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| RAMBLINGS
PASSING ALONG OUR FAITH
IN THE FAMILY
We have all heard the statistics and more than likely seen the results in our congregation, 62% of the confirmands drift away from church after they have been confirmed. Some are recovered after they get married and have children, but others are still drifting away from the faith community. Do you ever wonder why? What has happened that all the good sharing on the importance of worship and Bible study to nourish faith has been ignored or forgotten?
Perhaps the problem is deeper than just understanding what is taught during confirmation, for if faith has not been nurtured at home, we at the church can do little to cultivate it. That is why we emphasize to those who are baptizing their children that this is the beginning of a life-long journey of helping your child know and understand God and his love for them.
The author of Deuteronomy understood this very well. Read sometime what he wrote in chapter 6: 1-15. In our time together I want to lift up to you the 6-9 verses.
“Always remember these commands I give you today. Teach them to your children, and talk about them when you sit at home and walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them down and tie them to your hands as a sign. Tie them to your foreheads to remind you, and write them on your doors and gates.”
The author tells us that faith is best shared and remembered when it is done in the context of daily life, i.e. when you sit at home and when you walk along the road [or in our situation when you travel to and from places].
It can also be remembered through the use of visual things to help us focus and remember, i.e. posters, pictures, etc. I think this is what the author means by write them on your doors and gates.
Martin Luther also saw the importance of teaching the faith in the home and developed the Small Catechism for that purpose. I agree with Martin Luther and with Deuteronomy, we need to nurture the faith of our children from the home. For I believe that the primary teacher of the Gospel for our youth is the home, all we can do at church is support you in the home.
So let me encourage us that we need to find ways of talking about our faith with our youth, so that they will grow in their faith. Then just maybe we may be able to turn around these statistics and see 62% of our youth stay involved in a faith community after they are confirmed. That would be MARVELOUS!
Shalom,
Pastor Mel |
Jesus Christ requests your presence at the meal he has prepared for the forgiveness of our sin and the strengthening of the new Adam within. This meal will be celebrated at Holy Trinity on: Sunday, May 5 at 10:40 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.; Sunday May 12 at the 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Service; and Sunday, May 19 at the 8:00 & 10:40 a.m. services. Come, receive His body and blood, being forgiven of your sins and strengthened by your faith, so we can be restored and renewed by our Lord!
Below are the highlights of discussions and actions taken at our April meeting:
We heard from Lee Woida about the Scout project to renovate the Luther Haus garage. We confirmed that the money that is donated for the project should be made payable to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and designated
for the “Scout Project.”
We discussed the suggestion to sharpen pencils in the pews and decided that this is something that our Head Ushers for the month could do. This will be added to their responsibility list.
We appointed Shirley Adams, Pat Kelley, Barb Pyle and Chuck Robb to be our nominating committee.
We decided to encourage our youth to attend Camp Sequanota. The church will, again, pay one half the cost for the first week at Camp Sequanota for any of our youth members.
To defray the costs, we will hold a special offering during May for “Camperships”(see article in this Visitor).
We had a long and frustrating conversation about the parking problem we have with the apartments next door. We decided to talk with our Mayor to see if the police can, again, start ticketing, and then see if further action is warranted.
We approved the Together in Ministry Survey to be placed in the May 5th bulletin, as well as this issue of the Visitor.
We decided that the Confirmation point system will be eliminated. We thought it would simplify confirmation requirements, however, we discovered it is confusing them and causing people to even consider leaving our faith community.
We heard from Pastor Glenn of his appreciation of the cards and support he received upon the death of his Grandmother.
We heard that all is OK with our Audit.
We decided to include informaiton about the Salvation Army in our Visitor and encourage people to contribute to this very worthwhile ministry (see article in this Visitor).
If you have questions or concerns about any of these council activities, please contact your council representatives (below). Thank you.
