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CALVARY COMMENT March 2018

Stewardship Corner

All Good Gifts… The faithful Christian steward gives their gifts FROM gratitude to the goodness of the Lord. St. James reminds, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). The life of a faithful Christian steward confesses this as they respond to this gift by managing all of life and life’s resources considering whence these gifts come. Excerpt from LCMS Stewardship Newsletter Article

from the Pastor

Victory in Jesus’ Death The season of Lent culminates with Holy Week, the seven days that focus on Jesus’ great work of salvation. This is marked by the commemoration of Good Friday, when the Church hears of Jesus’ crucifixion that atoned for mankind’s sin and removed the power of death held by Satan. That act forms the heart of one of the ancient hymns of the Church written by Venantius Honorius Fortunatus, the 6th Century bishop of Poitiers.

Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle;Sing the ending of the fray.Now above the cross, the trophy,Sound the loud triumphant lay;Tell how Christ, the world’s redeemer,As a victim won the day.

[Lutheran Service Book 454:1]

The opening stanza speaks of Jesus’ crucifixion as a battle, directing Christians to sing about this like they would for a general returning from war. The cross is seen by faith as a trophy, not a sign of defeat. Though Jesus appears to be a victim of death, He actually is victorious by dying, even conquering death. This stanza echoes the description of the cross by Paul: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them by it.”(Col 2:13-15)

Tell how, when at length the fullnessOf the appointed time was come,He, the Word, was born of woman,Left for us His Father’s home,Blazed the path of true obedience,Shone as light amidst the gloom.


Stanza 2 paraphrases Paul’s statement about Jesus’ incarnation: “In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might

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Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod English District

208 Woods Drive, PO Box 374 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

The Rev. Luke T. Zimmerman, Pastor

Church Office: 717.697.9771 Preschool: 717.796.1369

Email: [email protected]

Parish Web Site: www.calvarylutheranmechanicsburg.org

mailto:[email protected]://www.calvarylutheranmechanicsburg.orgmailto:[email protected]://www.calvarylutheranmechanicsburg.org

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receive adoption as sons.”(Ga 4:3-5) This notes that the act of salvation came at the time appointed by the Father. All that had been promised comes to pass exactly when God determined. He sends His Son as the light to illumine the darkness of the sinful world, bringing freedom and liberty from the gloom of slavery to sin and death. This well-pleasing Son of the Father does this to make rebellious humanity children of the divine household.

Thus, with thirty years accomplished,He went forth from Nazareth,Destined, dedicated, willing,Did His work, and met His death;Like a lamb He humbly yieldedOn the cross His dying breath.


When Jesus describes His mission, He notes that He fulfills it willingly according to His Father’s desire: “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”(Jn 10:17-18) Stanza 3 picks up on this theme. The lyrics note that Jesus is driven to take up the cross. He meets His death as part of His obedient work that fulfills the Father’s will. Jesus doesn’t have His life taken from Him; He yields it as part of His voluntary servitude. That key aspect defines the nature of His crucifixion. It isn’t a just punishment leveled against Jesus for rebellion. It isn’t the tragic result of a conspiracy against Him. Rather, it is how Almighty God chooses to bring deliverance for humanity.

Faithful cross, true sign of triumph,Be for all the noblest tree;None in foliage, none in blossom,None in fruit thine equal be;Symbol of the world’s redemption,For the weight that hung on thee!


Humanity has a mixed record with trees. Eating from the Forbidden Tree in Eden caused the necessity of God’s

Son to hang on the barren limbs of the cross. But because of this, the cross becomes the greatest of all trees. The LORD’s Law spoke about the curse on those who are hanged. But with the Holy One being crucified, the cross is no longer an instrument of cursed death. Instead, it becomes the Tree of Life in an opened Paradise where all thrive in blessedness: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of

the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.”(Re 22:1-3)

Unto God be praise and glory;To the Father and the Son,To the eternal Spirit honorNow and evermore be done;Praise and glory in the highestWhile the timeless ages run.


The hymn closes with a doxology. Even as the hymn described the death that Jesus suffered, this is a

moment of victory. The heavenly host acknowledges this in their worship of the Risen Jesus: “And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.’”(Re 5:8-10) The same is the fitting response given by those who have been redeemed by His death. When we sing about Jesus’ crucifixion, we rightly laud Almighty God for the gracious salvation that He brings to us. For that has made the Friday of Holy Week truly good and worthy of praise.

Next Month’s Hymn is “Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain” (LSB 487).

