RAMBLINGS

Coincidence or not?

by Pastor Glenn Foster

 

Late in June, I needed to do hospital visits in Johnstown and Pittsburgh. I had heard that the patient in Johnstown had to undergo a procedure in the morning, so I decided that it would be better to do the Pittsburgh visit first, which would get me to Johnstown late in the afternoon, long after the procedure was done, and would allow me time to have a nice visit. That was my plan, anyway.

The visit to Pittsburgh that day brought no surprises. I spent most of my time with the wife, as her husband was pretty well locked up in intensive care. But that was OK. I felt that I was giving her much needed support during a most difficult time. I then traveled from Pittsburgh to Johnstown by the most direct route on the map -- Rt. 22. Big mistake. There was a lot of construction on that road, and afternoon rush hour traffic wasn t helping matters. But my music got me through that aggravation. The sounds of Vince Guaraldi (known for his musical scores of the Charlie Brown cartoons) and his jazz piano was just what I needed.

When I got to Johnstown at about 5:00, I saw the patient s family in the intensive care waiting room. They told me that in that morning procedure, they found 4 blockages, and took the patient into surgery to do a quadruple bypass. Now it was a waiting game. So I sat down and visited with the family while we waited. I normally don t get the opportunity to wait with the family like that, but something told me that today I must.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After about 3 1/2 hours, we got word that the surgery went well, and that she was doing fine. They were going to keep her for about an hour in the recovery room, and then we could see her when they brought her back up to intensive care. We were all relieved, and the family dispersed to make phone calls. I felt that this would be a good time to get something to eat, as I hadn t eaten anything since lunch.

Just as I was going toward the elevator, I ran into someone else in the waiting room who looked vaguely familiar. As I asked her how to get to the new cafe, I looked at her with a glance that said I must have seen her before. She looked at me with a similar glance as she told me it was on the 3rd floor. Then I figured it out. It was at an autism support group meeting from last year that I had seen her. I introduced myself and made that connection. She then recognized me, but didn t remember that I was a pastor. I asked her what she was doing here, and she told me that her sister (or sister-in-law) was gravely ill, and that there wasn t much time left. She introduced me to her visibly shaken niece, who was this woman s daughter. We talked for a moment, and she asked me if I would pray with them. I did, and the prayer was a moment of grace for them, as we gathered the strength and faith that God had given us to commend this dear sister to the Lord.

I got home at 11:30 that night, the end of a long 16-hour workday. But I m struck by the fact that if I had followed my original plan, this chance meeting, this moment of grace that I witnessed would have never happened. Was it a chance meeting -- or was God guiding me through this day so that this meeting would take place? I believe it was the latter, and just another example of how God uses our ordinary and everyday lives to provide extraordinary moments of grace for others. I believe that God was guiding me that day, as God guides us all everyday. We need to be able to recognize God s work in and through us. What moments of grace for others has God worked through your lives?

Pastor Glenn

 

Below are the highlights of discussions and actions taken at our June 11, 2002 meeting:

We divided up the names in our directory for the ALSM auxillary membership drive so that each council member had an equal share of names.

We collected up the questions for planning from the presiding Bishop, from those who were present.

We presented the information about the Safe Haven program, however, it was tabled since the council believes more of it members should be present to make a decision about where they go with this program.

We decided that when the endowment fund check comes to us, we will put it in the money market account and decide how to allocate the funds at our August meeting.

We approved the Together in Ministry survey to be placed in the bulletin on August 4 and into the August Newsletter. {See article in this Visitor}

We discussed how we would establish our budget this year, especially in light of our need to communicate with Mt. Tabor and Mt. Carmel concerning Pastor Glenn s salary. We decided that finance committee will meet prior to our August council meeting and bring a recommendation for at least the % increase for Staff salaries to our August meeting.

We discussed that the 10^th grade confirmands will meet with the council at their August meeting and prepared the council for that discussion.

The council adopted a revised confirmation model in response to parent and youth concerns. See article in this Visitor for more details.

