Wenrich. If you are willing to help serve, wash dishes or clean up the day of the barbecue, call Maurice Clouser. The sign-up sheets indicate the size and amounts needed. Please have donated items here by the following dates: If you are available to help in the dining room on the day of the barbecue, call Tom Catherman or Don Fornwalt. Cupcakes – April 26 (by noon) All other items – April 20 If you are willing to help sell barbecue tickets, call Florence Boop. PLEASE NOTE!!! YOUR NAME AND “BARBECUE” SHOULD BE ON ALL DONATIONS If you have questions about cupcakes or would like to help with them, call Barbara Clouser. We are also in need of soda flats to be used as carryout trays. If you can provide any, please put them in the small fellowship hall. Be sure to purchase your tickets early. Only a limited number of tickets will be available at the door the night of the barbecue 7 2014 BANQUET SCHEDULE There is one banquet and a Lenten supper scheduled for April April 1 6:30 p.m. Conservation District April 2 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper Help will be needed in both the dining room and kitchen. Watch the bulletin board across from the sanctuary for sign-up sheets for dining room help Cakes will also be needed for these banquets. If you are able to provide one or two, sign up on the attached form or talk to Darlene Ulrich. All help is greatly appreciated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BANQUET CAKES I will provide a cake(s) for the following banquet(s). Please list number to be provided ______April 1 6:30 p.m. Conservation District ______April 2 6:00 p.m. Lenten Supper Signed_____________________________________________________________________ Telephone__________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sewing Days The second and fourth Tuesday morning of each month is our time to bring out the material and supplies and spend the time constructing quilts for Lutheran World Relief. This month workdays will take place on April 8 & 22 if the weather permits! Give some thought about spending this time with us, won’t you? If you have never sewn a quilt, come anyway. There are tasks that even the novice can participate in. You will find fellowship and friendship while participating in an important ministry. If you cannot get to a workday, but would still like to work on a quilt at home, or if you would like more information, talk to Judy Mecouch or Georgetta Bowes. NOTE! Don’t throw out that old mattress pad. Bring it to the church and we can use it for filler for the quilts. It will help to keep someone warm when it is distributed by Lutheran World Relief. Remember to bring any fabric you have left from your sewing. Every piece helps. 8 HOPE’S HAVEN CLOTHING BANK Beginning April 1st , Hope’s Haven will be accepting spring and summer clothing, as well as towels, sheets, and lightweight blankets. Due to lack of storage, please hold your cold weather clothes and blankets until next fall. Any questions? Talk to Sue Pantaleo. YOUTH NEWS First Communion An important milestone in the journey of faith is the day that we begin receiving the Lord’s Supper. In March, six of our young members took that important step in their faith development as they received their first communion. On Sunday, March 2, Rylan Robert Shuck, Kaelex Keith Shuck, and Graydn Graham Shuck, along with their cousins, Addalynn Marie Zimmerman and Jayden Lee Zimmerman partook of the sacrament for the first time and on March 30, James Gemberling received his first communion. Lord Jesus, bless all those who received you in Holy Communion for the first time, May they, and all who receive your Body, come to know God's love. Amen Baptism On Sunday, March 23, our Family of Faith was pleased to welcome into membership through the Sacrament of Infant Baptism, Trevor Wyatt Spencer. Trevor was born January 14 and is the son of Timothy & Tiffany (Schnure) Spencer and the grandson of Steve & Judy Moyer. We pray he will remain faithful to the covenant God made with him. +++ A guy calls his boss and says "I can't come to work today The boss asks why and the guy says "It's my eyes." "What's wrong with your eyes?" asks the boss. "I just can't see myself coming to work, so I'm going fishing instead...." 