Shirley Adams 267-5719 Julie Bittner 634-5303
Pat Kelley 634-0367 Tom Fisher 267-4578
Darrin Gaudlip 267-4158 Keith Leydig 267-5208
Susan Long 267-4367 Barb Pyle 267-6030
Chuck Robb 267-3947 Scott Shaw 267-6541
Larry Shober 267-4042
Pastor Mel 267-5014 (O) or 267-4226(H) |
| WE ARE PREPARING TO CELEBRATE 225 YEARS OF MINISTRY
In 1777 our ancestors founded our church and we have been doing ministry in this place ever since. Now we want to celebrate those years of ministry. So we are planning on having three special events, which are as follows:
1. A picnic with our brothers and sisters of Trinity U.C.C. on September 7 at the Bill Dively Community Grove.
2. A Home Coming Sunday, on September 8, during our regular worship.
3. An Anniversary Service, with the Bishop on Sunday, October 20, and a dinner at the Boro- Building following.
The Anniversary Taskforce will further develop all these events. In addition, they are working on some special mementos to help us remember this celebration. In future Visitors, we will keep you informed as to what is developing. However, for now, we encourage you to mark these dates on your calendars. For you won’t want to miss all the special things, as well as the special people, this celebration will bring!
WITH SUMMER OUR
WORSHIP TIMES CHANGE
Beginning on June 2 until August 25, our worship will be at 8 a.m. & 10 a.m. Our Sunday School will be at 9 a.m.
We hope everyone will note the changes and come at the right time. For we don't want anyone to get confused by the time changes. Thanks for your cooperation.
THANK YOU TO OUR TEACHERS
As the parable of the sower in Matthew reminds us, we are to sow the seed of God’s Word. Now there are many ways to sow that seed, from deeds done in love, to lessons taught at home. None the less, as we come to the end of our regular Sunday School, we want to say thank you to all those who helped us sow seeds of God’s Word among our children.
We don’t know whether these seeds will germinate and grow or whether they will die, however, we do know that you, as teachers, have had a profound opportunity to influence these youth and help them to mature in their faith. So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping us reach these youth with the Gospel message!
CHANGES HAVE OCCURRED IN HOW WE DO OUR CONFIRMATION
In recognizing that confirmation was involving two very separate things we decided to separate those. The two aspects of growing in faith that confirmation usually includes are acceptance of these youth into the adult membership of the congregation and their commitment to follow Jesus as a disciple, which includes them taking a vow.
After an explanation from Pastor Mel, the church council has decided to separate these aspects. On May 12, we will receive into membership, all those youth in the 9th grade, who wish to join us. Then on Reformation Sunday we will confirm all those youth who are ready to take the Vow of Discipleship.
By separating these two steps we believe we can build a stronger confirmation ministry. If you have questions concerning this please do ask your council representatives. -- Yours in Christ, The Church Council
Treasurer’s Report
Current Building
Balance 3/1 $7756.66 $1470.57
Receipts $15548.29 $4267.00
Expenses $10207.96 $2135.98
Balance 3/31 $13096.99 $3601.59 |
| CAMPERSHIP COLLECTION
DURING MAY
The month of May brings lots of outdoor activities and thoughts of Summer. With Summer comes Church Camping opportunities for all ages. Having worked in a church camp for many Summers, I have seen first hand the value of Church Camp for our youth, as well as, for families and even Senior Citizens. There is much to be gained by a week at camp. However, the camps, like everything else, have had to raise their prices, in order to keep their program and equipment up to date.
Did you know that the average week at camp can cost a youth $250 or more? That puts a burden on families, especially those that have more than one youth to send to camp. So we, at the church, have developed a policy to cover one-half the cost of camp for each of our youth who wish to attend Camp Sequanota.
In order for us to have adequate funds, we are conducting a special offering during May. We are asking that you prayerfully consider helping our youth go to camp this year. Then give what you can in a special envelope or by check and mark them for the "CAMPERSHIP Fund." Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel.
Memorial Gifts
Gideon Memorial Bibles
In memory of Richard Maust, 5 Gideon Memorial Bibles are being provided by New Life Assembly of God.