We discussed that our ministerium fund is low, as is our disgressionary fund, that means we have to be extra selective in who we can help with gas or food. At least until the endowment fund check is allocated and then hopefully some will be alloted to the disgressionary fund.

We decided that we are willing to help financially, the hosting of the Russian Musical Group.

We discussed the insurance regulations concerning volunteer drivers and decided that we would notify the drivers via and article in the newsletter, periodically. 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 have received the following notice from our insurance carrier.

In situations where an employee s or volunteer car is used for insured activities the owner of the car must carry a minimum liability limits of $100,000 bodily injury per person / $300,000 bodily injury per accident / $100,000 physical damage. This protects you, the insured, for damages up to these limits.

We are led to believe that this is standard for most automobile insurance, however, we believe we should notify you of this announcement from our insurance company.

Any questions or concerns this raises should be directed to your council representative. Thank you for your cooperation in our ministry.

Yours in Christ,

The Church Council

The Anniversary Task Force is inviting you to share some of your memories about the church with us. These could be serious, such as when the church helped you during a crisis, these could also be funny such as when the Pastor put cold water on the baby s head and made the child cry or these could be sentimental such your earliest memories of confirmation or the sanctuary. Whatever memories you have about the church and our ministry we would like to hear and to share those memories with each other in either a special booklet or in a special program at the Borough Building on October 20. So do take some time in the next month and share with us your memories. Send them to Sandy Shober (267-4042) 356 Archery Road, Berlin, PA 15530 or the church office at 507 Main Street, Berlin, PA 15530. Your memories will help make our Anniversary celebration great!

 

[Formerly known as Confirmation]

In response to the youth and parents who expressed concerns over the way we were doing our Catechetical instruction, we have made some changes. Catechetical instruction will now be for youth that are in the 7^th and 8^th grades. It will be done on Sunday morning during Sunday school and will be complemented by devotions to be done in the Family. Thus, it will be important for all 7^th and 8^th grade youth to be regular in your attendance at Sunday school. We also would encourage you to be involved in the church s ministry, we are not counting service points for this involvement, none the less, this does show us your commitment to the church and to our Lord s work in the world.

Pastor Mel will be meeting with Parents and youth to explain these changes as well as to review for you the curriculum and introduce to you the devotional material we hope you will use in the family. He has scheduled to meet with 7^th and 8^th graders and their families on Sunday August 25 following the 10 a.m. worship.

Those youth that will be entering 9^th grade in the Fall, are perhaps wondering what will these changes mean for you. Pastor Mel is developing a transitional plan and has invited you to participate in that plan on Sunday August 11, following the 10 a.m. worship. After those who wish have had an opportunity to share their ideas about the plan, he will present the updated plan to the council on August 13 for their approval.

Whenever we change there is some confusion that will occur. We hope that this explanation will lessen the confusion. For we believe that we have responded to your concerns and on that foundation, have developed the best approach we could to teaching our youth concerning their faith. After you have heard of the changes, if you still have other questions or concerns please contact your council representatives with them. Thank you.

Yours in Christ,

The Church Council

 

On that day we will Kick off our Sunday School Program for the year. With a little home grown talent and some promotional activities, which will then be crowned by a time of fellowship with punch and cookies. So join us for this special day and bring a friend to come be a part of our Sunday School for that day and even perhaps for the rest of the year. For there is Joy in the heart of God when Brethren fellowship and learn together. We ll be looking for you there.

 

In 1777 our ancestors founded our church and we have been doing ministry in this place ever since. Now we are going to celebrate those years of ministry. To do so we are 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.

Food will be served beginning at 5:30, catered by C & R Catering. Entertainment by Mountain Sounds will begin around 7:00 and will be followed by Vespers with Communion.

The menu will include baked chicken, Salisbury steak, parsley potatoes, rigatoni, corn, green beans, salad, rolls and butter, vegetable tray and dip, and drinks. Desserts will be provided by Trinity UCC.