9 COUNCIL COMMUNIQUE March 18, 2014 Facilities & Administration Ministry will meet on April 2 at 7:15 p.m. Inreach Ministry will meet on April 10 at 7:00 p.m., while the Outreach Ministry will meet on April 7 at 7:00 p.m. A pot pie meal on will be held on Saturday, April 12. Much help will be needed. Contact Kim Blyler and Jim Boop for details. Joint Holy Week services with Lincoln Chapel near Laurelton are as follows: We will hold the Maundy Thursday (April 17) dinner and church service. The Good Friday service will be at Lincoln Chapel (April 18). A chicken barbeque will take place on April 26. Contact Maurice Clouser for more information. Saturday, May 3, a spring cleaning workday will be held at the church. Lunch will be provided. The church will be holding the Mother-Daughter banquet on Saturday, May 10 and the FatherSon banquet on Saturday, June 14. Stay tuned for more details regarding each of these events. Dianne Shuck will be sealing the parking lot from May 12 through 17, weather permitting. Help and donations will be appreciated. Contact the Facilities & Administration Ministry for details. An Elijah’s Table community meal will be held on Saturday, May 24. The proposed menu is ham and green beans. All are welcome. On Saturday, May 31, we will be hosting a community block party targeting young families. The themes are “End of the School Year” and “Mexican Fiesta.” Contact Theresa Murray for details. Volunteers to help out will be needed. Our church will be serving a continental breakfast, a la carte lunch, and dinner to the group from our church stand on Saturday, June 21 for the PA Trail Riders Association event at the Union County West End Fairgrounds. Help will be needed and donations are appreciated. More information will be coming. This year, the church will start community garden. Ask Pastor John for more information. Any fundraiser proposed by any member for 2015 will need to be presented by the October 2014 Council meeting, no matter whether the fundraiser had been held in the past or is completely new. +++ Financially, the country’s sound, Affairs are better all around, Our taxes are decreasing fast, A buck is worth a buck at last, Subsiding prices are the rule, And living’s cheaper – APRIL FOOL 10 FOR YOUR INFORMATION Update Anyone wishing to schedule a banquet that is to be prepared and served by church members is now asked to contact Dianne Shuck to make arrangements. Altar Flower Chart The 2014 altar flower chart has been posted on the bulletin board outside of the office for use by those who would like to sponsor flowers next year. Dates still available are: August 3; October 12; November 2, 30; December 21. Coffee Cans Needed We are in need of coffee cans to be used to send altar flowers home following a worship service. If you have any to spare, please drop them off at the kitchen or in the office. Volunteers Sought We are looking for volunteers to fill the following positions: 1. Baby News Correspondent When a new baby is born to a member of the congregation, the responsibility of the baby news correspondent is to contact the family and get “vital statistics” and then write a short article for the newsletter. Talk to Margie if you would like to tackle this position. 2. Greeters, Lay Readers, Communion Assistants, Ushers and Sound System Operators. Our list of people willing to do these jobs keeps dwindling. Will you help? Sign up on the attached “volunteer form” and drop them on Margie’s desk or put them in the offering plate. Communions Communions for all confirmed members must be recorded in the parish register annually. If you do not commune on a regular basis, we ask that you fill out a communion record card (one per year is all we need) so we know you have communed. The cards are located in the racks on the back of the pews. Cards may be put in the offering plate or handed to an usher. Memorabilia 11 The following memorabilia items are still available for anyone interested in purchasing anything: Wooden Miniatures of the Church - $10.00 Church Prints - $20.00 Blankets - $10.00 Christmas Cards - $10.00 12 cards per box feature a winter picture of the church Talk to Bev Catherman if you have questions about, or would like to purchase, any of these items. Informants Wanted We like to publish news about our members in the newsletter, but we need your help to do so. If you know of interesting information about any of our members (youth or adult), i.e. an award or recognition, a funny tale or exciting adventure, please let Margie know about it so we can include it in an issue of Christ’s United’s News & Views. Do We Have Your E-Mail Address? If you have an e-mail address that you have never given to us or if it has changed, please fill out the following and drop it off on Margie’s desk or give her a call. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name_________________________________________________________________________ E-Mail Address_________________________________________ ________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have a Favorite Hymn? Over the past few years, some of you have been requesting favorite hymns and gospel songs and for that we give many thanks. Because of U.S. copyright laws, we do not have permission to reproduce or copy all of our favorites. You may choose selections from the following hymnals: Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW), Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice (WOV). We are also permitted to use hymns that are in the “Public Domain”. It’s all very complicated. So, keep your suggestions coming and we will be happy to sort out and use all of your suggestions. Give any requests to Gary Hackenberg, Margie or Pastor John. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hymn Request ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Social/Fellowship Request If you have any ideas or suggestions for social/fellowship activities, drop a note on Margie’s desk. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Fellowship Events: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prayer Chain The Prayer Chain is a group of men and women of Christ’s United who pray for the concerns and requests of Christ’s United’s members and friends. Someone in need of prayer calls the church office and requests to be put on the Prayer Chain. Each member of the Prayer Chain then receives either a phone call or an email notifying them of a prayer request. The prayer chain member receiving the phone call then calls one other person and so on down the list. Those notified by email do not have to pass it on. Would you be willing to pray for someone in need? It is reassuring to know that you are supported by the prayers of others and not alone with your concern. If you would like to be a member of the Prayer Chain, fill out the following and put it in the offering plate or on Margie’s desk. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Prayer Chain Calling List I would like to be included on the prayer chain calling list. Name____________________________________ Telephone Number__________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Building & Ground Needs Do you know of any physical problems (or potential problems) that should be addressed by our property committee? Your insight is important. Maybe you have seen something that no one else has noticed yet. You can talk to Pastor John, any council member or Margie if you know of something that needs attention, or fill out the following and put it on Margie’s desk or in the offering plate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Building & Ground Needs: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ongoing Collections The Shriners Can Tabs (give tabs to Maurice Clouser) 13 NEWS OF MEMBERS & FRIENDS Weddings Congratulations and God’s richest blessings to Corrin Showalter and Colby Zechman who were married at Christ’s United on March 22. Please pray for them as they begin their life together.’ Habitat Volunteers Doug & Pearl Gemberling are currently involved in the building of this year’s Habitat for Humanity house in Hummels Wharf. Doug is in charge of construction and Pearl is the Construction Volunteer Coordinator. They are looking for volunteers to help with the project this year, as well as future years. Mother Nature has delayed the task this year, so extra help is needed to get it done. It is hoped that ground will be broken March 29. If anyone is interested, please talk to Doug or Pearl for more information. Most of the work is done on Saturdays. Birthdays 18 – Courtney Veley 20 – Dennis Boop Matthew Zimmerman 21 – Steve Krawec 22 – Doris Lukens (Mrs. Robert) 24 – Susan Wenner (Mrs. Stephen) 25 – Corrin Zechman 28 – Betty Goss Al Pantaleo 29 – Katherine Hassinger (Mrs. Eugene) Ginger Moyer (Mrs. Orin) April 1 – Mike Flickinger Joseph Zimmerman 4 – Steven Moyer 5 – Josephine Haggy Dylan Yost 6 – Kiersten Klose (Ryan & Cortney) 10 – Ellary Bunting (Eric & Brenna) John Hosterman 13 – Isaac Marshall (Justin & Jodi) 15 – Sarah Kenamond Anniversaries 2 – Tom & Karen Watters 6 – Steve & Susan Wenner 21 – Greg & Teresa Shuck 22 – Andrew & Daphne Clouser 23 – Jason & Brandi Zimmerman 30 – Donald & Renda Shively (1977) (1974) (1990) (1995) (2005) (1977) 