2013 december-january 2014 newsletter

8/13/2019 2013 December-January 2014 Newsletter

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St. Mark Lutheran Church 141 Kruger St., Wheeling, WV 304-242-3466

R. Paul Schafer, Pastor Leslie Garrett, Organist/Dir. Of Music Grace Kennedy, Secretary Amy Hinkelman, Dir. Youth/Christian Ed.

VOL. XVIV, NO. 12 DECEMBER 2013 & January 2014 E-Mail: [email protected] www.stmarkwheeling.org

OUR MISSION: As disciples of Christ, St. Mark ministers that all may know the joy of Christ’slove through ministries of Welcoming, Growing, and Caring.

ST. MARK CROSSINGS

A SUFFERING AND VULNERABLE GOD

Just a few weeks ago, St. Mark concluded a wonderful Bible Study series titled: “Reconciliation, TheCalling, Task, and Challenge in the Church and in the World”. The study featured two excellent pre-senters on video. The first presenter was Mr. Ted Kober who is President of an organization called,“Ambassadors of Reconciliation.” The second presenter for the series was Dr. Charles Amjad-Aliwho is the Martin Luther King Jr. Professor for Justice and Christian living at Luther Seminary in St.Paul, Minnesota. As I reflected back on this study series, it struck me that reconciliation is perhaps thekey concept of Christianity. Consider these words from St. Paul in 2nd Corinthians:

“ So, if anyone is in Christ there is a new creation; everything old

has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from

God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us

the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them,

and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.”

(2 Corinthians 5:17 -19)

Reconciliation is clearly central in Paul’s understanding of the Gospel (the Good News of Jesus Christ). And he tells us here that our calling as a Christian com-

munity is to take up the ministry of reconciliation. But what does this mean? What does it mean forus, as Jesus’ disciples, to be about the ministry of reconciliation? What does it mean for us to be en-trusted with the message of reconciliation?

Certainly it does NOT mean the following: It does not mean threatening people with a “believe orelse!” kind of message. It also does not mean insisting that the Christian religion have a place of dom-inance or superiority in our larger culture. This Christian dominance idea is the viewpoint of those inthe Christian community today who are fighting a “war” against the so-called war on Christmas.Wishing our Jewish and other non-Christian neighbors a “Merry Christmas” instead of a “Happy Holi-day” is, ironically, not the truly Christian thing to do. So, then, what does it mean for us to be peoplecarrying out the ministry of reconciliation today?

(continued on page 2)



CROSSINGS 2 2

(continued from page 1) During the study series I mentioned above, Charles Amjad-Ali reflected on his journey to the Christianfaith. Raised in Pakistan, Ali’s father had a Muslim background and his mother had a Hindu back-ground. While studying in Europe, he became a Christian. Why did he become a Christian? He gaveone answer: that Christianity presents a suffering and vulnerable God. In Christianity, God comes to

us in the manger – a dirty place of suffering and vulnerability.

And, in Christ, God even dies with us and for us on a cross at Golgotha, the place of the skull. Ali re-minded us, then, that the ministry of reconciliation, which is God's ministry entrusted to us, must becarried out not from a position of dominance and superiority, but from a position of vulnerability andsuffering. We properly represent or (represent) Christ when we approach others through sufferinglove….when we die to our need for superiority and dominance and take up the cross and follow Christas ambassadors of his reconciling presence and purpose. Let this, indeed, be our attitude this Adventand Christmas season and beyond. Amen.