Music
In memory of Richard Maust by: Jane Maust, Judy Maust, The Sr. Choir, Raymond & Alberta Lohr, Lions Club of Berlin, American Legion.
Kitchen
In memory of Richard Maust by the Engleka & Noakes families.
Dedicated
In memory of William Scurfield by the Engleka & Noakes families.
Thank You
Pastor Foster and his family would like to thank everyone at Holy Trinity for their cards and prayers and well wishes following the death of his paternal grandmother in March. She was a woman of deep, abiding faith who served the Lord faithfully during the 96 years granted to her. Confident in her everlasting care with the Lord, we look forward to seeing her again in the Kingdom. -- Pastor GlennThanks to all who donated items, baked goods, time and help at Lutheran Brotherhood’s Annual Rummage Sale. This year over $3,400 was raised. Thanks again for your support. Thanks to all who helped with and donated to the Easter Breakfast. This year, over 130 people were served with a profit of $120 going back to the kitchen fund. Thanks, again for your support. Thanks to all the youth and their parents who participated in YOG Bells this past year. HTLC is definitely blessed to have these cheerful servants to the Lord in our church family; for they came with smiling faces to every practice and worked very hard at them. Hopefully, everyone will be back next year. Thanks again. Pastor Kirk & Mr. Woida, Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to lecture on behalf of the HTLC for “The God and Country Hike.” Your participation helped make the event a huge success. Again, thank you. Sincerely, Michele Romesberg, Pack 135 Event Chairperson To my “Church Family,” Thank you so much for all the prayers, cards, calls and visits during my recent illness. A special thank you to Pastor Glenn who visited at “just the right time” and to Pastor Mel for his continuing care and concern. You are all truly special people. With warmest Regards, Deb Cook My special thanks to the choir for their wonderful meals, visits, phone calls and the many cards sent from so many members of our church family. I appreciated Pastor Foster’s visit and my home communion during the Lenten Season. Also, a thank you to Nancy & Wayne and the Crusaders Class for their prayers and concerns during the healing of my leg fracture. God’s Blessings to Holy Trinity, Darlene Knupp Thank you for the Bible. I read it every night! My favorite story is “The Garden of Eden” From, Caitlin Rose LaBute, Grade 3 Thank you very much for the Bible. I take good care of it and I read it every day! Thank you! Katie Vena, Grade 3 Thank you for the Bible. It is very nice. I am starting to read it. I like it. Thank you. Madalyn Walker, Grade 3 Thank you for the Bible! I read it every day. From, Tyler Crites, Grade 3 For Holy Trinity, Thank you for the Bible. I will read it and take care of it. From, Lindsey Leydig, Grade 3 Dear Friends of ALSM, Thank you very much for your gift for counseling in Somerset. Your support of ALSM clearly demonstrates your dedication to our mission “to serve people through a ministry of love, compassion and mercy in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.” Thank you again for your commitment to the ministry we share. Sincerely, Susan Ulrich McLaughlin,CFRE, V.P. for Advancement. Dear Friends, We are busy gearing up for the summer camping season, a fun and exciting time of year. We would like to thank you for your gifts and continued support. Together we are making a difference in the lives of God‘s people. Peace & Joy, Pastor Wayne, Executive Director of Camp Sequanota Thank you to all who donated pies, cakes, food, time and energy to help with the “Faith Builders” first official fundraiser dinner. Thanks for all the wonderful compliments. It wouldn’t have been a success without the help and support of all! |
| Birthdays - May
2 Ray Adams, Steven Berkey, Dorothy
