From the Pastor

A message from the Pastor regarding the recent actions of the

             E.L.C.A. Churchwide Assembly in August

 

     Many of you may recall that last summer we gathered to consider, discuss and respond to the proposed Social Statement of our church, “Human Sexuality, Gift and Trust”.

     The majority of the response by those who participated in the discussions indicated the belief that there were some definitely positive comments in the Statement, but there were many others that were troublesome.  Primary among the concerns was that the Statement departs from the traditional Scriptural understanding of marriage as a relationship created by God from the beginning as one between a man and a woman.

Specifically, the Social Statement allows for the rostering (ordaining of pastors, consecrating of diaconal ministers and deaconesses, and commissioning of Associates in ministry) of those who are in same-gender life-long relationships.  This is a change from the long standing position of the church that no one would be rostered who was not living a celibate life-style apart from traditional marriage.  I believe this Statement thus reinterprets the parameters of what constitutes marriage, which is instituted by God.

     The Reformation begun by Martin Luther in the 16^th Century was largely due to his consternation that the Church had departed from a proper understanding of Scripture.  With considerable struggle, he led those who agreed with this concern to a new expression of the Church.  That is our heritage~~ a church founded on Scripture as the Word of God, our center, together with the Christ who is revealed in that Scripture.

While I am concerned that this Social Statement leads us away from our proper understanding of Scripture regarding this important matter, I wish also to commend the positive aspects of the Statement that all people are children of God.  We affirm that we all are loved by our Creator enough to give His Son for all of us, on the cross.

     Martin Luther also made it clear that all of us who follow Jesus are in this life both saint and sinner.  We are redeemed by and belong to God, yet remain sinners until we fully enter God’s Kingdom.  Thus our church should be and must be open to all as we seek to live faithfully and to the glory of God.

    

 

 

 

     Nonetheless, we cannot ignore the crucial reality of this divergence from Scripture. I believe the Church must remain faithful to our understanding of Scripture as the norm for our faith.   Again, as Luther said:  “Sola Scrptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fides”—Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone—these are the cornerstones of Christianity for us.

While the event will occur too late to share the insights gleaned from it in this month’s article, I will be attending the convocation of Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform ) {See more at www.lutherancore.org} September 25-26 near Indianapolis.

     CORE hopes to bring about reform within the ELCA, an endeavor to return us to Biblical faithfulness.

     Let us continue to pray for our Church, our synod, our congregations, our own parish and for our bishops and all who will be leading the discussions and decisions regarding the implementation of the Statement.  Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us in the way most pleasing to our good and gracious God.

 

           Together in Christ,   Pastor April Dailey

 

 

An important message from Pastor April

     Just recently, I received an e-mail warning of a book entitled  “Conversations with God”.  It is being sold in school book clubs.  From what little I was able to see of the book, it is not Biblically based and takes some extreme liberties with the traditional Christian understanding of what God would in fact say, if He were to have a conversation with children such as descried in the book.

     If you are considering purchasing this book, please bear in mind that what this contains does not appear to be what it claims, but someone’s interpretation of what they believe God would say.  I don’t believe most of us would wish our children to believe these are God’s teachings (for example, the book states, among other things,  that there is no such thing as sin—sin is merely a product of people judging one another.  To be sure, as Lutheran Christians, this degrades the purpose of Jesus’ redemptive death on the cross!  Certainly not a teaching we wish to pass on to our young people!

 

 

Associate Pastor’s Corner

How was your week?  Can you name something good that has happened to you or your family or a good friend?

Recently I was doing some reflecting about people I have known through the years.  One particular person I thought of was one who always seemed to have a positive response when I would ask how her week was.  So one day I played the devil and said you mean your arthritis didn’t bother you this past week? Well, she said that pain just lets you know that you are alive.  And then, with a bit of a twinkle in her eyes she said, “And boy was I alive this week!”

This woman had had a difficult life and again and again in our discussions about her life she would refer to her church and how much her faith had enabled her to meet these challenges.  She knew that people not only were praying for her but that they went out of their way to help her and her family. Life was better for her in her later years in spite of some of her old-age physical difficulties.  And in her own way she would always try to pass on the gifts of her faith that others has given to her.

