Weekly Messenger - Lutheran Church of God`s Love

Weekly Messenger
Lutheran Church of God's Love
791 Newtown-Yardley Road, Newtown, PA 18940
215-968-4335
www.godslovenewtown.org
February 8, 2015
NOTE FROM SANDY ANTHONY
Vol.2015, Issue 6
To my church family,
Thank you to everyone who prayed for my mom’s recovery after her accident. Then
at her passing prayed for us, attended her viewing/funeral, brought us dinners, sent
cards, thoughts, kind words and love to me and my family. I can’t tell you how
comforting it is to have your support.
I wanted to extend a special thank you to the Celebration of Life Committee for the
wonderful meal and to all the people who brought desserts. That gesture of kindness
showed me, my family and strangers to the church what a caring community God’s
Love is.
You will never know how much all of you meant to her and to me. I couldn’t imagine
facing this kind of devastation without having God and his people in my life. I can’t
thank you enough for helping to make her life full and happy!
Love, Sandy Anthony
(proud daughter of Lillian Harshaw)
ARTICLES INSIDE:
ADULT FAITH & LIFE
pg. 2
SNOW & ICE
pg. 2
PRESCHOOL NEWS
pg. 3
SUMMER PLANS FOR
CHILDREN
pg. 3
CONGREGATIONAL COOK-IN: Aid For Friends
Sunday, February 8 at Noon
SR HIGH YOUTH
GATHERING
pg. 2
We are inviting all cooks to prepare the meat entrée - your choice of: beef, meatloaf,
turkey, chicken, etc. We will provide the two sides (applesauce & green beans).
Choose a recipe that you personally enjoy making or eating and cook it at home.
Bring the warm or refrigerated portions to church. (AFF requests that each meat
portion should be at least 4 ounces in size. A pound of meat makes about four meals.)
THEATER MINISTRY
REHEARSAL
pg. 3
We hope all those who have expressed interest will stay after the second service
to help us assemble the meals. Our youth and children always report enjoying this
activity - so this will be a fun, intergenerational afternoon of service.
ASH WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 18
We will have worship services on Wednesday, February 18 at both Noon and 7pm.
The midday service is spoken, and the evening worship is led by organ and choir.
The pastors will offer the imposition of ashes for those who desire it.
HUNGER IN BUCKS COUNTY
pg4
Bible Readings for
Next Weekend Feb 15
Bearing the Cross
Matthew 16:24—17:8
Psalm 41:7-10
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ADULT FAITH & LIFE UPDATE
We meet Sundays at 9:30 in Room A4/A5. Our next session of adult faith and life will
begin on Sunday, January 11th and run for 4 weeks. We'll share in a bible study of the book
of Job called "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People" led by Pastor Peter.
SNOW AND ICE?
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER
Wondering about the weather and its effect on an event occurring at church? The pastors
will make a decision at 7am on Sunday regarding worship. Then our automated calling
system (One Call Now) will be notified and will contact each person/family by the phone
number on file with a recorded message.
Good news - you can receive a text instead of a phone call. But so far only 25 people have
signed up! Please contact Ken at [email protected] to:
• see if your phone is one of them or • give him your cell phone number and let him know that you would like to finish the process of signing up.
THANKS TO OUTGOING COUNCIL MEMBERS
The terms of three members of the council conclude at our Annual Congregation Meeting
on January 25. We thank them for their faithful service. They are: Stacey Sottung, Kathy
MacDonald, and Gayle Gunnerson.
ANOTHER THANK YOU RECEIVED
The Rescue Mission of Trenton recently received a $100 check that council approved to
be sent from the Christmas Fund.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, please accept our sincere thank you for the recent
donation. The money helps us to continue providing home and hope for our less fortunate
neighbors who have no other place to turn. “
Mary Gay Abbott-Young, CEO
CONGREGATIONAL ASSESSMENT TOOL (CAT) SURVEY
COMING SOON!
In the coming weeks, we ask that you take 15 minutes to fill out a survey that will help us
determine the future directions of our church. This Congregational Assessment Tool will
help us to more deeply understand our community.
Our synod has gifted us with the opportunity to use this survey. It will give us a clear
picture of our capacity as a whole church with our strengths, our ministry gifts and skills,
and even our energy level. But it will only help us - if EVERYONE participates! We have
a membership of about 700 persons... and we want to see the biggest picture of who we
are.
In the next 3 to 4 weeks, we will send out the link for this survey several times a week. We
will also mail and hand out paper copies to those who do not use e-mail.
PRAY FOR
WORSHIP LEADERS
February 8th:
Todd & Carol Stranahan
February 15th:
Bob Loven
COUNTING THE OFFERING
February 9th: Jack and Joyce
February 17th: Kathy and Ed
STEWARDSHIP CORNER
“. . . but they gave themselves
first to the Lord.”
2 Cor 8:5
Respond gratefully to what God has first
given us. All that we do is a response to
God’s grace. Everything we are, have,
and use comes from God. Best of all,
God gives the gift of Jesus Christ and the
community of believers. Our confession of
faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior
is not of our doing. Grateful stewards put
God first.
