Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church March 2016 Once again

Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church
Once again, this year we will have the
opportunity to attend special worship services on
each of the Wednesdays of Lent. Together with
six of our sister Lutheran congregations, we will
gather for worship each Wednesday at 7:00 PM
at one of the six churches. The seventh will be a
special service for the Ascension in May. This
year’s theme will be “Old Testament Stories.”
All offerings will be given to Homes of Hope
in our area and Lutheran Camping Corporation
of Central Pennsylvania.
The schedule will be as follows:
March 2
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Adamstown
Pastor Peter Schwabe-Fry, preaching on
Ezekiel 37:1-14
“Ezekiel and the Valley of the Dry Bones”
March 9
Mellingers Lutheran Church, Schoeneck
Pastor Herb Lohr, preaching on
Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21
“Israel’s Deliverance at the Red Sea”
March 2016
March 16
St. John Center Lutheran Church, East Earl
Pastor Dennis Trout, preaching on “Ruth”
March 23
Faith United Lutheran Church, Denver
Pastor Sandy Gideon, preaching on Micah 7:13
“Micah Teaches Us Steadfastness”
May 5
Ascension service
Swamp Lutheran Church, Reinholds
When Easter comes early in
the calendar year as it does
this year, people often say that
spring will also come early.
After the winter we have had,
we surely hope that they are
right. Not only has the winter
weather burdened us, but we
have known a lot of sickness
and recovery from some very
serious surgeries. And events
in the world have continued to
cast a shadow of fear and
anxiety over us. Yes, we are
ready for an early Easter and
an early spring. The merchants
are already putting out the
bunnies and rabbits to begin
having people think spring, but
the spring rituals may not be
enough to lift people’s spirits.
We all need Easter and its
message of hope and
salvation. Only Easter and its
message of hope and life can
give us renewed hope and the
promise of new life.
Gregory A.W. Green in an
article “All That Glitters” tells a
The Bell is published monthly (except
a combined July-August edition) by
Bergstrasse Lutheran Church
9 Hahnstown Road
Ephrata, PA 17522
(717) 733-7808
www.bergstrasselutheran.com
[email protected]
Sunday Church School - 9:00 a.m.
Worship - 10:30 a.m.
The Rev. Herbert A. Lohr, Pastor
Jean Wilhelm, newsletter editor
Due date for the April newsletter is
March 20.
story which he says he got from
Bill Bouknight, that can help us
“see and hear” the message of
Easter once more and have our
hope renewed and new life
given. About 30 years ago a
boy named Tony was born blind.
However, when he was about
seven years old, his doctor read
in the New England Journal of
Medicine of a new surgical
procedure that showed some
promise for correcting his
particular eye problem. A young
surgeon at Massachusetts
General Hospital in Boston had
developed it and so the local
doctor and the surgeon began
communicating. The boy’s full
medical record was sent and in
time a decision was made to try
surgery.
Tony, the boy, had a favorite
teddy bear which he kept with
him at all times. This teddy bear
had begun to show signs of
wear. One eye was missing;
one ear was chewed off; and the
stuffing was oozing out through
several holes. Tony’s mother
had offered to buy him a new
bear, but he didn’t want a new
one. So, the old one went with
him to Boston and remained
close through all the x-rays,
tests, and consultations. In fact,
the boy and his teddy bear were
not separated until the
anesthesia was applied for the
surgery itself.
When the surgery was
completed, Tony was heavily
bandaged and had to remain still
for a number of days. But each
day the surgeon was in and out
of the room to encourage him.
Finally the day came for
removing the bandages. For the
first time in seven years, Tony
could see. Though his vision
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was blurred at first, it gradually
cleared, and for the first time Tony
could look into the faces of his
parents.