So how was your week?  Were you able to pass along something of your faith to a family member or neighbor?  Maybe you acted more kindly towards someone who didn’t seem to deserve it.  Perhaps you told a child that you loved them and that God loved them too.  So how was your week?

Faithfully,

Pastor Gene

 

 

 

 

Dear CCCLM family,
Greetings from South Carolina!  We have started our last year of seminary, and it looks like it'll be a good one.  We still think of you often and want to thank you again for the gracious and extremely generous send-off you gave us.  We will never forget the outpouring of love we received from you.  You'll be proud to know that our apartment is adorned with Steelers paraphernalia, and Dave proudly waved his Terrible Towel for the first game (which we watched with fellow Steelers fans!).  THANK YOU for a wonderful internship year and for revealing God's love to us in so many ways.  Blessings to you always!
In Christ,         Lauren & Dave Wegner

 

Food Bank            

Food Bank at the Bethel Township Volunteer Fire Department will be held on Tuesday, October 27; beginning at 8:00 AM for those willing to assist with unloading and packing.  Help is greatly appreciated!

 

 

Food Bank Items Needed

Thank you so much to everyone for the marvelous response.  For October, we will be collecting boxed mixes: muffins pancake, cake, and assorted bread mixes and as always food items and monetary donations.  Thank you.

 

 

St. Michael’s Sewing Group 

The St. Michael’s Sewing group will be meeting every Thursday at 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

 

 

WELCA    

WELCA will be meeting at St. Michael’s the second Wednesday of each month at 10 AM.  Please bring a lunch.  ALL women of the parish are welcome to join us.  Even if you don’t sew, there are many tasks to be done—cutting patches, knotting, turning material, etc.

 

Brick Church Homemakers

The Brick Church Homemakers meet the third Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at St. Michael’s, 10 AM.  Please join us.  All women are welcome!

 

Joint Reformation Service

There will be a joint Reformation Service for CCCLM, Spring Church Lutheran Church, and Elderton parish at Spring Church Lutheran Church in Apollo, on Sunday, October 25, 10 AM.  Spring Church Lutheran Church is planning to have light refreshments following the service (no covered dish). (There will be NO OTHER worship services that day at the churches.)

                                              

If you are aware of a serviceperson in the military, most especially those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, please submit their name, where they are serving, branch of service, and their relationship to you, and if possible, their addresses, to the parish office, for inclusion in the prayers. 

 

We pray especially for Brian Lambing-serving with the Air Force in the Continental US (cousin of Cyndi Huth, St. Michael’s), Greg Crites, Heath Johns (son of Janet Barnes, Bethel), John Cunningham-serving with the Air Force in Florida (cousin of Cyndi Huth, St. Michael’s), Shannan Bryan (friend of Pat Rearick, St. Michael’s), Ronald Walker (Pastor April and Mark’s nephew’s father-in-law), Kevin Smith, Thomas Groendal-serving with the Army National Guard in Iraq (cousin of Cyndi Huth, St. Michael’s), Dominic Perrotte III-serving with the Army in Iraq (son-in-law of Vicky and Dave Kunkle, St. Michael’s), Christopher Daugherty (friend of Mary Ann Flickinger, St. Michael’s),  LeAnn Mechling-serving in Iraq (granddaughter of Shirley and Darrell Mechling,United Rockville), and Scott Cressley (relative of the Headley Family, St. Michael’s).

 

If you are aware of the relationship of any of the soldiers to members of the parish, please let us know.

 

 

Welcome home to Brian Carpenzano, grandson of Karl and Shirley Kostelansky, who returned home safely from Iraq!  Welcome home, also, to Aaron Hooks and Alpha Company!!

 

 

You can support our troops by sending cards and letters.

 

SGT PERROTTE, DOMINIC

18TH ENG/296 BSB

FOB WARHORSE

APO AE 09336

 

 

 

 

 

Soldiers’ Memorial                    

The Historical Society is in the early planning stages of a Soldiers’ memorial in Burrell Township.  The plan is to include all Soldiers who have served their country during peacetime or war.  The Soldier must have resided in Burrell Township at the time of their service.  If you know of any Soldiers, please list the soldier’s name, rank, branch of service, the date they served, and who submitted it.  You can drop off the information at the Burrell Township office.