Bittner, Hannah Gerber, Wayne Suder
3 Lindsay Baker, Neil Maust
4 Allan Blubaugh, Kit Kuhlman, Connie
Slope, Sue Wagner, Logan Walker
5 Adam Ferguson, Mark Gardner,
Mary Jo Kirk, Darlene Knupp
6 Angie Fullard
8 Lucille Lichvar
9 Rita Adams
10 Debbie Fogle, Brian Slope
11 Jacqueline Amert, Jodi Broderick,
LaRue Engleka, Pam Gardner, Lindsey
Leydig, Bob McMinn, Andrew Titus
12 Amanda Walker, Kyrsten Yeager
13 Levi Coleman, Amber Gaudlip,
Sally Hoover, Alice Hummel, Villa Leslie
14 Dollie Deist, Sara Ferguson, Esther
Mowry
15 Ella Meese, Lynn Walker
16 Clyde Miller
17 Greta Haer, Virginia Rhoads
18 Rodney Schrock
20 Miranda Black, Tim Sprowls
21 Tricia Paul, Jill Slope
22 Ashley Dull, Martha Lowery
23 Robert Gindlesperger, Mackenzie Horne
24 Pastor Mel Kirk, Chance Straight, Michael
Waydo
25 Taylor Crites, Amanda Ferre
26 Natalie Gabrelcik, Beth Lewis, Alice Trent
27 Jeff Hummel, Homer Kreinbrook, Irene
Mowry, Gene Schlosnagle, Chris
Waydo
29 Charlotte Chonko
30 Chris Heiple, Brenden Rose
31 Seth Stern
Anniversaries - May
4 Charles & Colleen Maust
5 John & Darlene Beachley, Tom & Joyce Dively
7 Jay & Doris Whipkey
9 Mike & Kelly Gross
13 Fred & Rhonda Leister
16 Mike & Sherry Oakes
20 Calvin & Barb Pyle
25 John & Brenda Riley
27 Jay & Emily Berkey, Neil & Dorothy Maust
30 Dave & Darlene Suder
31 Mike & Tara Miller
Our apologies if we have missed or made a mistake with birthdays, or anniversaries.
If we have, please notify the church office, so we can correct our records. Thank you. |
| May Nursery Helpers
5 8:00AM - Keith, Donna, Allison & Jackie Kimmel
10:40AM - Sam & April Carpenter
12 8:00AM - Lynn Suder, Heather Harding
10:40AM - Nita & Courtney Richards
6:30PM - Allison & Sam Carpenter
19 8:00AM - Darlene & Laura Beachley
10:40AM - Carolyn & Caitlin LaBute 26 8:00 - Lorrie Shaw & Courtney Custer
10:40AM - Kathy & Lee Hoffman
Vacation Bible School
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Trinity United Church of Christ are pleased to announce that our combined Vacation Bible School for 2002 will be Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The theme of the program is FAITH MOUNTAIN. Pending approval by the church council, Holy Trinity will host the VBS closing program on Sunday, July 28 at 10 a.m. Registration forms can be found in this issue of the Visitor.
Vacation Bible School
The planning for Bible School is ongoing, and we will be meeting on Sunday, May 5th at 7PM in the Kurtz Parlor. Committee members are asked to attend, as well as any other interested persons who would like to help plan this year’s Vacation Bible School
Our Music Ministry is LOOKING FOR SONG LEADERS
I’m looking for people who would be interested in helping lead the music at the 8:00 a.m. services. I’m not thinking of an organized choir, but rather a group of people who would stand up front to help lead the singing of the hymns. Please call or e-mail Martie Sprowls, if you’re interested so we can start exploring this (267-5263 or micah68@wpia.net)
“Train Up a Child. . .”
By Eric Tiansay
Children who grow up going to church are likely to keep the faith. That’s the conclusion of a Barna Research Group (BRG) survey that found adults who attended church regularly as children are three times as likely to be churchgoers as adults than are peers who avoided church during childhood.
The BRG survey of 1,003 adults found that of the 71 percent who had regularly attended church as youngsters, 61 percent still went to church regularly. But 78 percent of those who were not churchgoers as children remain absent from churches.
The most shocking finding of the study, though, was the limited impact long-term church attendance has had on Americans’ theological beliefs. The survey revealed that adults from both churched and unchurched backgrounds held similar views-often at odds with biblical teaching - regarding the Holy Spirit, Satan, salvation, the Bible and Jesus.