Before long it was time for
Tony to be discharged and go
home. On that final morning, the
surgeon signed the necessary
discharge papers and he gave
Tony a big hug and said, “Listen, I
own stock in you. I expect to get
letters from you regularly. Do you
understand?” Then Tony did
something totally unexpected. He
said to his surgeon friend, “I want
you to have this,” and he handed
him his teddy bear. The
surgeon’s first impulse was to
say, “Oh no, I can’t take that.” But
something stopped him. With a
flash of sensitive genius, the
surgeon understood what Tony
was trying to do. He wanted to
give his dear surgeon-friend the
most precious gift at his disposal,
so full was his heart with love.
The wise surgeon accepted the
teddy bear with a hug and a thank
you, assuring Tony that he would
take mighty good care of his
friend.
For over 10 years that teddy
bear sat in a glass case on the
10th floor of Massachusetts
General Hospital—one eye
missing, one ear half chewed off,
and stuffing oozing out of several
holes. In front of the teddy bear
was the surgeon’s card and just
beneath his name he had written
this caption: “This is the highest
fee I have ever received for
professional services rendered.”
A little boy had given the most
precious item he had, out of a
love filled heart.
Over two thousand years ago
our gracious God, with a heart
filled with love, looked out upon a
sin-marred, tear stained world
(Continued on page 4)
March 24
This year on Maundy Thursday of
Holy Week, we will celebrate Jesus’
final meal with his disciples using an
adapted Seder service. This Seder is
similar to the one Jesus would have
celebrated with the disciples when he
instituted our service of Holy
Saturday,
March 19
10:30 AM
All children from nursery age
to 6th grade are invited to a
spring fling activity day at
10:30 AM. We will have
small crafts, lunch and
puppet play. Donations for
the lunch are needed including hot dogs, rolls, chips,
drink boxes and cookies. We
also need candy such as
chocolate, lollipops, jelly
beans, and skittles for the
goodie bags to be given to
the children. Please don’t
donate hard candy due to the
choking hazard for younger
children.
Your food and candy
donations may be placed on
the counter in the kitchen.
There is a sign up sheet
on the bulletin board in the
fellowship hall to provide
lunch items, candy, and to
help with the activities.
Communion.
Like the disciples and Jesus, we will begin with a meal, a
covered dish supper at 6:00 PM. Bring your covered dish and
dessert. Drinks and place settings will be provided.
Following the shared meal and fellowship, at 7:00 PM we will
celebrate the Seder and Holy Communion around the tables by
candlelight. Worshipers will commune each other. This unique
worship opportunity will help all of us acknowledge and appreciate
our Lord’s sacrifice for our sin.
Good Friday
March 25, 7 PM
This will be the Office of Tenebrae (the
name means “darkness” or “shadows”.)
The Office of Tenebrae is a Holy Week
devotion which dates back to the seventh
or eighth century A.D. and is characterized
by the successive extinguishing of candles as the service
progresses. No service during the entire year is more biblical; every
word of Tenebrae is taken verbatim from scripture.
After the final candle (the Christ Candle) is removed and worshipers experience the total darkness, symbolizing Jesus’ death on the
cross, everyone has time for prayer and silent meditation. Then the
sound of the strepitus is heard, a harsh noise indicating the closing of
the tomb. Finally, the Christ Candle is returned to its place in
anticipation of our Lord’s resurrection and the worshipers leave the
church in silence, maintaining the spirit of worship befitting this solemn
evening.
Make this Good Friday Tenebrae part of your Holy Week Lenten
discipline. Come, pray, sing, and meditate on God’s action in Jesus’
crucifixion for our salvation from sin and death.
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(Pastor’s message continued from page 2)
where death reigned. He gave us the most precious gift at his
disposal; God gave himself in Jesus Christ, raising him from the dead,
and granting us life now and ever after. “For God so loved the world
that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may
not perish but have eternal life.” Happy Easter! Christ is risen, he is
risen indeed.
Pastor Herb
Come watch the sun rise “on the hill” as the
people of Bergstrasse Lutheran Church
celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord at
Easter Dawn Service. This triumphant
worship begins at 6:45 AM and will include
readings of scripture, Easter hymns of
praise, and the good news that Christ has
indeed conquered death. Following
worship, a continental breakfast will be
served in the fellowship hall.