THE SOJOURNERS PAGE

Sojourners Magazine is an important monthly publication which reflects on the current issues of ourtimes from a faith- based perspective. In the December 2013 issue, the magazine focuses on the issue ofviolence in our society one year after the tragic event at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown,Connecticut. A number of important theologians and leaders in the faith community offer their insightsincluding Walter Brueggemann, Joan Chittister, Lisa Sharon Harper, Cherie Ryans, Brian Doyle, Shel-ley Douglass, Richard Rohr, and Anne Howard. One brief article by Shane Claiborne is summarized below. (Shane Claiborne spoke at the most recent ELCA Church-wide Youth Gathering in New Orle-ans. He is the co-founder of “The Simple Way” community in Philadelphia)

In his article, Claiborne notes that last year as the Advent and Christmas seasons were unfolding manymoms and dads were dealing with the agony of their little ones having been murdered. He notes that aswe reflect on the Christmas season we remember that “Jesus entered the world in a posture of absolutevulnerability – an unarmed, innocent child during a time of tremendous violence.” Claiborne goes on toask what Jesus, the Prince of Peace, would have to say to a nation where the following facts are true: *More than 10,000 die from gun-related homicides each year in the U.S. That’s the equivalent of oneSandy Hook massacre every day. (The U.S. also has more than 3 times the gun related deaths each year per capita as the next worst non-third-world country)

*There are nearly 90 guns for every 100 civilians in our nation which makes us the most heavily armedsociety in the world.

*After car accidents, gun violence is the leading cause of death for our youth.

Claiborne goes on to say; “everything in our world, just as in Jesus’ time, argues that we must use vio-lence to protect the innocent from violence – the very thing Jesus came to help us un-learn through hisnon-violent life, death on the cross, and resurrection. Jesus was a violence interrupter. He interruptedthe myth of redemptive violence…the troubling assumption that we can use violence to get rid of vio-lence. He also told his followers to be holy interrupters.”

(Continued on page 3

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Claiborne then goes on to describe the ministry of “RAWtools” which is a group of Mennonite black-smiths who melt down donated guns to make garden tools out of them. This group of violence inter-rupters has taken their inspiration from the prophet Isaiah’s vision of “beating swords into plowsharesand spears into pruning hooks.” The term RAWtools comes from the idea of turning war backwardand forging peace.

Claiborne notes: “There is something special about seeing the transformation happen before youreyes, about hearing the sound of the forge, the white heat and sparks, the pounding of metal. Some-thing therapeutic happens when you take a hammer to the barrel of a gun.” Claiborne’s article is agood piece to inspire us all to be violence interrupters in our daily lives.

APPALACHIAN OUTREACH

CHRISTMAS BOXES

During the months of September andOctober, St. Mark once again collected personal care items and wrapped them inshoeboxes for “Appalachian Outreach.”This year 127 boxes were filled andwrapped. Thanks to our Women’s Or-ganization for coordinating this ministryonce again and for all who filled boxesand made this project so successful!

CONSECRATION SUNDAY

Thanks so much to all who came and made commitments on Consecration Sunday this year! Thanksalso to our special guest preacher for the day, Pastor Mark Evans for delivering such an inspiring mes-sage! If you would like to fill out an estimate of giving card there is a copy of one on page 6 of thisnewsletter. Simply tear it out and mail it in to the church office at 141 Kruger St. Wheeling, WV

26003. Thanks so much!

WV-WMd SYNOD FUTURE PLANNING MEETING

Members of our congregation council are encouraged to gather with our Synodical Bishop, Rev. Dr.Ralph Dunkin, along with Synod Vice-President, Paul Wangerin, and Bishop’s Assistant Helen Harmsas future plans for the West Virignia-Western Maryland Synod are discussed at a special meeting onFriday, January 31st. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. here at St. Mark Church in the FellowshipHall.



CROSSINGS 4 4

2014 ST. MARK CHURCH COUNCIL

Newly elected Trustees: Jim Braden, Irene Schafer Returning: Alvin Schafer, Howard Dorsey,

Merv Evans, Dick White

Newly elected Elders: Monica Hannahs, Jana Jarrett Returning: Kate Freed, Frances Braden, Clyde Borrell, Gary Roesser, Sr.