The meal cost for Holy Trinity members and families is being subsidized by the grant we received from AAL/Lutheran Brotherhood especially for this anniversary celebration. Therefore, tickets for Holy Trinity families will cost $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under 12 (Actual meal cost is $5.99 per person).

Tickets will be available starting August 1 from Katie Bell (at the 8:00 a.m. service, Carol Leydig (at the 10 a.m. service), or the church office. Tickets must be purchased before August 28.

 

2. A Home Coming Sunday on September 8, during our regular worship. On that Sunday, we will have only one worship service, following our Sunday School, at 10:40 a.m.

 

3. An Anniversary Service with the Bishop on Sunday, October 20 and a dinner at the Borough Building following. On this Sunday we will rearrange our time so that we will have no 8 a.m. worship, Sunday School will be at 9 a.m. and Worship, which will include communion, will be at 10:15 a.m.

 

The Anniversary Task force has further developed all these events so that they will include some great memories.

In addition, there will be some special mementos, like a Cat s Meow piece of the church & Ornaments that can be purchased (see article in this Visitor).

So mark these dates on your calendars, get out and buy those picnic tickets, and plan to join us for September 7, 8 & October 20; for you are not going to want to miss all the special things as well as special people this celebration will bring!

 

Anyone who is not a member, but wishes to become a member is invited to join us for two orientation sessions. These will be held on October 6 and October 13, following our 10:40 am worship. On those Sundays , our Evangelism Team will prepare a light lunch for those who wish to join us and following that lunch we will share with you about our church.

So that we can adequately prepare for this orientation, we need to know how many will be attending our sessions. So if you or someone you know is planning to come please call the church office by September 30 and let us know who and how many will be joining us. Your cooperation is much appreciated.

We are excited that God has sent us new people who will help us fulfill our ministry in this place and we look forward to welcoming and orientating you to our ministry. We will look forward to seeing you on Sunday October 6 & 13. Until then may God continue to watch over and shepherd you.

 

You are invited to communion at Holy Trinity on: Sunday, August 10 at 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.; August 18 at the 8:00 a.m. service. Please take the time to strengthen your spirit through God s gift of grace.

 

 

Dedicated

In memory of Elsie Saylor by Willa Brown, Rachel Shank, John Saylor, Heidi & Dennis Walker, Eleanor & Bob Brick

 

Endowment Fund

Contribution from Doug & Kathy Bell

 

Memorial Fund

In memory of Louella Maust by Dreyer Cousins, Gale, Irene, Alberta & Jim

 

In memory of Grace Krause (Mother s Day) by Rodney & Carol Crites

 

Scout Project

In memory of John Lichvar by Lucille Lichvar

 

In memory of David M. Bell by Doug & Kathy Bell

 

In honor of the Jolly Quilters by Rich & Deb Cook

 

Contributions from: The Tom Sprowls, Sr. family, Mt. Zion Lutheran Cemetary Assn., AAL/Lutheran Brotherhood S. Somerset Branch, Lawrence & Hazel Brant, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, Geneva McVicker

 

We are looking for addresses of students going off to college and anyone who is away from home and would like to receive the Visitor and other communications from the church. You can call the church office at 267-5014, email us at htelc@wpia.net or drop a postcard in the mail to the church (507 Main St.). Thanks!

 

 

Dear Holy Trinity, Thank you for your participation in our 2002 Mother s Day Carnation Drive. Together we are making differences in the lives of women and in the lives of their babies. God bless you all! -- Jill Harris, Exec. Dir. of Birthright of Somerset, Inc. & Cathy Qualters 2002 Carnation Drive Chairman

 

Dear Friends, 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

 

Dear Crusaders Sunday School Class, Thank you for the very nice graduation card. It was very much appreciated. -- Josiah Cook

 

Thank you for the use of your beautiful Sanctuary for the memorial service for Richard Sheavly -- Mary Wynn & Family

 

Thank you for the many cards and phone calls from my church family and friends. They were truly an inspiration for me. Also, thank you Pastor Glenn for your visits during my stay in the hospital. It was very much appreciated. Thank you all for caring. God Bless You. -- Trudy Baker