14 Remember In Thought and Prayer Please help us keep our prayer list current by letting us know of any names that should be added or removed Our Members Jim Boop Brianna Doebler Shirley Kerstetter Carl ‘Bup’ Sampsell Scott VonNeida Stella Walters Arletta Zimmerman Bev Catherman Tom Greeney Dottie Rathfon Meda Struble Betty Wallace Ethel Wenrich Our Friends & Relatives Doug App Dan Blyler Sara Earnest Warren Emery Karen Ferster Eleanor Hackenburg Betty Hollenbach Charles Hulsizer Jeff Kerstetter Brian Miller Candy Mitchell Dan Murphy Mike Osgood Zachary Prochasko Keith Sawyer Bev Sheffler Bill Smith Sandra Wagner June Weaner Norman Wenrick Jr Kenny Wetzel Lloyd Yost Larry & Barb Zeller Daryl Baumgartner Bob Earnest Neil Emery Ruth English Mary Gonzales Richard Harvey Jay Hollenbacher Linda Katherman Colby Libhart Donna Miller Harry Moyer David Noblit Cecil Poston Ruth Raker Brandi Schlief Donald Shemory Crystal Tice Pastor Ron Warfle Joe Weisser Sharon Wert Darryl Willow Pat Yount Ed Zerbe Our Shut-Ins Carolyn Bowersox Leona Hackenberg 15 Josephine Haggy Sally Kenamond Eugene Phillips Myron Sampsell Meda Struble Betty Wallace Erna Wolfe Margaret Himes Betty Lauf Harold Sampsell Richard Schnure Connie Wagner Ethel Wenrich The Men and Women Serving In the Military Brandi Gemberling Michael Spurr +++ STUPID THINGS PEOPLE SAY AND DO A convict broke out of jail in Washington D.C., then a few days later accompanied his girlfriend to her trial for robbery. At lunch, he went out for a sandwich. She needed to see him, and thus had him paged. Police officers recognized his name and arrested him as he returned to the courthouse in a car he had stolen over the lunch hour. A lady at work was seen putting a credit card into her floppy drive and pulling it our very quickly. When inquired as to what she was doing, she said she was shopping on the Internet and they kept asking for a credit card number, so she was using the ATM "thingy". A lawyer defended a man accused of burglary with: "My client merely inserted his arm into the window and removed a few trifling articles. His arm is not himself, and I fail to see how you can punish the whole individual for an offense committed by his limb." "Well put," the judge replied. "Using your logic, I sentence the defendant's arm to one year's imprisonment. He can accompany it or not, as he chooses." The defendant smiled. With his lawyer's assistance he detached his artificial limb, laid it on the bench, and walked out. A Los Angeles man who later said he was "tired of walking," stole a steamroller and led police on a 5 mph chase until an officer stepped aboard and brought the vehicle to a stop. Here's one that happened to me a few years ago. I went to a clothing store and bought a skirt for $7. With tax my total came to $7.51; I handed the cashier $8.01 and she had to take out a calculator to figure out how much change she had to give me back. I told her she owed me 50 cents. I handed the teller @ my bank a withdrawal slip for $400.00. I said "May I have large bills, please?" She looked at me and said "I'm sorry sir, all the bills are the same size." When I got up off the floor I explained it to her... I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.' My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.' He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce. 16 Register Now for Summer Camp Mount Luther is gearing up for our summer camping season for 2014 and is accepting registrations for all programs until they are filled. Campers who register before April 1st will receive a discount on their camp fee. This year’s camping season will begin on June 15, 2014, with three new program offerings and a returning favorite. Elementary-aged campers will enjoy a wacky day camp week as they’ll all suggest crazy ideas and each day randomly pick one to celebrate. Pond Pals will spend extra time at our pond, fishing, canoeing, doing pond studies and learning more about creation. Dirt Warriors can learn the value of service and help the camp out at the same time in this new program offering. High Adventure Quest is back on our schedule, when campers live on a river island, learn about kayaking, and do the high ropes course at Bloomsburg U. Other new programs this year include Wet and Wild Day Camp, when we will feature extra water activities in addition to the normal camp stuff; Bugs, Mud, and God when we will see God in the mud and bugs, in the trees and streams; and Hobby and Sports will be a