Newly elected Deacons: Loretta Craig, Pat Freismuth,Karen Walker, Rhonda Veon (2 yr. term)

Returning: Martha Abplanalp, Alicia White, Denny Bartolovich,Judy Bowman, Susan West

We thank all those leaving Council this year for their discipleship this past year. Special thanks toAlvin Schafer and Fred Rentschler, Jr. for serving so faithfully and diligently as our president andvice president for 2013. Special thanks to Norma Robinson who serves as our Treasurer, and Carl

Bowman as our Financial Secretary

POINSETTIA ORDER FORM

I would like ______ Plants at $14.00 each

Total Cost $________________

Name___________________________________________________________

In Memory of _________________________________________________________

In Honor of ___________________________________________________________

In Thankfulness for ____________________________________________________

Deadline for Ordering - Monday, December 16th, cash or check must

accompany order. Make checks payable to “St. Mark Youth Fund”

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =



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LIVING MEMORIALS

-The following have placed memorials in memory of

John R. “Dick” Farrow

Jim & Peggy Glaser Rose VargoSteve & Rita Farrow Bob & Doris Schafer

Mary B. Knollinger

-The following have placed memorials in memory of John A. Rose

Bob & Carol Steele Joan D. Stein Carolyn Rose & Family

Ohio Valley Health Services & Education Corp.Sandy Beck

-Jim & Donna Schafer in memory of Mother, Essie Schafer

-Mary B. Knollinger in memory of Paul Knollinger, Jr.

OFFICIAL ACTS

Funerals:

John R. “Dick” Farrow

MARTIN LUTHER KING

SERVICE AT ST. MARK

Each year, the Upper Ohio Valley Ministerial Alliance presents a worship service which celebrates the ministryof Christ seen in the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.and the civil rights movement. This year St. Mark will be the host site for this service which will be held onSunday, January 19th, at 4:00 p.m. in the upstairs sanc-tuary. A reception will follow after the service in Fel-lowship Hall. The following plans are being made forthe service at this time:

Preaching will be Rev. Melvin Rippy of Macedonia Baptist Church. Pastor Rippy has a Dr. of Min-istry from Howard University and a B.S. in Community Ministries from Geneva College.

Annual MLK awards will be presented this year to Pastor Darrell Cummings and Mrs. Loma Jean Nevels. A combined choir is planned. Please plan to join the Wheeling area community at St. Markfor this exciting service!



CROSSINGS 6 6

CHRISTMAS BASKETS

We are collecting non- perishable food items again this year for

Christmas Baskets. We will be receiving a list of names of familiesin the area to whom we will be distributing food baskets.

If you know of a family in need you can give the name to Pastor Paulor call the church office. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is makinga contribution to help defray expenses. The deadline for bringing

in food items is December 15th.

(More information on specific food items needed is on page 8)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SCHEDULE

1:00 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion in the Chapel

7:00 p.m. Family worship service with Holy Communion

in the Sanctuary with St. Mark Brass and Inst.

10:30 p.m. “Brass Unlimited” special music in the Sanctuary

11:00 p.m. Candle light worship with Holy Communion

and Sanctuary Choir in the Sanctuary

2014 ESTIMATE OF GIVING CARD

In endless gratitude for God’s boundless grace, and as an expression of discipleship and stewardship, I/we make the following commitment to Christ’s Church thru the ministry of this congregation in 2014: Name__________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ Phone__________________________ EMail______________________

My/our commitment is: $________________________per week, or $________________________per month, or $________________________per year

Optional: I/We would like to indicate how our gift will be allocated: $ __________________General Expenses $__________________ Designated to the Synod and ELCA (Benevolence) $__________________ Designated to other Special or Endowment Funds

(Tear out and mail or bring in to church office)



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BE JOYFUL- COME HEAR THE GOOD NEWS

Bring your camera, friends and family and join us as we celebrate the Good News of Jesus' birth.

The Birthday Party for Jesus will take place in fellowship hall right after the conclusion of the 10:15service on Sunday, December 15, 2013.

Lunch and Birthday cake will follow the Sunday School play and carols. Good News, Great Joy is

our new song and motto. Share the real reason for the season and bring a baby gift for Jesus as well.

Baby items will go to needy local babies through the auspices of the Gabriel Project.