ALTAR FLOWERS
SLIGHT INCREASE
The altar flowers for 2015 will cost $35
this year. For many years we have kept the
cost to thirty dollars. But since we have not
collected enough in prior years to cover
the weekly cost from the florist, we find
the increase necessary.
If you already placed an order for a week
in 2015, you are not obligated to honor
this increase unless you want to. But
we certainly will accept your extra five
dollars, if you choose. Thanks!
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
For Sunday, February 1st
Attendance149
For Sunday, January 25th
Attendance115
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SR. HIGH YOUTH GATHERING IN FEBRUARY
Pastor Marissa is looking for youth interested in attending our synod's Sr. High Youth
Gathering from February 20-22. This year's theme is Dig Deep, Build Faith using Luke
6:48 as the theme verse. Youth will gather with other Lutheran high school students from
the 5 county area for faith exploration and a day of service in Philadelphia on Saturday,
February 21. Please contact Pastor Marissa for more information. The cost is $180 and
scholarships are available. Registration closes on February 6th.
MAKING SUMMER PLANS FOR CHILDREN
In 2015 we are offering a VBS program led by Bear Creek Camp, a Lutheran camp for
children located in the Poconos, from August 3-7. They will provide the program, music,
games and crafts. We will provide the space, volunteer helpers, and snack.
We will also need to provide housing and food to the 4 counselors during their 5 day stay.
If you are willing to be a host family, please contact me at [email protected].
Sandy Anthony, Director
GOD'S CARING STITCHERS
FEBRUARY CELENDAR
In a Good Housekeeping article it said,
"Knitting is the perfect example of active
stillness. In fact, 20 minutes of knitting can
lower your heart rate, and blood pressure.
The secret seems to lie in the soothing
combination of rhythm and repetition." We
all need to slow down more and be good
to ourselves. Now is a good time to learn a
new craft or brush up on some new skills,
patterns and techniques. Come join fellow
crafters, whether it is knitting or crocheting
and create items for neighbors in our
community. Let them know that we care.
We will meet: Fridays afternoons at 1pm
in Room A1on February 6, 13, 20 and 27
If you have any questions, please call or
email Cindy Sundstrom at 215-493-2484
or [email protected].
PRESCHOOL INFO FOR FEBRUARY
The preschool hallways are decorated with snowmen, polar bears and penguins -our
themes for January. We played with shaving cream, painted with ice cubes and made
playdoh snowmen -fun!
February is “We love to Read” month when we focus on different authors. Service projects
are an important part of our Valentine’s Day celebrations. The 3’s classes assemble
breakfast bags for AFF and the 4’s & PreK classes have a hop-a-thon for the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society. Sharing is an important emphasis for God’s Love Preschool!
Registration is underway for the 2015-2016 school year. Please contact Janet Nelson,
Director, for more information at 215-497-0506.
BUY GIANT CARDS
Grocery store shopping? Buy your prepaid
gift cards to the Giant Food store at church.
Stop by Kay’s desk Monday through Friday
from 9am-2pm or call her to make other
arrangements. Each card provides 5% of
its value as a fundraiser for the Appalachia
Service Project.
MORE THANK YOU’S
THEATER MINISTRY
REHEARSES
1. The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) recently received a $100 check that council
approved to be sent from our Christmas Fund. “Thank you for your recent donation. We
serve a hot nutritious lunch Monday through Friday and an evening meal Monday through
Thursday at our Escher Street location. We also serve dinner at satellite locations in South
Trenton, West Trenton, Hightstown, and Princeton. We serve approximately 4000 meals
per week. We appreciate your help! “
Dennis Micai, Executive Director
We will begin rehearsing for our next play,
“Willy Wonka”, on Sunday January 11 at
Noon. All cast members are encouraged
to be available every Sunday afternoon
between noon and 2pm. Meet in the
sanctuary.
Pat Guth, Director
2. The Rev. Lanny Westphal, Director of ELCA Global Church Sponsorship, writes in
gratitude: “Thank you for your generous gift of $1500 for two of our young adults in
Global Mission (Daniel Purtell and Hannah Spahn). Your gifts help our church respond
to God’s call to serve our neighbors and proclaim the gospel. We work alongside our
companion churches to share God’s love far and wide.
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX!
Our Financial Secretary reports that the
2014 contribution statements are printed.
Please check your church mailbox and take
it home.
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HUNGER IN BUCKS COUNTY
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Food Insecurity Alliance (which includes representatives from multiple churches
– God’s Love and Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Yardley among others) is
collecting food, specifically granola bars and raisins or dried cranberries. These items
will help restock backpacks for families in need of food over the weekends. Our specific
collection will go to St Mary's Backpack Ministry and will be distributed through our local
schools.
We also continue to collect nonperishable food for our Local Food Pantries. As the need
for assistance has increased, these distribution groups are able to provide additional food
to their clients, while food that is supplied by Government is distributed per family in
limited amounts. Our donations are always needed.