“People who were churched as youths were much more likely to state that their religious faith is very important in their life today, but there was not much evidence that such faith had made much of an impact on their belief structure,” BRG president George Barna said. The study also discovered that church attendance is declining through the generations, regardless of childhood church experience. But the drop is steeper among adults who did not go to church as a child.
Source: Barna Research Group |
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Multiplying Nonbelievers
A study of religious affiliation has discovered that people who do not adhere to any religion have multiplied nationwide. Released in October by the Graduate center of New York’s City University, the American Religious Identification Survey, 2001, was a follow-up to a survey conducted in 1990. The latest survey found that 52 percent of American adults are Protestant, 24.5 percent are catholic and 14.1 percent are not affiliated with a religion.
The number of adults who identify with a non-Christian religion rose from about 5.8 million to 7.7 million. Perhaps more alarming, researchers found that the number of adults identifying with no religion more than doubled, from 14.3 million (8 percent) in 1990 to 29.4 million (14.1 percent) in 2001, the Associated Press reported.
The study, based on more than 50,000 respondents, found that Protestant and other non-Catholic denominations continue to have the majority of adult adherents - more than 105.4 million - but their proportion dropped from 60 percent in 1990 to 52 percent in 2001.
Source: The Associated Press
Average Attendance - April
2002 2001
Worship 237 232
Sunday school 148 131
Memorial Day
Whether you observe the established date of May 30th, or whether you accept the new Memorial Day date, be sure of one thing. . . pause to remember! This time has been set aside each year as a perpetual remembrance to our departed loved ones - especially those who gave their lives in the service of our country. We must never become so busy that we forget the great sacrifice made for free men everywhere. We bow our head - pause - and give honor to these brave men.
Many others have made the journey of life much more pleasant for us and have now passed from this life. While a lot of these are enjoying the glories of Heaven, we need to pause and thank God for their lives, as well. Quoting from a monument recently seen - “the living present owe a debt to the past.”
In today’s fast-paced world, we must stop to remember and appreciate and rededicate our lives to the principles that so many have lived and died for. Memorial Day weekend will soon be here. Will it be a time of remembrance and rededication to the things that make life worth living...or will it be a time of pleasure and amusement? The decision is ours. God bless those ministers and funeral directors who have made the “crossing-time” a little easier, but only the Lord can really fill the vacant place when a loved one leaves us. Jesus stand on both sides of the River Jordon.
Memorial Day prayer
We remember, O Lord, all those men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country. Do not let us breathe the air of freedom or claim the right to justice or enjoy the privilege of worship without remembering with great gratitude those who gave the last full measure of devotion -- their very lives--for our benefit. May they now know the peace of eternity and the joy of your presence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mother's Day
HONORING OUR MOTHERS
On Sunday, May 12, we will pause in our busy schedules to honor our Mothers. Some may wonder why this is important. So allow me to point us back to the Fourth Commandment of the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Fourth commandment states "Honor your Father and your Mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord our God gives you." Martin Luther explains what this means in the Small Catechism by these words " We are to fear and love God so that we do not despise our parents and superiors nor provoke them to anger, but honor serve, obey, love and esteem them." While this is something we should do on a regular basis , it is important that we also set aside a time to publicly honor our Mothers as well.
While all of us have a calling from God, our mothers and fathers are entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing a child's whole life, their physical, their emotional, their psychological and their spiritual development is under the guidance of Mothers and Fathers. This is an awesome responsibility and yet a very important one if our children are to grow up into Christ who is the source of all life. So on this day we pause to say we recognize the awesome responsibility that Mothers are entrusted to do, and we want you to know we appreciate all you do to help our children grow in the faith and love of God. We also, want you to know that especially this day you are in our prayers that God will give you the wisdom and love you need to nurture the children in a good way. May we all work together to "Train up a child in the way they should go, so they will not depart from it."
WE HOPE ALL OUR MOTHERS HAVE A HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
A Mother's Day Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray my sanity to keep.
For, if some peace I cannot find,
I’m pretty sure I’ll lose my mind.