 

 

Military Support Group

A group is being formed to help those who have family members who are in the military, especially those whose family member is deployed overseas, or those in the military who have returned and are in special need.  The first meeting of this group will be at Christ Lutheran Church, Gastown, 7 PM on Tuesday, October 20.  For more details, contact Pastor Joyce Dix-Weiers at: 724-354-2368.

 

 

Church Bulletin Prayer list

If there is a name on the prayer list in the bulletin that needs removed for whatever reason, please let the Parish office know.  Thank you.

 

 

Pre-arranging your funeral

If you would like to be a help to your family at a difficult time, there are forms available at each church to express your preferences for your funeral/memorial service.  Please return them to Pastor April, Vicar Lauren, or the Parish Office.  Call the office if you would like a form mailed to your home. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CCCLM Website         

Have you visited our website recently? {www.lutheransonline.co/ccclm}  Seen the new pictures under “events”?  A special word of thanks to Jamie McKee Gray for adding the photos to the website regularly.

 

 

For Bethel and Parks Township residents          

Bethel Council recommends checking with your insurance agent to see if you are eligible for a discount due to the installation of municipal water and fire hydrants.

 

 

Fall Weiner Roast and Hayride at United Rockville

There will be a weiner roast and hayride at United Rockville on Saturday, October 24th, 6 PM.  Hot dogs, s'mores and drinks provided - all you need is your lawn chair.  Come enjoy an evening of fellowship around the fire. 

 

 

Confirmation Class

Confirmation class will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Monday, October 5 and 19, 6:30-8:00 PM.

 

 

Act Boldly in Body, Mind, & Spirit

All Women are invited to Fall Cluster # 3 on Saturday, October 10, 2009, 9 AM – 2 PM at Spring Church Lutheran Church (3623 Lutheran Church Road, Apollo, PA 15613)  Call for reservations to Helen Flickinger by October 4, 2009 (724-567-7610).  Sponsored by the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Biloxi Mission Trip

There will be a meeting at Christ Lutheran Church on Thursday, October 8, 7:00 PM about the mission trip to Biloxi.

 

 

 

 

 

Harvest Home Sunday

Harvest Home Sunday will be on October 11 and 18.  Please bring your home canned items for decoration. There will be a special monetary offering intended for the food bank.  For United Rockville, please bring your canned items to the church by 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 10.  Please mark your item.  Thank you.

 

 

For 3CKids, youth and all interested

A trip is being planned to go to the Corn Maze at Reeger’s Farm off of Route 422 on Sunday, October 11, 2 PM.  Those who wish to carpool should meet at St. Michael’s, 1:30 PM. Others may meet at Reeger’s at 2 PM.  To ride the wagon and to go through the maze, it is approximately $1.00 per part.  Snacks and drinks are sold there.

 

Christian Ed. Planning Meeting

There will be a meeting at Bethel to plan the Christmas Program on Thursday, October 15 at 7 PM.

 

 

CCCLM Sunday School Rally Day Carnival of Caring

Sunday School Rally Day will be held on Sunday, October 4, starting at St. Michael’s, 1 PM.  There will be fun for all!  Come play your favorite carnival game, enjoy hot dogs and nachos and other treats!  And help raise funds for WORLD HUNGER at the same time!  Bring your COINS; your LOOSE CHANGE (& of course we will accept donations of the paper kind!  Look for the kettles in the Narthex.)  All money will go to world hunger projects, such —($10 for a mosquito net, $50 for a goat, $10 for fruit tree seeds, etc. etc.) and other similar projects.  EVERYONE is welcome!  Kids will begin with a brief lesson in the social room, and then activities and food will be in the pavilion.  (There will be a free will donation.)  Come join in a day of fellowship, fun, and help someone in need.

 

The Rally Day Carnival set-up at St. Michael’s will be at 10 AM.  Please save and bring any odd dishes, glasses, cups, mugs, bowls, etc. for the kids to use at the Rally Day Carnival of caring (bring to each church before October 4!  Also, if anyone would be willing to make a dozen or two of cookies to contribute to the carnival, please let Pastor April know.  Thank you.

 

 

Confirmation Class

Confirmation class will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Monday, October 5 and 19, 6:30-8:00 PM.

 

 

Study God’s Word this Fall!