SUNDAY SCHOOLCHRISTMAS PLAY PRACTICE

Wednesday, December 4th at 5:30 pizza and 6:00 p.m. PlayPractice in Fellowship Hall we will hold a dress rehearsal onthe stage. Participants please plan on joining us.



CROSSINGS 8 8

DECEMBER ALTAR FLOWERS

1—Braden Family in memory of mother, Lenore Fischer at her birth date 12/3

Breeden Family in memory of father, Wilson at his birth date 12/5

8—OPEN

15– Marcy Porter in memory of husband, Jim 12/15

Ann Gyekis in memory of husband, Bob 12/16

Helen Petri in honor of granddaughter, Anna Petri’s birthday12/18

22—Mike & Delite White in thankfulness for children and grandchildren

Les & Jane Cline in honor of Jane’s mothers birthday 12/25

Clara Folmar in honor of daughter, Christine’s birthday 12/21

Gary & Beverly Knollinger in memory of son, Gary W. Knollinger 12/25

29— OPEN

JANUARY ALTAR FLOWERS

5—Ruth Miller & Eberle Family in memory of Ralph Miller Jim & Peggy Glaser in honor of granddaughter, Ellie’s birthday 1/9

12—Ken, Ellen, & Laura Kriner, Devin, Gavin & Jacee Glass in memory of Jeremy Glass

Sandy Beck & Family in memory of Robert Beck at his birth date 1-16

19— OPEN

26—Art & Cathy Schehl in honor of grandson, Jared’s 6th birthday

Betty Schafer in memory of husband, Roy at their Wedding Anniversary date 1/30

ST. MARK FOOD COLLECTION

As followers of Jesus we are commanded by Him to love one another. And one way that the St. MarkFamily of faith shows this love is providing Christmas baskets for those less fortunate. This year we

are again asking for your generous gifts to help fill the baskets. Some suggestions include:

Boxes of stuffing such as Stove Top Cereal (children home from school) Jars of turkey gravy Pasta/Spaghetti Sauce Raven noodle pkgs. Canned cranberry sauce Macaroni and cheese pkgs. Peanut Butter Canned vegetables Canned fruit Jello pkgs. Stuffing Mix

Cake/brownie mix Canned soup pkg. of Noodles

All items are appreciated and need to be brought in by December 15th!



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DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1— Emma Baker (92 yrs. old)

2—Jean Davis 4—Ella May Evans 6—Mark Robinson

8—Laraw Marshall 9—Carol Steele

13—Sharon Cappiccie, David Weidner 15—Margaret Ragni 16—Jim Braden, Heidi Watkins 17—Ray Braun, Jacqueline Heil, Fred Simon

20—Aubrey Toth

21—Jerry Hannahs 22—Judy Veon

25—Christ’s Birthday

26—Anna Allman, Ed Stemple

27—Craig Kriner 28—Jim Lapp, II, Jacob Robinson29—Judy Fedczak, Brenda Schafer,

Kevin Watkins, Rianna Farrow31—Dottie Boyd, Richard Charnock, Jolin Burkland

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES16—Kerry & Danielle Marshall

17—Bernard & Connie Knollinger 21—Harry & Kathy Sacco

28—Pete & Judy Veon

30—Cyprian & Laura Shimenga

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES

1—Gerry & Doris Trabert 26—Larry & Wendy Stuntz Pierce

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

1— Ola Marshall 2—Taylor Lucas, Lisa Toth

3— Daniel Cheathum

4—Victoria Ellison, Samantha Krumski,Brent Nelson, Kalee Robinson

5—Daniel Minch, James Taylor 6—Burke Glover, Dorothy Pyle

7—Tim Braden

9—Sherri Schafer 10—Logan Marshall, Deborah Reineke

11—Jill Walton

13—Whitney Naumann

14—Don Braden, Kate Freed

15—Rob Davis, Aiden Davis, Edith Folmar,16—Jennifer Aubrey, Frances Braden,

Dan Lewis 17—Amy Serig

18—Art McKenzie

20—Kyleigh Minch

21—Beverly Knollinger 22—Michael Hlad

23—Howard Watkins

27—Etta Black (94 yrs. Old)