week where you will have time to engage in your favorite hobby or play some sports. Base Camp is a week for campers who come and NOT go on an overnight camping trip but rather sleep in their cabins every night. This camp has all the basics of outdoor ministry, plus this year we are asking you to bring costumes for our “Cartoon Character Week.” Other new offerings this summer include Pedal, Pack, and Paddle Light and SURE Outpost. We’ll again partner with the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania for several weeks. The theme this year for our joint senior high X-Teen Camp is “Colors of the Rainbow.” Campers will participate in service work during the weekend of this ten-day experience. Our joint elementary and junior high camp, BASIC (Brothers and Sisters In Christ) will feature a holiday celebration each day of that week. Resident and Day Camps run from mid-June until August 8. There are programs for all ages from kindergarten to senior high, adults, and families. Most sessions run for one week, but there are also half-week, day-only, and ten day sessions. Spring Brunch Set for April April 27, 2014 Everyone is invited to come to Camp Mount Luther on Sunday, April 27, 2014, for a good meal. This year’s Spring Brunch will be held that day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are now available from the camp office for this event. The brunch will feature a breakfast meat, home fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, fruit, breakfast pastries, cold cereal, coffee, tea, and more! You can enjoy fellowship with others and good all-you-can-eat food. The fundraiser benefits the camp’s general operating fund. There is no charge for the event; but, a freewill offering will be taken. Reservations are needed and 17 can be made by contacting the camp office (570-922-1587) or via e-mail at [email protected]. The deadline to make reservations is Monday, April 21. Annual Spring Work Day/Practice Discipleship Day: May 3, 2014 We’ll be doing work projects in the morning to get camp ready for the summer. Youth groups are invited to come for a day of service and learn more about discipleship in the afternoon. The day will end with a concert by Shawn Smith. 9th Annual Bishop’s Open Golf Classic May 12, 2014 Susquehanna Valley Country Club Camp Mount Luther holds this even to have fun and raise funds to better our youth in a faith-based camping program. The rain-or-shine event features lunch and a souvenir gift and the following: A Four Person Scramble with Three Flights Prizes for flights, hole in one winners, closest to pin, longest drive, straightest drive, team that has most fun and Bishop’s Cup A free putting contest, mulligans, and forward tees. The Camel Auction with a silent and chance auction. Schedule: 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Registration starts Lunch Golfing Shotgun Start Immediately after all golfers are finished there will be snacks, drinks and prizes. Registration Deadline: April 18, 2014 Contact Camp Mount Luther for registration forms. Phone: (570-922-1587); E-mail:[email protected] Summer Kickoff June 8, 2014 Come to camp to celebrate the start of summer. Spend the afternoon doing camp activities, eat a good meal, and join us for worship. You can also meet the camp staff and learn more about our summer program. +++ WEATHER LORE Till April’s dead, Change not a thread 18 IN THE MAILbag LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS ATTENTION MARRIED COUPLES: Time is running out for you to sign up for your spring Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend! Now that spring is just around the corner, it’s time to give your marriage a fresh start; shake off those winter blahs, and pump some new love and romance into your relationship. The Pennsylvania spring Weekends are: March 28-30, 2014 at Park Inn Radisson, West Middlesex, PA, where each couple has a king bed and their own hot tub--an hour north of Pittsburgh, just off of Interstate 80, and April 25-27, 2014 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College--Happy Valley’s premier conference center located on a quiet hillside with views of the Nittany Mountains. We are also accepting registrations for the fall Weekends: September 12-14, 2014 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center, Canadensis, PA, in the heart of the Poconos and September 26-28, 2014 at Olmsted Retreat Center, Ludlow, PA, an hour north of DuBois. Weekends run from Friday at 8 PM to Sunday around 4 