We will begin a study of the vitally important book of Romans in October.  Join the "Lunch Bunch" October 8 and 22 , 11 AM - approximately 1 PM, bring a brown bag and join in as we consider what is one of the most important books of Scripture in shaping our faith, most especially as Lutherans.

 

 

 

Don’t forget to change your clocks          

Daylight Saving time ends on Sunday, November 1.  Don’t forget to change your clocks the night before.  Set them back one hour and also, don’t forget to change your batteries in your smoke alarms.

 

Sharing the peace in Worship
For those who may be concerned about germs during the flu season, if you wish to share the peace but not shake hands, simply cross your hands in front of you and say the same words you would normally, such as “Peace be with you”, “the Peace of the Lord...”, etc.

Sharing the warmth of God’s Love

The Evangelism committee for CCCLM invites you to clean your closets and help someone else this Fall!  If you have any coats, jackets or warm sweaters (men’s, women’s, children’s) that you no longer need for whatever reason, please bring it to church!  Please be sure it is gently used, clean and without broken zippers, missing buttons, etc.  You can bring it anytime—there will be a designated area on a coat rack in each church marked “Food Bank”.  Please put a note on the hanger “Food Bank” so we will know it is to be donated for that purpose.  If you do not have a spare hanger, there will be some empty ones on the designated coat racks. Please hang the coat, jacket or sweater there by November 15.  Thank you for your help—your abundance might fill someone else’s need.

 

October Bulletin Notices about Lutheran SeniorLife

Lutheran SeniorLife is our partner in ministry with the ELCA. During the month of October Lutheran SeniorLife is asking your prayers and financial support through the Calendar of Causes. With more than 1,200 elders in the caring communities of Passavant Retirement Community, St. John Specialty Care Center, LIFE programs in Beaver and Butler Counties and the Commons at Stonebrook Village in McCandless, your support will strengthen Lutheran SeniorLife's mission to serve elders intending that recipients experience a more Abundant Life  regardless of their physical condition or financial circumstances.

"A very present help in trouble." Psalm 46

 

 

We are in need of altar flower donations for this year.  The cost is $30.00 for two altar vases or $25.00 for a single arrangement.  Make checks to

T & J’s florist.  If you have any questions, see Shirley Claypool at St. Michael’s, Jo An Brown at Bethel and Kathy Mechling at United Rockville.  Thank you!   

 

 

St. Michael’s Patty Minich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . …. …Family Pine, Elderton Ruth Claypool . . . . . . . ……Brookview Country Manor, Creekside Clifford Davis . . . . . . . .…....Pine View Personal Care, Vandergrift Lois Riggle………………….Pine View Personal Care, Vandergrift  Ernie Riggle………………...Pine View Personal Care, Vandergrift Eugene Schaeffer………...c/o Jeanne Dauberspeck, RD 3 Box 529,                                                                                            Kittanning    Bethel Evelyn Peppler……………………..Sugar Creek NH, Worthington Grace Mansfield  . . . . . . . . . . . …. . Sugar Creek NH, Worthington Grace Risher………………... ..…………. . . . .  Concordia Homes,                                    160 Marwood Rd., Apt. 3221, Bldg. 6, Cabot Sue Bringer…………Armstrong County Health Center, Kittanning               At Home St. Michael’s                        Bethel                      United Rockville Alberta Schaeffer                  John Bringer            Gladys Yount Chuck Shupe                         Glenn Schaeffer      Goldie Miller                                                                                          Mary Ann Wright                                                                                                                                                               Alfred Beer

 

 

Submitting Echo Information

Please submit all articles and information by the 15^th of the month prior.

August Financial Reports

                               Beg. Bal.       Income         Expenses    Ending                                                                                                Balance

United Rockville    N/A

Bethel                         $5,301.24      $4,239.06     $4,956.58   $4,583.72

St. Michael’s          $2,825.17      $6,288.97     $6,449.47   $ 275.71

Full Reports are submitted in the Parish Echo Quarterly.

 

 

Pastor’s Report to Council                       September 2009

1.  Continuing Ed., etc. --- I will not be attending the Fall Spiritual

     retreat on September 13-16, but will be attending the Lutheran CORE

     convocation near Indianapolis on September 25-26.  I will be away

     September 27, but that is the Fall Festival. Cochran’s Mills Methodist

     Church is in charge of worship that day, so my absence will not

     require a supply/replacement.