Chris Tidd, Coordinator
PRAY FOR THE CAN
God’s Love Lutheran Church is currently converting a shipping container to a medical
clinic and stocking it with supplies. As a member of the Container Project team, I request
that you pray for the successful completion of our clinic which will be going to the people
of Kisumu, Kenya. I would also ask that you pray for the people of Kisumu to give them
guidance and faith as they prepare for the arrival of the clinic which is so badly needed in
an area where there is so little.
DEMONSTRATE YOUR
THANKFULNESS THIS
SEASON
Each holiday season, God’s Love
anticipates and relies on a seasonal
increase in contributions. It is through the
donations of every individual and family in
the congregation that we are able to carry
on our work now and throughout the year.
If you need a convenient way to make
recurring contributions or plan to make
an additional gift before the end of the
year, we encourage you to check out our
electronic giving options. As the pace of
life speeds up around the holidays, you
may find electronic giving a most welcome
way to make contributions.
To set up a recurring giving schedule,
visit us online at www.godslovenewtown.
org and locate the Donate button on the
bottom left. Or if it's easier, complete a
paper authorization form located in the
Commons and return it to the church
office.
Fran Herman
VOTING RESULTS OF ANNUAL MEETING
HELD SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
Congratulations to those elected!
Three year term on Church Council:
Amy Carr
Tammy Gabriel
John Tidd (2nd term)
Will Toppin
Two year term on Church Council:
Karen Hoch
Three year term on Investment Committee:
Eric Nordberg
Nominating Committee:
Bob Harman
Fran Herman
Kurt Nelson
Eric Pannepacker
YOGA
So, what does Namaste
mean anyway?
Namaste represents the belief that there
is a Divine spark within each of us that
is located in the heart chakra. The literal
translation means “bow me you” or “I bow
to you”.
There is more to the weekly yoga class than
stretching and poses. Come join us each
Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
and see for yourself. A free will offering is
requested.
Contact Linda Sartor for more information
at [email protected] or (215)2081344.
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VISION
United by the Holy Spirit,
we will make Christ known!
MISSION
We will invite all people to experience God’s
love, grow in faith together, serve and care
for others.
GOD’S LOVE STAFF:
Rev. Peter Naschke, Senior Pastor
Rev. Marissa Krey, Associate Pastor
Kay Rozolis, Office Manager
Ken Weisensale, Office Manager
Patricia Guth, Director/Organist
Walt Kull, Rejoice! Co-director
Nicole Masceri, Rejoice! Co-director
Tom Baust, Heartsong Musician
Sharon Sottung, Confirmation Administrator
Josh Morales, Sexton
CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Amy Carr
Karen Fox
Tammy Gabriel
Karen Hoch
Walter Kull
Susan McDonnell
Earl Monk
Eric Nordberg
Barbara Roth
Norm Sundstrom
John Tidd
Will Toppin
Financial Secretary: Patti Levenberg
Treasurer: Melanie Jimenez
Church Council
[email protected]
MUTUAL MINISTRY CONTACT INFO:
Will Toppin
[email protected]
Andi Webber
[email protected]
Jay Roth
[email protected]
Gayle [email protected]
Jim Gunnerson [email protected]
John Bowen
[email protected]
SUNDAY – Epiphany 5
8:15am Traditional Worship
9:30am Education Hour
10:45am Contemporary Worship
Noon Theater Ministry rehearsal
AFF Cookin
1-4pm Church Council Retreat
5:30pm Heartsong Service
6:30pm Confirmation 7th Grade
7:30pm A.A. Meeting
THIS WEEKLOCATION
Mon
Counters 9amA1
Boy Scouts 7pmFellowship
Investment Comm 6:30pm
Offsite
Tues
Wed
Yoga 6:30pmFellowship
Bell Choir 6:30pmA1, A2
Adult Choir 7:30pmSanctuary
Thurs
Fri
Bible Study 8:30am
Offsite
Knit & Crochet 1pm
A1, A2
A.A. Meeting 7pmMods
Sat
CAN Work team 9am
Outside
NEXT SUNDAY – Epiphany 6
8:15am Traditional Worship
9:30am Education Hour
Confirmation Service Project
Chair Yoga
10:45am Contemporary Worship
Noon Theater Ministry rehearsal
5:30pm Heartsong Service
6:30pm No Confirmation
7:30pm A.A. Meeting
GOD’S LOVE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
Janet Nelson, Director
Pre-K: M – F 9:15-11:45am
4 yr olds: M, W, F 9:15-11:45am
M, W, R, F 12:45-3:15pm
3 yr olds: T, R 9:15-11:45am
T, W, R 12:45-3:15pm
Telephone: 215-497-0506
Email: [email protected]
E-mail
Rev. Peter Naschke: [email protected]
Pastor Marissa Krey: [email protected]
Kay Rozolis: [email protected]
Ken Weisensale: [email protected]
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