PM. Two nights lodging, 5 meals for each of you, and all supplies are included. There is a $45 per couple registration fee, plus toward the end of the weekend you will be given an opportunity to make a confidential contribution toward the continuation of the program. Register today! Simply go to the website: www.GodLovesMarriage.org and sign up using a credit card to pay the $45 registration fee, or mark the option to pay by check, and you will be notified where to send your check. For questions, or if you would like a brochure with registration form mailed to you, contact PA Directors of Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber at 724-325-3166 or [email protected]. +++ He comes to church once a year--always on Easter. I'm glad to have this local rancher join us in worship and I shook his hand heartily as he left the church. "Great to worship with you today!" I said. "Really?" he responded. "Sure. It's always good to have you with us on Easter," I said. He scratched his head. "Well, maybe I'd come more often if you'd preach about something different!" -- Rev. E. Marie Gasau 19 NOTES OF APPRECIATION “Volunteers are gold”. Volunteers are the most valuable commodities in ministry. Without them, nothing would get done in our churches. We are fortunate to have the kind of dedicated people that we do. Do you know anyone who should be given a pat on the back and a “Thank You” for the contributions they make in and around the church? Let Margie know. THANK YOU TO… …Everyone who helped with the pancake supper, banquets & Lenten breakfasts. …Martha Leach for her numerous contributions of produce and clothing to Hope’s Haven …Everyone who donates clothing, food and financially to Hope’s Haven and all those who give of their time to sort and bag food, sort clothing and who helps to distribute the items. …Maurice Clouser for picking up Weis Market donations for Hope’s Haven. …Meda Struble for mailing weekly bulletins to shut-ins. …Dianne Shuck for serving as treasurer and Al Pantaleo for doing the financial posting …Bev Catherman for coordinating funeral meals. …Ethel & June Wenrich for choosing to direct Thrivent Financial Choice Dollars to Christ’s United Thank you to all who have donated winter clothing, blankets, sheets, towels, and especially children’s coats. The need was great and your donations were warmly appreciated. Also, thank you to all who helped sort clothing. God Bless You All Sue Pantaleo To the Ladies of the Church and Pastor John: Your visit on Thursday, March 20, was very much appreciated by Ethel Wenrich. She really enjoyed seeing you because it was someone different than seeing her girls/daughters all the time. Although she didn’t talk much she did enjoy your company and the small gifts. June L. Wenrich 20 BEING TRANSFORMED By Melanie Gibbons And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NRSV) It snowed again in Baltimore this week. Even so, there have been recent days in the 50s, and more are predicted in the near future. Spring is almost here, and for many, the season of light and life has been a long time coming. Were ready to shed our winter clothes. We’re ready for the ice to melt, to put away our snow shovels and for no more school delays! We’re ready for the transformation of spring. We’ve been reflecting on transformation here at LWR as we wrap up the 2013 Quilt Campaign. The challenge of 500,000 Quilts gave us a lot of energy last year! Quilters around the country doubled their quilting efforts, meeting more frequently, and invited friends to join the project and the fun. Camps in Nebraska and Texas jumped right in, making hundreds of Quilts over the course of several weeks of summer camp. So, how did we do? Our warehouse staff and volunteers have been working hard to count and bale the thousands upon thousands of Quilts that came in through fall Ingatherings last October and November, with still more to count. As of the end of February, we’ve counted 401,931 Quilts, and we know more will come in this spring. More than the numbers, we know the powerful impact all this quilting is having on the world. In Thailand, families sleeping in temporary shelters far from home are sheltered from the wind and rain, and protected from drafts that blow through the slats of bamboo that make up their floors and walls. In Tanzania, people living in state-run elder care facilities are able to keep warm at night, and children recovering from surgery are comforted by soft fabric and bright colors. In the Philippines, people