2.  Worship and Music Committee met recently and recommended:

a)      We switch to LBW setting 1 ( we are currently using LBW setting 2 ) at the beginning of Advent this year.

b)      We will have the Parish services:

Thanksgiving service—November 24 at St. Michael’s

Advent event—December 6 at United Rockville

Healing service--January 17, snow date on January 24 at Bethel

c)      We will follow our customary pattern for Christmas eve

Bethel at 3:00 PM, United Rockville at 7:00 PM, St. Michael’s at 10:00 PM

d)     We will use the service of Lessons and Carols on January 3, 2010—the 2^nd Sunday after Christmas.

e)      We will observe various minor and major festivals throughout the year, with communion for all at each of those services (upcoming –September 20- St. Matthew; October 18-.St. Luke; November 1- All saints’; November 22- Christ the King)

f)       We will participate in a joint worship service with the Elderton Parish and Spring Church for Reformation Sunday, followed by a covered dish luncheon.

g)      Harvest Home may be celebrated October 11 and 18  {how do we wish to designate Harvest Home offerings??—Food Bank??}

3.  Christian Education committee—Rally day for Sunday school will

     be October 4 at 1 PM—open to all kids and adults—hot dogs and

     other refreshments will be served. It will be a “carnival of giving” with

     games intended to raise funds for World Hunger.  People will be

     encouraged to give change (and cash if they want) in kettles at church

     sanctuary doors for next few weeks.  All money will go to World

     Hunger. Kids will use coins to play games.  We are meeting again

     September 15 to finalize plans and discuss other fall education plans.

4.  Synod/Candidacy committee—I have been asked to go to Lutheran

     Theological Southern Seminary October 28-29 for an Endorsement

     panel {costs will be from synod}.  Will be attending a regular meeting

     in Pittsburgh October  9 -10 (Friday-Saturday).

5. “Lutherans Alive”—I have been asked to be interviewed on

     September 22 for a segment of the TV show that will air later—

     regarding where CCCLM is 6 years later—I was interviewed in 2003

     shortly after being called here.

6. Pastoral Acts

Funeral:      Jacob Merle Claypool, United Rockville, September 1

                   Jeanette Shellhammer, Bethel, September 12

Baptisms:   Julie Shaeffer, St. Michael’s, September 13

       Gavin Nixon, United Rockville, September 20

First Communion: Julie Shaeffer, St. Michael’s, September 13

 

Pastor Gene Stuckey’s Pastoral Acts:

            Wedding:   Richard Hauser and Sarah Dixon, United Rockville,                         September 26 

 

 

United Rockville Council Meeting              August 4, 2009

     Members Present were Jim Hankey, Shaun Wright, Holly Baker, Shirley Sheasley, Vicar Lauren Wegner, Pastor April Dailey, and Kathy Mechling.  Absent was Ken Martin. 

     Pastor April Dailey opened the meeting with a reading on The Gospel of John from the Writing "Breaking of the Bread".

     The secretary's Report was read over by the council members with the correction from the July report.  Ken Martin made the second to the motion for adjournment, instead of Jim Hankey. Shaun Wright made the motion to accept the minutes with corrections made.  It was seconded by Shirley Sheasley.  Motion carried.

 

Treasurers Reports: 

·         All was reviewed with a motion by Shaun Wright to accept the reports.  It was seconded by Jim Hankey.  Motion carried.

Vicar’s Lauren Wegner’s Report

• Worship and Preaching: Led worship in the alternate church from Pastor April.  Assisted Pastor April in the wedding of Amy Shellhammer and Josh Maszgay July 11, 2009.  Organized, led, and preached at the Bluegrass worship on July 26, 2009. There was a turnout of 80 people.  Led Monday morning prayer service. And revised the prayer of the people each sunday.
• Pastoral care: Visited the homebound of the parish and also visited the members who were in any kind of particular need.
• Christian Education: Attended “Lunch Bunch” Bible Study.  Taught Lutheranism 101 course on Wednesday evenings at United Rockville, with the last class being on July 29, 2009.  Worked with Christine Whiteman, Holly Baker, and Pastor April to plan the Funday at United Rockville on July 22, 2009.  The children experienced an interactive lesson on the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt to Israel, made crafts, and enjoyed a campfire complete with smores and songs.
• Youth and Family Ministry: Spent time with some of the children who have lost a loved one. (dubbed) "Vicar Lauren's Ice Cream Ministry".  Pastor April and Vicar will be taking a trip to Idlewild Park with the SMBRATs on August 7, 2009.