29—Samara Joyner, Michael Porter 30—Kirk Gast 31—Melissa Braun, Ann Martin,

Jared Zambito

HOPE ON THE HILL

Our Hope on the Hill event was served a week earlier during the month of November on Tuesday,the 19th. We are consistently serving more than 100 meals at this event. If you would like to helpsee Sherri Schafer or call the church office at (304) 242-3466. Thanks so much!



CROSSINGS 10 10

ST. MARK WOMEN PREPARE FOR VETERANS CELEBRATION

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Wonderful food, family and friends around thetable, memories swapped and new ones created. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, family prayers ofthanks, and remembrances of those no longer present. A truly special day for thanking God and real-

izing how blessed we are. And as we pause as a church family to give thanks to God for His abun-dant blessings, let us include the work of the church family and let us include the work of the Womenof the Church who tirelessly endeavor to carry out the ministries that God has given us to do. Theirservant-hood and dedication is a blessing and inspiration to all of us. How blessed we are!

Looking forward to Advent and the new church year, let us make plans to attend the upcoming

Women of the Church Christmas Party on Dec. 8. Remember ladies, there will be no gift ex-

change this year. We are reaching out to our community and asking that each attendee bring a

book or two, wrapped, with the appropriate age level noted, to be given to the children of the

Hope on the Hill ministry. As always, there will be special music and a fun program for all.

We hope to see you there for an afternoon of fund and fellowship.

Peace and blessings, Peggy Glaser



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DECEMBER KID’S WORSHIP CLASSES SCHEDULE

December1 DISCOVERY POINT :God cares who you are on the inside. BIBLE FOCUS :1 Samuel 16:1-13

December 8 DISCOVERY POINT :God’s love makes you special. BIBLE FOCUS :Daniel 4:28-37

December 15 Birthday Party for Jesus rehearsal of Good News, Great Joy.

December 22 DISCOVERY POINT :God loves you no matter who you

are. BIBLE FOCUS :Luke 2:8-20

December 29 DISCOVERY POINT :God will help you search for Jesus.

BIBLE FOCUS :Matthew 2:1-

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JANUARY 2014 KID’S WORSHIP CLASSES SCHEDULE

January 5 DISCOVERY POINT :God is there when you turn to him.

BIBLE FOCUS :Isaiah 30:18-22

January 12 DISCOVERY POINT :Jesus will help you when you’re scared.

BIBLE FOCUS :Mahew 8:23-27

January 19 DISCOVERY POINT :God wants you to be a good example.

BIBLE FOCUS :1 Peter 4:10-12

January 26 DISCOVERY POINT :God will guide you when you’re unsure.

BIBLE FOCUS :Judges 6:36-40; 7:12-22

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

On Sundays from 9-10 am a group of adults meet in the classroom next

to the nursery for engaging conversation and study. Currently they are

discussing the book Waiting For Christ’s Return by Max Lucado. This

material is based on the book When Christ Comes. Join in learning

about rewards, reckoning, pardon, justice, amazement and celebration.



CROSSINGS 12 12

THANK YOU’S

To: St. Mark Congregation—I would like to thank all the la-dies of St. Mark that donated their time in preparing the deli-

cious soup and meals they send to shut -ins. I just had some of

their soup and dinners while I was recovering from knee sur- gery. God Bless all of you and thanks again.

- Love & faith, Edith Folmar

Dear Friends, Thank you for the gifts: Hat, socks, glassesand the Lutheran Study Bible. The Bible will be very useful as

I continue to serve in our Lord’s ministry. Thank you especially for the Special day to celebrateChrist’s love and our faith and hope as we come together as a church in the unity of Christ, journey-ing in ministry together in the Wheeling area. Thank you again for a special 40th anniversary.