At 10:30 AM, we will gather for
another Easter Sunday service with Pastor
Lohr leading the liturgy, preaching the
Word, and officiating at Communion. Joyous Praise Handbells will ring in our Easter worship with
a prelude entitled “The Strife Is O’er”. Arranged by Albert Zabel,
this familiar Easter hymn tune (Victory) bursts forth with holy joy
at Christ’s triumph over death. The Senior Choir will sing “Christ
Indeed Is Risen
Today!” This original composition by Andre Kopyloff compares
the new life born in springtime with Christ’s glorious
resurrection.
On this most holy of days, we have completed our Lenten
journey and now share in Christ's passover from death into life.
Let us give joyful praise to the risen Christ and be reinvigorated
for our spiritual journey by the living Word of God.
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March 27
6:45 AM
Once again this year join
us Easter morning for an
outdoor sunrise service in
our church cemetery.
The entire service will
be outside, weather
permitting—so dress
accordingly.
A continental breakfast will
be served following the
service in Neidamyer Hall.
We will have a continental
breakfast at 7:45 AM
following the sunrise
service. Please sign up on
the sheet posted in the
fellowship hall if you plan to
attend.
Monetary donations will
be accepted at the
breakfast to help with the
cost of the meal.
Worship participants for March
March
6
13
20
27
Greeter
Mary Keisling
Jean Fryberger
Chad and Kathy
Landis
Paul and Evelyn
Michael
Lector
Deb Burkholder
Chris Ament
Chad Landis
Sunrise: Bonnie
Grater
10:30: Curt Hare
Acolyte
Annalin Bolar
Brooke Stover
Marissa Spacht
Austin Landis
Nursery
Kathy Landis
Megan Ament
Catherine Weaver
Kathy Landis
Counters
Selma Hainley
Sandy Summers
Selma Hainley
Sandy Summers
Dave and Jean
Wilhelm
Dave and Jean
Wilhelm
Flower
Sponsors
Bulletin
Sponsors
Counters
Maundy Thursday: Selma Hainley
Good Friday: Bonnie Grater
Ushers
March
Communion
Ushers
March 6, 20, 27
Lawrence Rice
John Gehr
Mary Keisling
Sandy Summers
Peggy RushtonWitmyer
Mary Duing
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Altar
Guild
Jane Pittman
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Community meals
for 2016
March 20
Sunday of the Passion
Palm Sunday
We will have the Procession of the Palms and a special
congregational reading of Luke’s Passion Story.
We will also have Holy Communion.
Wednesday, March 23
Faith United Lutheran Church, Denver
Pastor Sandy Gideon preaching on Micah 7:13
Thursday, March 24
Maundy Thursday
6:00 PM Covered dish supper
7:00 PM Seder and Holy Communion around the tables by
candlelight.
Friday, March 25
Good Friday
7:00 PM Tenebrae service
March 27
Easter
6:45 AM Outdoor Sunrise Service
7:45 AM Breakfast
10:30 AM Worship with Holy Communion
Salem Lutheran Preschool,
1331 W. Main St., Ephrata, is
now taking registrations for fall
2016. The 3 year old class
meets Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 9:00 to 11:30. The 4 year
old class meets Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays from
9:00 to 11:30.
For more information,
contact the church office at 733-6646 or email
[email protected].
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Community meals for 2016 will be
held on June 30 at Holy Trinity,
September 29 at Holy Trinity, and
December 8 at Holy Trinity.
Anyone wishing to help in this
important outreach please see
Almanara Buffenmyer, Donna
Daub or Mary Keisling. Donation
envelopes are available at the
usher stations to help to defray
the cost of the meals. Everyone is
welcome to enjoy the nourishment of food and fellowship
during the free meals which start
at 6:00 p.m. with doors opening at
5:30 p.m..
Community meals are served
every Thursday of the month at
one of these three churches in
Ephrata, Bethany United Church
of Christ, Main St., First United
Methodist Church, Church St.,
and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,
Main St., on a rotation period by
month. We have been serving
100 – 125 guest each week, with
15 churches in the area involved,
which is great to have so many it
makes it much easier for all
involved. Bergstrasse usually has
14 – 20 disciples involved in
preparing, baking, serving and
cleanup at each meal. Thanks to
all who help in this very rewarding
mission in helping those who are
hungry and in need in and around
the Ephrata Area.