·         Fellowship: The Christmas in July picnic at United Rockville on July 12, 2009.

·         Community/Cluster: Attended pericope group.  Joined with Pastor and several members of our parish for a conference meeting with area congregations at Spring Church Lutheran Church on July 8, 2009. 

·         Pertaining to Internship/Continuing Education: Dave and Lauren hosted the Intern Committee at the Vicarage for potluck dinner on July 23, 2009.  Lauren is currently working on her Final Evaluation of Internship, Internship Project Report, and the Approval essay required for all senior seminarians.

Upcoming: Funday at Bethel on August 12, 2009 at 11:00 AM.   Lauren thanked the council for there leadership and faithfulness to God's church. Her last day will be August 16, 2009.

Old Business:

·         There was a discussion on projects for Thrivent monies.  We will need to advertise to receive these funds.

• There is to be five baptisms on Sunday.

New Business:

·         Holly Baker brought to the attention of the council pertaining to the church insurance policy.  Will contact the agent as there has been the addition of the pavilion and the distance of the Shott's and St. John's cemeteries.

·         Kathy Mechling reported there have been some stones at the Shott's cemetery moved and toppled from the foundation.

Shirley Sheasley made motion for adjournment, seconded by Shaun Wright. Motion carried.

     Next United Rockville Council Meeting will be held on September 1, 2009.  The next CCCLM Meeting will be held on August 17, 2009

Secretary Kathleen Mechling

 

 

United Rockville Council Meeting             September l, 2009

     Members present were Shaun Wright, Jim Hankey, Holly Baker, Shirley Sheasley, Ken Martin, Pastor April Dailey, Kathy Mechling, and a guest, Carol Bost, from Church Mutual.

     Pastor Dailey opened the meeting with a reading from "Rule for a New Brother".

Secretary's Report: The secretary’s report was read over and with corrections made from the August meeting of Ashton Lightner and Curtis Fisher’s names and Pastor Stuckey’s name is Gene instead of Eugene.  Jim Hankey made the motion to accept the minutes with corrections. It was seconded by Ken Martin.  Motion carried.
Treasurer's report: The treasurer’s report was reviewed and a motion by Shirley Sheasley and Ken Martin to accept.  Motion carried.

Old Business: Kathy Mechling reported that a very noticeable leak in the storage room following the heavy rains in prior months.

New Business:

• We need to apply a sealant to the pavilion benches.  We will call and get a group together.
• The United Rockville Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009.
• There will be a Hayride and Weiner Roast on Saturday, October 24, 2009.
• The gas problem has been repaired. There was a crusting at the calcium line.
• Carol Bost from Church Mutual came and went over the church's insurance policy.  Concern's pertaining to the other cemeteries that are apart from the church building and the new addition of the pavilion was addressed. She will get back to us with the additional cost.

     Shirley Sheasley made the motion for adjournment.  It was seconded by Shaun Wright.  Motion carried.

     The next United Rockville Council Meeting will be held on October 6, 2009.  The next CCCLM Meeting will be held on September 28, 2009.

Secretary Kathleen Mechling

 

 

Bethel Council Meeting Minutes                     August 6, 2009

     Present were Allen Mansfield, Ken Crail, Mike Polka, Pastor April, Jo-an Brown, Judy Serafine, Mark Dailey, and Vicar Lauren.

     Pastor April opened with devotions and prayer.

     Minutes from the previous meeting were read.  A motion made by

Jo-an to accept the minutes and seconded by Mark.

     Pastor and Vicar's reports were reviewed, including discussion of meeting with Pastor Gene Stuckey, the new part-time pastor that the parish council will be meeting with soon. A motion was made by Allen to accept these reports. It was seconded by Judy.

     Financial Reports were reviewed. It was noted that the investments have shown improvement. A motion was made to accept the reports by Judy and seconded by Jo-an.

Old Business:

• Cliff Cuddy has been busy lately and plans to paint the Church's front door within a few weeks.