- Blessings to all, Alvin

St. Mark Congregation, Thank you all for the white cross of fresh carnations that you sent to honorour father, Dick Farrow. We also appreciate your continued prayers and support throughout his journey. -God Bless, The Family of Dick Farrow

St. Mark Youth would like to thank everyone who supported their bake sale at the Turkey Dinner this year. We were truly blessed by the generosity of everyone. We made $ 386.00.

-Thanks again, St. Mark Youth

TURKEY DINNER: We are happy toreport that our Turkey Dinner was agreat success this year. We served 946meals. As a result, the net income for

St. Mark was $10,662. In addition,Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gave amatching funds of $750. As in pastyears a portion of these monies will bedonated to various local charitable or-ganizations as well as to our Synod Be-nevolence obligations. Thanks to allthe many volunteers for not only mak-ing this a profitable event, but greatfellowship for our congregation. A spe-cial thanks to Fran Braden and Rhonda Veon for all their work.

APPALACHIAN OUTREACH SHOE BOXES: Thanks to everyone who filled shoe boxes. With allyour help we not only reached our goal of 100 boxes but we filled 127 boxes. With the boxes and $200from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans this was a great year for people to have something for Christmas.A special thanks to Ann Gyekis for all her work on this activity.



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THIS ‘N THAT

Congratulations to Rob Davis who just became a grandfa-ther again for the seventh time. A new baby girl, Erynn

Nicole Davis was born to Steven Davis and Heather

Wright. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 5 ozs. and 20 1/2 incheslong.

Congratulations to Chris & Jennifer Aubrey on the birthof a second child, Everett Cole, born on October 21st. Let

us celebrate God’s gift of new life in our midst.

Recently pictured in the newspaper was Linden Nelson who was crowned West Virginia University’s2013 Homecoming Queen. Linden is a pharmacy major and the daughter of Kim & Brent Nelson. Con-gratulations to Linden!!

Congratulations to Sherri Schafer who was recently installed as the Vicar of Trinity Lutheran Churchin Bridgeport, OH. After completing 3 years as vicar in the T.E.E.M. program, Sherri will be ordainedas a full pastor.

Congratulations to Les & Jane Cline who were recently pictured in the newspaper as they celebratedtheir 65th Wedding Anniversary.

Recently pictured in the newspaper was Margaret Ragni concerning an article about Elmhurst-TheHouse of Friendship where she is now a resident.

Karen Haught was recently pictured in the newslpaper for her work as the Chief Executive Officer ofthe Seeing Hand Association, as were Carmen Heil and Pastor Paul, Sherri, & Robert Schafer per-forming in the community play “A New Home for Liberty”.

THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS: The recent OH, WV, PA Tri-State Chapter Boardelection resulted in Dick Strickler being elected to be its Records Director for next year.

The WPHS MUSIC DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL COOKIE WALK is Saturday, December 7th from 10:00a.m. until 12:00 noon in the Fellowship Hall.

THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS: With the retirement last year of Chuck Hubbell asthe financial advisor for the OH, WV, PA Tri-State Chapter, Romney K. Willman will be St. Mark’snew representative for those members needing assistance. She may be reached at (866) 867

-9194 or

[email protected].

IS YOUR “GIVING” CURRENT? Have you been on the giving end or the receiving end recently?Hopefully, you can answer “Both”. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of those who have givenand continue to give to St. Mark. Your giving, not just in money but in time and talent, benefits themany programs of our church and enables us to reach out beyond the walls of St. Mark as well.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



CROSSINGS 14 14



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CROSSINGS 16 16

St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church NONPROFIT ORG

141 Kruger Street, Elm Grove U S POSTAGE Wheeling, WV. 26003 PAID

WHEELING WV

PERMIT NO. 44

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014

The printing & donation of materials for this newsletter printing was partially funded by

DOUG & WILLA KNOLLINGER

In memory of Woodrow F. & Ruthedda

Knollinger and Gary W. Knollinger and in

thankfulness for their Families

2013 december-january 2014 newsletter

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