who lost everything in Typhoon Haiyan last November have something warm to sleep under while they work to repair and rebuild their damaged homes. And the impact isn’t just on the other side of the ocean, either. Over and over, we’ve heard how the Quilt Campaign transformed your congregations, quilting groups, communities and families. Through this project, we’ve been reminded that when God calls us to something, it not only transforms the world but transforms us, too. What a gift — to be able to give ourselves away and yet somehow not be diminished, but rather to grow. In celebration of these transformations at home and around the world, many congregations will join LWR in celebrating the success of the Quilt Campaign this Sunday, March 2, Transfiguration Sunday. What a perfect day to celebrate the transformative ministry of quilting, and the way God is 21 working in our lives through these simple gifts of fabric and thread. We invite you to join us, celebrating this week or any other week! You can find resources for your celebration Sunday at lwr.org/quiltcampaign. So to you who have quilted, donated fabric or money for thread or batting, or transported Quilts all over the country — thank you. Thank you for taking the risk of giving so very much of yourselves away for the sake of the world, to embody the love of Christ that runs through your hearts. And thank you for sharing how God has turned those gifts into transformation and change and growth. We thank God for each and every one of you! Melanie Gibbons is LWR’s Quilt & Kit Ministry Manager. +++ SIGNS Some of the warnings, cautions, instructions and signs placed on the products or standing erect on the roadside seem so silly and nonsensical that one cannot help but read them twice in an attempt to understand them. Yet, few are worth reading again while some others seem as if the person who placed the sign had no idea himself of its purpose. The absurdity of these signs is what makes them so humorous. Here are some funny ones for you: In a Manual for an SGI Computer: “Do not dangle the mouse by its cable or throw the mouse at coworkers.” In a Manual for a Jet Ski: “Warning: Riders of personal watercraft may suffer injury due to forceful injection of water into body cavities either by falling into the water or while mounting the craft.” In a Manual for a TV: Do not pour liquids into your television set.” In a US guide to setting up a new computer, To avoid condensation forming, allow the boxes to warm up to room temperature before opening (Sensible, but the instructions were inside a box) In the Instructions for an Electric Thermometer: “Do not use orally after using rectally.” On a Bag of Cat Biscuits: “Simply pour the biscuits into a bowl and allow the cat to eat when it wants.” On a Bag of Fresh Grapes in Australia: “Please store in cold section of the refrigerator.” On a Bag of Microwave Popcorn: “Remove the Plastic Wrapper” On a Bathroom Heater: “This product is not to be used in bathrooms.” On a Batman’s cape: Does not enable user to fly. On a Battery: “Do not recharge, put in backwards, or use.” On a Beach Ball: “Caution! It is not a life saving device.” On a Bic Lighter: “Ignite lighter away from face.” On a Blanket from Taiwan, “Not to be used as protection from a tornado.” On a Blender: On no account improvise as a fish aquarium. On a Bicycle -- "Removing the wheel can influence the performance of the bicycle" On a Bottle of Baby Lotion: “Keep away from children.” On a Bottle of Liquid Plummer: Warning: Do not reuse the bottle to store beverages On a Bottle of Shampoo for Dogs: “Caution: The contents of this bottle should not be fed to fish." On a Bottle of Sleeping Pills: “Warning: May cause drowsiness On a Bottled Drink: “Twist top off with hands. Throw top away. Do not put top in mouth.” On a Box of Arm & Hammer Scoopable Cat Litter: “Safe to use around pets.” On a Box of Birthday Cake Candles: “DO NOT use soft wax as ear plugs or for any other function that involves insertion into a body cavity.” 22 EASTER STORY COOKIES To be made the evening before Easter 1cup whole pecans - 1tsp vinegar - 3 egg whites - pinch salt - 1 cup sugar zipper baggie - wooden spoon – tape - Bible Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!) Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27. So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66. GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! Explain that on the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9. 