• Dwayne Petras will be called to schedule the ditch for the water.
•  Mike will be getting the gas line dug as well.
• Ken has been working on the carillon and had to have the remote control repaired which allows him to operate the music at the end of the worship service.
• The table fund still needs more donations. There is a need for another table in the Sunday School area that is broken and needs replaced.

New Business:

• It is noted that the carpet has some stains in the basement. It has never been cleaned so all in agreement that once the tables are picked up and before new ones are delivered, the carpet should be cleaned.
• Ken reported that one of the dehumidifiers isn't working again, that the lights outside are tripping a circuit breaker and that one of the portable fans needs repaired. He will continue to work on these.

     The next meeting is scheduled for September 3^rd at 7 PM. The meeting adjourned with a motion by Judy and seconded by Jo-an and all prayed the Lord's Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,   Judy Serafine Secretary

 

 

Bethel Council Meeting Minutes     September 3, 2009

     Present were Norma Myers, Allen Mansfield, Judy Serafine, Mark Dailey, Ken Crail, and Pastor April. 

     Devotions and prayer by Pastor opened the meeting.

     Minutes from previous meeting were reviewed.   A motion made by Allen to accept the minutes and seconded by Norma.

     Pastor reviewed her report and activities for the last month.

Financial Reports were also reviewed including the water fund/expense line which has been utilized with the new water being hooked up into the church.  With no further discussion, a motion was made by Judy to accept the Pastor's and Financial Reports with a second motion being made by Allen.  All were in favor.

Old Business:

• With the water line being installed, the parking lot has been paved and will be ready to drive on by Sunday.  Signs will need to be designed for the warning to large trucks not to use our parking lot.  All agreed to table this discussion until Mike Polka is available.  A special thanks to all those who helped with the gas line replacement.
• Ken reported that the carillon is now playing between Sunday School and the call to worship, as well as right after Church.  To have the audio come thru into the Church, a wire has to go thru the amplifier so advised not to turn off the switch on the altar until most members have gone.
• The dehumidifiers are acting up, again.  One is working fine but Ken reports that the other one only worked for a week.  He feels that a replacement part of approximately $43.00 plus S & H will correct this if he can't get it to work again.  A motion was made by Judy to proceed with this and seconded by Norma.
• Discussed the basement carpet being cleaned after the tables are removed and before new ones are purchased.  Pastor April received an estimate from F & M out of Indiana who has been used by the other Churches.  A motion was made by Allen to proceed and seconded by Judy.

New Business:

• Pastor read a letter from the DEP regarding a notice that they have applied for a permit for underground coal mining in the area.  She will file this accordingly. 
• Ken reported that the letters on the outside bulletin board are very fragile and not holding up due to the heat and weather.  We may need to do a Thrivent project to help with the costs of possibly redoing the board as one side is not holding up due to the constant sunlight.  Ken will research this further.
• Allen has offered to work on the window wells on the one side of the Church that need replaced. 

     With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Judy to adjourn and seconded by Norma.  The next meeting will be held on October 1, 2009 at 7 PM.  All prayed the Lord's prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Judy Serafine, Council Secretary

 

 

Subject: "RECALL NOTICE"

     The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
     This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in subsequent units.
     This defect has been termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality" or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction

2. Foul vocal emissions

3. Amnesia of origin

4. Lack of peace and joy

5. Selfish or violent behavior (includes theft and murder)

6. Depression or confusion in the mental component

7. Fearfulness

8. Idolatry

9. Rebellion

     The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
     The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
     The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R
     Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self Control

Please see the operating manual......THE B.I.B.L.E. ( Believer's Instructions Before Leaving Earth ) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranty ties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
Thank you for your attention,  GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'.