I pray I find a little quiet
Far from the daily family riot
May I lie back--not have to think
about what they’re stuffing down the sink
Or who they’re with ore where they’re at
and what they’re doing to the cat.
I pray for time to be by myself
(Did something just fall of the shelf?)
To cuddle in my nice soft bed
Some silent moments for goodness sake
(Did I just hear a window break?)
And that I need not cook or clean--
(Well, heck, I’ve got a rightt to dream!)
Yes, now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my wits about me keep.
But as I look around I know
I must’ve lost them long ago.
As seen in St. Matthew’s newsletter, 1991
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OUR CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP IS
SUNDAY, MAY 12 AT 6:30 P.M.
Please spread the word and come experience this refreshing style of worship. We think you will enjoy and be enriched. We have heard from many that this type of worship is very renewing for them. So come be refreshed by the praise music and very relaxing style of reflection on the word. We look forward to seeing you
About Sequanota
Sequanota has dining, sleeping, and meeting space fro groups of 200+. Housing options range from high comfort hotel-style rooms to rustic cabin villages.
Groups from all denominations, as well as from community, business, educational and civic organizations are welcome. For information, call 814-629-6627. Email: sequanota1@aol.com website: www.sequanota.net
CONGRATULATIONS! to those graduating in our church!
Berlin Brothersvalley High School
Elizabeth Adams Rebecca Beachley
Laura Bittner Eric Blubaugh
Josiah Cook Ryan Ferre
Malinda Kirk Angela Moore
Nathan Richards Luke Wagner
Johnson & Wales University
Matthew Kirk
Shippensburg
Missy Miller
May God bless your accomplishments and guide you as you take the next steps on the journey of life.
AS YOU GRADUATE
Treasure your memories, but look forward;
Cherish your friendships, but reach outward;
Learn from the past, but move onward;
Live each day with hope, and climb forward.
Teachers Needed!
During June, July and August, we are looking for Sunday School Teachers and helpers. We’d like you to consider sharing your faith with our youth. Please contact Esther Mowry if you are interested in the elementary age youth, or Dave Marker if you are interested in Jr. & Sr. High youth. Your help makes our Sunday School great. So, please share your time and your faith - our youth depend on us!
Recipe for Sunday School Teacher
To two packages of God-Awareness add one cup of gifts.
Mix a love for learning and a desire to see people Growing in Grace.
Add a touch of “willingness to share” and you have created a Sunday School Teacher.
SYNOD SHORTS
Project 2001 Report - The Global Mission Ministry Team of the Allegheny Synod would like to thank you for your tremendous support of Project 2001, our annual ministry to our companion synod of Kenya. Your generous contributions to assist the KELC and Pangani House in their ministries totaled #13,706 in 2001 and that is great. We pray that you will continue to support this growing ministry in Kenya and that your generous response will allow our sisters and brothers of the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church to do ministry among their people as well. Thank you and watch for details of Project 2002.
Kenya Trip Update - The trip to Kenya by several persons from the Allegheny Synod is still on. The group will be leaving on May 26 and will return on June 12. They will be taking with them as a gift to the Bishop of Kenya a processional cross which was constructed by Jeff and Gary Hoover of Grace Lutheran Church in Curwensville. The Global Mission Team and the synod wish to thank Jeff and Gary for their beautiful gift to the Kenyan synod Bishop.****Please note that Kerrie Broderick, from our congregation, will be with those from our Synod who are visiting Kenya this year. Do keep them in your prayers.
The Prayer Network is an intercessory prayer network of congregations across the U.S. These congregations have agreed to meet for prayer at least once a month and will be receiving prayer requests collected on the ELCA Prayer Website: www.prayingchurch.org As a participating congregation, you’ll receive “Soils of the Heart” which is a six week study of prayer and the primary training manual. Also trainers are available to come and teach about prayer in your congregation and you will get a quarterly newsletter of helpful articles and news from the congregations. If interested, contact Brent Dahlseng at 800-638-3522, ext. 2682. I am certain this will be a very powerful and meaningful journey in faith with sisters and brothers of the church universal.