23 24 25 CHICKEN BARBECUE APRIL 27, 2013 3:00 p. m. – 6:30 p. m. Take Outs Available A Limited Number of Walk-In Meals will Be Available Includes: ½ Chicken (¼ child’s meal) Choice of Potato Salad or Applesauce Baked Beans Buttered Roll Cake Drink (not available with take-outs) Ticket Prices: Adult Platter $8.00 Child’s Platter $4.00 Chicken Half $4.00 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 966-4091 or 922-1860 26 POT PIE SUPPER CHRIST’S UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH (THE 4-BELL CHURCH) RT. 45 – 3 MILES WEST OF MIFFLINBURG April 12, 2014 SERVING FROM 3:30 P.M.-? MEAL WILL INCLUDE POTPIE APPLESAUCE, PICKLED CABBAGE DRINK, DESSERT Adults - $9.00 Children (6 – 12) - $5.00 Children under 5 – No Charge Take Out Meals - $9.00 Quarts of Potpie - $8.00 27 ALTAR GUILD USHERS Dianne Shuck Janice Wagner Eugene Hassinger Greg Shuck APRIL GREETERS MUSIC PROVIDERS 6 – Al & Sue Pantaleo 13 – Mary Hassinger 20 – The Doug Gemberling Jr family 27– Judy Moyer 6 – Diane Valentine 13 – Paula Christy 20 – Gary Hackenberg 27 – Dave Swartz SOUND SYSTEM Dianne Shuck LAY READERS COMMUNION ASSISTANTS 6 – Kathy Spangler 13 – Mike Flickinger 20 – Steve Moyer (Sunrise) Glenn Spangler 27 – Janet Hackenberg 6 – Lee Spangler 13 – Judy Moyer 20 – Steve Moyer (Sunrise) Glenn Spangler 27 – Janet Hackenberg REMINDER YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING A SUBSTITUTE IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO BE HERE WHEN SCHEDULED. ALTAR GUILD MEMBERS, SOUND SYSTEM OPERATORS & USHERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SPECIAL SERVICES SCHEDULED DURING THE MONTH. 28 If you would like to be added to our list of volunteers to help with one or more of the following positions, please fill it out and return it to the church office. CHILDREN’S CHURCH USHER I/we will help with children’s church I/we will serve as an usher Name_____________________________________ Telephone_________________________________ Name____________________________________ Telephone________________________________ SOUND SYSTEM OPERATOR ALTAR GUILD I/we will serve on the altar guild I/we will operate the sound system Name_____ _______________________________ Telephone________________________________ Name____________________________________ Telephone________________________________ COMMUNION HELPER GREETERS I/we will serve as a communion helper Name___________________________________ Telephone_______________________________ I/we will serve as greeters Name___________________________________ Telephone_______________________________ LAY READER I/we will serve as a lay reader Name_____________________________________ Telephone_________________________________ 29 Christ’s United Lutheran Church 13765 Old Turnpike Rd Millmont Pa 17845 570-922-1860 church’s e-mail: [email protected] pastor’s e-mail: [email protected] website address: www.4bellschurch.com THE DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE MAY Office Hours: Mon-Thu – 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fri – Closed NEWSLETTER IS: APRIL 23 The Congregation……………………The Ministers The Rev. John D. Yost………………………Pastor Margie Dunkle…………………….......Sec/Asst Tr Dianne Shuck…………………………….Treasurer Janet Hackenberg………………………….Asst Tr Tom Catherman………………………...Custodian PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE… …when a member of your family is sick or is admitted to the hospital, so that visits can be made and the proper people notified. COUNCIL MEMBERS …when your phone number is changed, so the church records can be corrected. Officers President - Janet Spurr Vice President – Al Pantaleo Council Secretary - Barry Spangler …when you move—out of town or locally. …when a new baby arrives in your family or in the family of another church member. Ministry Assignments Facilities (deals with property, personnel and stewardship) Jim Boop, Tom Catherman, Al Pantaleo, Dianne Shuck Inreach (focus on ministry within the congregation) Drew Christy, Dottie Rathfon, Lee Spangler, Janet Spurr Outreach (related to ministry beyond the congregation, David Murray, Theresa Murray, Barry Spangler …when a member of your family leaves home for college or to establish a new residence. …when a new family moves into your neighborhood. …when your class or group plans to have a meeting, so that it can be cleared and placed on the church calendar. …when something good happens to you or your family. …when you feel the church can assist you in any way. 30 31 32