Newsnotes

Many thanks to Reed Schaeffer for creating the "fix" for the problematic door stopper at St. Michael’s recently…. And to Joe and Mary Ethel Miller, Holly, Brian and Colton Baker, Mary Polof, Jim Hankey, Julie Baker, Shirley Sheasley, George Mechling and all who helped put the sealant on the United Rockville picnic tables and benches….Thanks to Tim Aretz and all who set up the pavilion and those who helped clean up after the St. Michael’s Outdoor service…. Thanks to Mark Dailey for putting the pavilion play equipment away at St. Michael’s….Thanks to Ken Crail for arranging for the carillon music to go through the indoor speakers at Bethel, to Mike Polka, John Schaeffer, Allen Mansfield, Ken Crail and all who helped with the preparation for the recent parking lot paving at Bethel…. Last month we welcomed Julie Ann Shaeffer (St. Michael’s) and Gavin Nixon (United Rockville) into the Lord’s Family through Holy Baptism.  We, also, welcomed Julie Ann Shaeffer to the Lord ’s Table with First Holy Communion….Thanks to Ken Crail for his repairs to the dehumidifiers at Bethel and thanks to Jim Hankey for meeting the organ repairman at United Rockville…. Recently hospitalized (please keep them in your prayers) Bill Schall, Neal Stitt, Joe Polka, Betty Woodside, Lori Robinson, and Ernie Riggle….Our thoughts and prayers surround the families of Earla Claypool upon the death of her husband, Merle Claypool and to the family Jeannette Shellhammer and to the family of Emil Morhac, brother-in-law of Oddie Morhac who all passed from this life-to-life eternal….Sympathies to the families of Vanessa Nickzad and Jason Daugherty who passed from this life-to-life eternal, so tragically…. Thanks to all who helped at the funeral service and meal at Bethel for Jeannette Shellhammer: Clare and Ken Crail, Jo-an Brown, Norma Myers, Don and Eleanor Shellhammer, Beryl Rosenberger, Laretta Cline, Wanda Riggle, Karen Polka, Tom Myers and all others who helped….Many thanks to all who helped with Merle Claypool’s funeral dinner at United Rockville: Mary Ethel Miller, Annabelle Warner, Joyce Smail, Shirley Sheasley, Anna Marie Heilman, Connie Wright, Kathy Mechling, Lynn Ramstad, and Holly Baker….Ken Martin wishes to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during his recent hospitalizations….And Kathleen Claypool would like to thank everyone for the prayers and thank Pastor April and the former Vicar, Lauren Wegner, for visiting her while she was sick….Thanks to John Schaeffer, Mike and Josh Polka for helping with repairs to the Bethel gas line…. Many thanks to the “Knotty Ladies” for making the coin purses and award ribbons for the Carnival of Caring Rally Day event….Happy Birthday to Mary Stuchell who will be celebrating her birthday on October 24.  You can send her birthday wishes to 1109 Stuchell Road, Leechburg, PA 15656.  And Happy birthday to Gladys Yount who will be celebrating her birthday on October 27.  You can send her birthday wishes to RD 1 Box 65 A, Ford City, PA 16226….Thanks to Tom and Norma Myers for donating the new outdoor carpet for the Bethel front door….Many thanks to Paula Aretz for creating the beautiful new Fall altar arrangements….

 

MOSES,  THE  PARSONAGE  FISH

 

    Hi, folks, well, it must be Fall, because that’s what the leaves outside my window are doing!

     Then, there’s events this month like the United Rockville “Fall” Festival; there’s a hayride and hot dog roast—sounds quite autumnal to me! J The change of seasons is fine with me, as long as I get to watch from inside in my cozy front window!

     Well, I hear that there’ve been some interesting doings in these parts lately.  Don’t forget to ask Earla Claypool about her runaway cantaloupe—yes, flying fruit!  I guess it had rolled from her grocery bag and was waiting for her to open the hatch on her Jeep in her very slanted driveway, and wellllllll, let’s just say if it had been jet-propelled it couldn’t have gone much faster or farther.  That little old melon rolled out of her car and started down the driveway, picking up speed as it went, right across Garretts Run Road.  Last I heard, it had been seen somewhere in Kittanning Township—beware!  It may still be rolling!! J

     Word is Dorothy Lookabaugh is putting together a book of interesting and funny, and occasionally true stories from Burrell Township.  I wonder if she‘ll write about CCCLM’s delightful mascot who has been a Burrell Township resident for 6 ½ years now?  Me!! Moses! Of course!! J

    Late last month, the youth had a hot dog roast and made s’mores over the fire.  Smart kids—cooking hot dogs, not poor little old fish!  I hear they have some other fun things planned for Fall—guess we’ll have to wait and see!

    I hope you’re looking forward to the Rally Day Carnival of Caring on October 4th.  I know I am—there’s a fish pond, but with plastic fish and ducks— now, that’s the right idea!!!

 

       Until next month, your friend, Moses