Ron Daub
Cathy Feather
Beth Gehr
Selma Hainley
Pat Heisey
Howard Jorgensen
Shirley Martin
Paul Michael
Mitzi Rice
Randy Rice
Dennis Ruhl
Peggy Rushton-Witmyer
Polly Schmuck
Irene Smith
Erma Snader
Noah Stahl
Jerry Troutman
Ruth Troutman
Carmen Broker (friend of Seth Hamill)
Eric Buchanan (Polly Gunzenhauser’s nephew)
Shelley Bulett (Kathy Buck’s neighbor’s daughter)
Jake Crawford
Evanna Estes (friend of Mary Duing)
Lorenzo Fryberger (Jean Fryberger’s brother)
Elmer and Sheila Gockley
Earl Goshert (Jane Pittman’s step-father)
Albert Heiser (Jane Pittman’s father)
Harriet Hostetler (Phyllis Roberts’ sister)
Larry Hostetler (Phyllis Roberts’ nephew)
Shannon Hostetler (Phyllis Roberts’ grand niece)
Sarah Irons (daughter of Robin Irons)
Madeline Kilmer (Megan Ament’s grandmother)
Yvonne Lausch (Larry and Edie Lausch’s daughter)
Beverly Martin (Jean Fryberger’s niece)
Ryan Martin (Susan Hagen’s nephew)
Tracy Martin (sister-in-law of Susan Hagen)
Cindy McCullom
Joe Suprik (friend of Jane Pittman)
Cosette Sweigart (Polly Gunzenhauser’s niece)
Randy Walker (friend of Chad and Kathy Landis)
Hudson Wise (Ron and Donna Daub’s nephew)
Miriam Wolf
Congratulations to those with
March birthdays:
18
19
22
23
26
Erma Snader
Kathryn Sweigart
Cleone Rudisill
Courtney Ressler
Bryan Redcay
David Heisey
“Reach up as far as you can,
and God will reach down
all the rest of the way.”
—John Vincent
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Food bank
Balance as of 1/31/16
General Fund
$
676.78
Improvement Fund
$
5,812.59
Mission Plus
$453,470.41
Mission Plus 2
$ 2,700.34
Please bring the following food
items during March:
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toilet paper, dish soap,
laundry soap, bath soap
13 cake mixes, cookie mixes,
pancake syrup
pancake mixes (preferably
made with water)
20 canned fruits and
vegetables, fruit juices
27 pasta and sauce, macaroni
and cheese
Parsonage Security Deposit/
Memorial Fund
$ 7,870.19
Handicap Accessible
$ 7,867.55
Organ fund
$
441.20
Bus trip to
Washington, D.C.
May 16, 2016
Thank you for your gift of $20 to Lutheran World Relief. Also, for your
gift of $1,000 to fight malaria.
Daniel V. Speckhard
President and CEO
Lutheran World Relief
To all who offered assistance, sent me cards, prayed for me and kept
me in your thoughts during my recent illness, thank you from the
bottom of my heart. I cannot say thank you enough to my Bergstrasse
family for the outpouring of love you give me every day in so many
ways. May God shower you with peace and joy.
Selma Hainley
“for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me
drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you
clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you
came to Me.” Matthew 25:35-36
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Salem Lutheran Church, Ephrata
is sponsoring a bus trip to
Washington, D.C. on May 16,
2016, featuring Washington
National Cathedral and Arlington
National Cemetery. Check out all
the details on the registration form
on the bulletin board in the
fellowship hall. The deadline for
registration and payment is
April 15.
Bergstrasse Evangelical
Lutheran Church
9 Hahnstown Road
Ephrata, PA 17522
ADDRESS SERVICE
REQUESTED
Our mission at Bergstrasse is to widen the
community of people who know, love, and follow God.
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