Youth Ministry Certification School
This certification school for Youth ministry volunteers and professionals is presented by the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.
The 16 day course is being offered over the following dates in 2002 and 2003. It is expected that candidates will attend all dates to earn certification. Dates are: August 19-24, 2002 at Camp Nawakwa, October 18-19, 2002, November 15-16, 2002, January 24-25, 2003, February 21-22, 2003, March 28-29, 2003 at Gettysburg Seminary.
Senior Adult Day
May 22, 2002
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Camp Sequanota, Jennerstown, Pa.
Program: As the Church Year Turns! - The church year “turns” on 3 major cycles: Easter, Christmas and Ordinary Time. Come join us at Sequanota as we explore through Bible Study, Worship and hymns these cycles that shape, form and turn the life of the Church. Bring a Bible (any translation), pencil and wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Weather permitting, a portion of our day will be spent outside.
Leaders: Rev. David Wright,
The Rev. Gretchen Naugle
Ministry recreation, fellowship, lunch and a craft are a part of this day. Cost is $10
Please send $10 and your registration form (forms can be picked up in the church office, 267-5014) to: Sequanota, PO Box 245, Jennerstown, PA 15547 (Phone 814-629-6627)
Thank You to Our Sunday School Leaders
The Sunday School teachers, helpers, piano players, and those who lead the Sunday School opening will be honored on Sunday, May 5th during the Sunday School hour, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Recognition will be given for the Fall-Winter 2001 and Winter-spring 2002 terms. Special music will be provided by nursery through grade 6 children.
A Sad Day for Many
The Sunday School teachers, helpers, piano players, and those who lead the Sunday School opening will be honored on Sunday, May 5th during the Sunday School hour, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Recognition will be given for the Fall-Winter 2001 and Winter-spring 2002 terms. Special music will be provided by nursery through grade 6 children.
It’s The Salvation Army of Somerset County’s Red Shield Campaign
Our goal for Somerset County this year is $15,000. Your contribution can help us continue to provide: Back-to-school supplies for 372 children, Thanksgiving meals for 178 families, Educational scholarships for 8 children, Food, perishables, rent, fuel and lodging for 1,153 people, Christmas gifts for 595 children, gifts for 378 nursing home patients.
Won’t you help your neighbor in need? Your name, address and contribution can be sent to: The Salvation Army Somerset Service Center, P.O. Box 446, Somerset, PA 15501. Phone: 814-445-9232.
FORGIVENESS
is a journey of choice that takes time.
Is a gift we give to ourselves, then to others.
Is a gift, not a deal.
Isn’t pretending that no harm was done.
Isn’t condoning, pardoning or giving up justice.
Isn’t forgetting.
Means we can criticize the offense without hating the offender.
Means refusing to be revictimized.
Lowers our anxiety, decreases our anger and depression, and increases self-esteem, hope, harmony. It restores relationships.
Means life can be redeemed, hope is possible, and change is a real option.
--Taken from The Lutheran.
Jerusalem and our brothers and sisters in the Middle East
Jerusalem and our brothers and sisters in the Middle East
One of the last things Jesus told His disciples before He ascended was that they love each other even as He had loved them. This love our Lord spoke about wasn’t a sentimental love but was a tough love, one that costs something on our part. A love that sends us out beyond the safety of the walls of our church building into a dangerous world.
A Christian Palestinian asked the question: “Where are the Christians of the world? Why aren’t they speaking out for us? Can’t they see how we have been suffering all these years?”
Jews, Arabs, and Christians in the Middle East all recognize Jesus as a great teacher. Imagine what would happen if more of them started practicing His teachings.
Pray that the way to understanding what makes for true peace might be revealed to our brothers and sisters in all of the Middle East, especially in the troubled area of Palestine.
Pray that people everywhere may gain a broader view of the world and come to realize that when someone hurts anywhere we all suffer - When someone’s life is effected anywhere in the world the whole human race is effected. Amen
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Matthew 24 vs. 37
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