 

Since the Summer brings a lot of vacation time and it is hard to find adequate volunteers for the Nursery, we have decided not to assign anyone to the nursery for the 8 a.m. service during August. We hope this is not a hardship for any family. --Yours in Christ, The Church Council

 

 

Birthdays - August

1 Craig Leydig, Charles Maust, Tmara Shaffer

3 Jacob Fullard, Ivy Slope, Russell Webreck

4 Brian Black, Joyce Farrell, Mary Ann Marker,

Sherry Oakes

5 Hope Cober, Russell Countryman, Beth Gillette,

Mariane Lipinski, Luke Wagner

7 Charles Custer, Helen Duppstadt

9 Jessica Ashbrook, Gina Clites, Carol Countryman,

Michael Ohler, Lucinda Sparks

10 Robert Brick, Jorja Croner

11 Don Gardner, Harold Hauger

12 Don Trent

13 Jody Berkey, Courtney Custer, Ruth Ann Holland, Jeff Leydig

14 Mike Amert, Jim Croner, Ella Hittie, Dave Marker

16 Kylie Froehlich

17 Logan McKenzie

18 Brandon Stone

20 Val Hauger

21 Christy Croner, Matthew Pyle, Sue Walker

22 Jane Black, Carol Croner

23 Ron Gindlesperger, Brian Marker

25 Kevin Berkey, Michele Countryman,

Cleo Landis, Bryan Shober

27 Mitchell Black, Sue Etris, Kane McKenzie,

Jeff Moore, Nathan Richards

28 Crystal Custer, Schyler McClucas

29 Kayla Bonus, Debbie Custer, Caitlin Fritzius

30 Blaine Smiley

31 Harold Cober, Nancy Gindlesperger,

Brianna Leydig

 

Our youth will be returning to school on August 26. We at Holy Trinity would like to undergird that return in prayer. So we are inviting all in our community who would like to join us to come for a prayer service for our youth, their families, the teachers and the administrators. For we believe that all things should be begun and continued in prayer. Hope you will join us for this important service.

 

Anniversaries - August

3 Dale & Villa Leslie

4 Tim & Edith Rhoads

5 Chris & Tmara Shaffer

6 Travis & Jeannea Glessner

9 Dave & Jodell Antram

10 Nathan & Sandy Barkley

11 Scott & Lorrie Shaw, Terry & Ruth Ann Holland

12 Woody & Christal Marker

14 Tom & Kathy Hoffman

16 Dan & Melissa Custer

17 Jay & Susan Ferguson

20 William & Nonnie Farber

21 Mel & Mary Jo Kirk

23 Don & Eleanor Cober

28 Bob & Lea McMinn, Mark & Jennifer Gardner

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.

 

Beginning on September 1 until May 25, our worship will be at 8 a.m. & 10:40 a.m. Our Sunday School will be at 9:30 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.

 

During August, we will be looking for Fall 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!

 

 

 

 

Sgt. Justin Gerber has been deployed to Cuba and will be away from his family, including his daughter and new infant son, for a 6 month tour (possibly more). You can help keep his morale up by sending a letter, card or note to him. Send it by regular mail (it takes about 10 days to arrive). Your support is appreciated. Sgt. Justin Gerber, JTF160 571st MP Company, APO AE 09360 email: jtg-trg@yahoo.com

 

Warm, friendly families are needed now to host 15-18 year old Christian foreign exchange students for the coming school year. Students have their own spending money, insurance, and airfare. Families provide room, Board, understanding and love. For complete details call P.E.A.C.E., the ProAmerican educational and cultural exchange at 1-877-577-3590. You may call anytime (even on weekends). Visit our website at www.peace-inc.org or email us at paz@peace-inc.org

 

Car Wash

The Youth Ministry is having a fund-raiser car-wash at Wal Mart on 8/3. We need the help of any youth willing to get wet. The time for the car wash is 11AM-4PM. Contact Lorrie Shaw 267-6541 or Mary Jo Kirk 267-4226 for more information.

 

Workshop

Parents and Youth, The Allegheny Synod Children/Youth/Family ministry committee is sponsoring a workshop on October 12th in Altoona from 10:00 to 4:00 PM. Cost is $15. Learn to make healthy choices about difficult issues-about how we talk, whom we trust and how we behave. In depth discussion with pastors and professionals regarding the ongoing need for improved parent/child communication. Talk about our community s growing drug and alcohol use, and other topics facing you as a parent, youth and as a family. Watch for details.

Lutheran Day at Lakemont Park &

The Island Water Park

Wednesday, August 14, 2002 from 11AM-8PM. Dinner at 6PM. Registration deadline for ride/slide tickets and dinner (Pavillions 7-8) is August 7, 2002. Cost: Adults $6.50, Children 4-10 $5.50, Toddlers 3 and under FREE. Price includes 30 rides, water park, Charbroiled BBQ chicken breast , deli roll, salad, Ziti in Sauce, Ice cream and drinks. Send reservations for ___Adults ___Children ___Toddlers

Name, Address and phone and mail it to: Lutherans at Lakemont Park, 701 Quail Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602

 

Adult Choir

Open to anyone who loves to praise the Lord with music and is willing to help lead our 10:40 worship services! Our first rehearsal will be on Wednesday, August 28. We'll begin promptly at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall. (Please note the time change from last year.)

 

Homecoming Festival Choir

Part of our church anniversary celebration will be Homecoming Sunday on September 8. If you or anyone you know would be interested in joining in on the anthem, please let Martie Sprowls know as soon as possible, so I can send you music and plan a full rehearsal with all participants. Call 267-5263 or mailto:micah68@wpia.net

 

Tongues of Praise (TOP) Choir

I welcome our youth to join us in this choir where we learn more about God's love for us through the songs we prepare for worship. Our first rehearsal will be Monday, September 9 from 3:30 - 4:00.

 

Any questions regarding any of these choirs may be directed to Martie Sprowls at 267-5263 or via e-mail at "mailto:micah68@wpia.net". Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

 

 

 

The Anniversary Task force will begin taking orders for the Cat s Meow anniversary keepsake (wooden) cutout of the church. You can order by using the order sheet on the bulletin board, or by calling Nancy Griffith at 267-3319. Cost is $10 and will be due when the items arrive. Be sure to get your order(s) in, as you won t want to miss having one!

 

Berlin Brothersvalley PTSO has participated in a recycling ink cartridge project for the 2001-02 school year. We have found it to be a very rewarding project. Not only have we helped protect the environment, we have also earned $324.95 this school year, to put back into the school for our students.

We have recently been informed, the program has been expanded to include cell phones. We are really excited about the possibilities this program could provide for our school and the students. We will continue recycling year round and ask your support. Cartridges and cell phones can be dropped off at the elementary office Monday thru Friday *;00 AM to 3PM throughout the summer. If you have a large quantity, we will be happy to make arrangements to have those picked up. You may call the Elementary office at 267-4623.

Please continue to save the box tops, (from which we have received $522.70 this year) and the Campbell s Labels for education, (we have collected and banked over 9,000 for the year). If you have not registered with your Giant Eagle card, please do so for our school. Phone 1-800-74-APPLE or www.gianteagle.com Our ID# is 0075. We have earned a tape player from Giant Eagle this year. We are no longer collecting store receipts of any kind. The store programs have all changed and we no longer use the receipts.

Thank you for a great year and your continued support of our programs. Together we can make a difference.

 

 

 

The E.L.C.A. is being called to prayer at noon. We are encouraged to let the noon hour remind us that it is time to pray for the evangelism strategy of the E.L.C.A. We hope that people of all ages will use this noontime call to prayer as a way to remember that we need the prayerful support of all God s people to be effective in our evangelical outreach.

For tools to focus your prayer, visit www.prayingchurch.org To learn about the Evangelism strategy, go to www.elca.org/visionevangelism