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Upcoming Dates Sunday, March 4

Bishop Hardy Visit & Luncheon Following Divine Service

Wednesday, March 7, 14, & 21 Lenten Service 7:30 pm

Sunday, March 18 Voters Assembly Noon

Sunday, March 25 Palm Sunday Service 10:30 am

Thursday, March 29 Holy Thursday Service 7:30 pm

Friday, March 30 Good Friday Service 7:30 pm

Saturday, March 31 Easter Vigil Service 7:30 pm

Sunday, April 1 Resurrection Sunday 10:30 am

Church Council Report: February 2018 Deacons: Bob Ardner will serve as the 2018 chair and Jamie Brackett will serve as secretary. Deacon Board assignments are Education—Jamie Brackett; Evangelism—Jerry Desautels; Stewardship—Bryan Strickler; Youth—Bob Ardner; Ushers/Greeters/Altar Guild—Jim Quanbeck.Education: Jim Blockus suggested giving envelopes for the Sunday School Program. Ray Miller will follow up on this.Evangelism: The Board thanked Jim & Lynne Wicker for providing the meal for the New Member Luncheon and for setting up the social hall. The rest of their meeting was devoted to developing ideas and a theme for three outreach programs: Summer and Winter 2018 and Easter 2019.Stewardship: Kay Ardner reported that 27 pledge cards were received. Of note, there were 61 giving units in 2017 compared to 62 in 2014.Trustees: Laura Desautels was elected chair and Woody Flickinger as secretary of the Board. The last Sunday of the month after Divine Service has been set as the monthly meeting time.Youth: A bowling event was planned for the end of February.Pastor’s Report: Bishop Hardy will visit Calvary on March 4. After worship there will be a church luncheon in the social hall. The summer Continuing Ed program will be “Theology & Church Music” which will be open to lay people as well as clergy.

The following people were approved to serve on the Finance Committee:Sara Hilmer, John Raymond, and Robert Wallick.

A list of items from the Renovation Committee to the Trustees was shared with the Council. Both capital budget and renovation items were identified. The committee will meet on March 8 to organize and categorize needs.

The Organist Search Committee interviewed one applicant. A second interview to clarify several items will be held, followed by a discussion on how next to proceed.

Preschool NewsWe will begin March with the story of Jesus healing the blind Bartimaeus. Hopefully, the weather will be nice so we can play “I spy something God has made” outside.

Next, we will begin our Easter Bible stories. Our first story will be when “Jesus Entered Jerusalem.” We will be making palm leaves to represent the ones laid on the road and waved as Jesus rode into Jerusalem.

Our final Easter story before our break will be “The Very First Lord's Supper.” We are going to attempt to make unleavened

bread, similar to the bread Jesus gave his disciples during Passover.

We will also be having our annual Easter Egg hunt for our classes. On the day of the egg hunt we are going to learn how the hollow Easter egg represents Christ.

May your Easter bring a time of rejoice and thankfulness for the gift of life, love and joy.

In Christ’s Love,

Ms. Valora

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Stewardship Report During this calendar year, the Stewardship Board will discuss and share thoughts concerning our possessions and how they relate to stewardship. What good are all the things of this world (food, drink, house, home wealth, possessions, etc.) if we lose the things of God? What’s more important? How should our priorities be arranged? Where are we placing our trust?

LWML District Convention: Jesus is in Control The 38th Biennial Convention of the English District is set for April 27-29 in Grand Rapids, MI. All members of local societies are invited to share in the fellowship, fun, and festivities set up by the Western Michigan Zone LWML.

The Festival Preacher is Bishop Rev. Dr. Jameson Hardy and Bible Study Leader is Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor.

In addition to regular business activities, there will be mission speakers, luncheon

interest sessions, ingathering, and servant events. These are wonderful ways to get to know the work that our District’s LWML is doing at home and abroad.

As the English District is non-geographical, it’s also a way to get to know people from all over the US in an intimate setting. Our Philadelphia Zone would love to have a strong representation. If you are interested, speak to Tam Lukens, Sara Hilmer, or Donna Foster about attending as they have gone before and can give you the inside scoop on the joy of learning and serving in our mission efforts.

Mow, Mow, Mow the Lawn… Spring is just around the corner, and as the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, not only flowers, but growing grass as well (and weeds, but let’s not think of that just yet). Here at Calvary this means the Trustees are in the process of planning for the 2018 mowing season.

The goal for this year is to have at least twelve volunteers to create four teams of three people. This would mean that each team would usually only mow once per month. With more volunteers, we could create more teams and less work for us all. Mowing season is mid-April through October. Mowing is done Thursday or Friday of each week with Saturday as the rain date. Trustees will provide instruction on using the riding mowers and push mower, and will gladly walk the property boundaries with you. Even if you are not comfortable riding a mower but are willing to use a push mower, please sign up to help.

Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome!

A recent quote obtained by the Trustees shows that having the church property professionally mowed would cost the congregation approximately $6,000 per year. Please help us to continue working together to care for this property that has been entrusted to us all. Should you have any questions or reservations, please see a Trustee. Any of them would be happy to fill in missing details that may help you decide. A sign-up sheet has been placed in the narthex for your convenience.

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Military Share Program Each month we have seen an increase in participants in the food distribution program. Now 23 families are served on the third Wednesday of the month. Food is delivered at 1pm and needs to be broken down and repackaged as necessary. Distribution occurs from 2-4pm. If you can lend a hand, see Bob Ardner.

Spring Bags for homeless Please check the lists in the bulletin for items you may be able to donate. Deadline is Sunday, April 29.******************************************************************

To my Calvary Family,

First, let me extend my deepest thanks for all your support and prayers! I could not do this without your support!

We are almost at the end of Winter Quarter! Though it feels longer because of Christmas Break, it's still very hard to believe I am almost done with yet

another quarter. I have a few more papers to write, so I am getting up early to get as much done as I can in a day. One step, one day at a time.

My current courses have been very beneficial, whether it’s been discussing how our theology informs what we do up front in the church on Sunday, or how to think about issues in our society from an ethical standpoint They continue to mold and shape me. Even when studying the text of Scripture in my exegetical classes, I enjoy every minute. Some minutes are more enjoyable than others, but that's with everything!

I am finished with my fieldwork at my Indiana church. It's been quite a journey with them. I will still continue to attend there through Easter, as it is tradition for the fieldworkers to help with the Easter services. And it will be a pleasure to spend another Easter with them, for the observance of Holy Week is a great treasure of the church year. As the second year fieldworker, I am to preach at the Easter Sunrise service, so I must write at least one more sermon before vicarage.

My second year classmates and I are all awaiting the vicarage assignment night on April 24. Sure we have some time yet, but that night will be here before we know it. You can't have any outstanding assignments when you get assigned a vicarage. So we keep plugging away each day, getting things done. We pray and build each other up while think about this Lenten season we are in.

I very much look forward to seeing you again over the quarter break at the end of February! Please pray for me and my brothers here and the seminary faculty and staff. Again, thank you for all your help and support!

In Christ,Brett

lcms ministry to the armed forces

OPERATIONPARISH CASH FLOW REPORT (January 1-December 31, 2017)INCOME GeneralOffering $173,998.75 MissionOffering 14,931.00 BuildingFund 21,031.00 PlateOffering 8,858.50Memorial 1,380.00 MyNeighbor 0.00IniGalOffering 157.00LentenOffering 1,820.00ThanksgivingOffering 590.00AdventOffering 1,024.00ChristmasOffering 852.00BuildingUse 500.00AscensionDay 70.00RefundIncome 641.00EasterOffering 1,190.00OtherIncome 9,276.00Epiphany 377.00AshWednesday 490.00GoodFriday 410.00MaundyThursday 275.00ChristmasEve 1.017.00 ThriventChoiceDollars 1,569.00 LutheranWitness 209.96SundaySchool 57.00OperaGonBarnabas 3,520.00YouthGroup 1,990.00Preschool 45,263.15

TOTALINCOME $291,496.86

EXPENDITURES 1000 PastoralExpenses $90,494.21

(Salary&Benefits)2000 PersonnelExpenses 16,647.79

(Secretary,Organist)3000 RealEstateExpenses 30,388.46

(Insurance,U8li8es)4000 OperaGngExpenses 39,804.02

(Maintenance,Supplies)5000 MinistryExpenses 3,183.62

(BoardAc8vi8es)6000 MissionSupport 16,900.00

(DistrictPledge,NewHope,Seminarian)7000 MortgagePayments 5,821.448000 Non-BudgetedExpenditures 78,644.07

(Revolving,MyNeighbor,Memorial,Preschool)

BudgetedDisbursements $203,240.54Non-BudgetedDisbursements $78,644.07

TOTALEXPENDITURES $281,884.61

NETCASHFLOW +$9,612.25

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CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH208 Woods DriveP. O. Box 374Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0374

Address Service Requested

Next Calvary Comment Deadline is Sunday, March 18, 2018.

Please send info to [email protected]

Choir Notes We have entered the holy season of Lent, with Holy Week and Easter soon to follow! While the choir is primarily singing Psalms for Lenten and Mid-week Lenten services, they are working feverishly to prepare for Holy Week and Easter. With the Bishop’s visit on March 4, they will also provide the Offertory Anthem and a hymn stanza during Communion Distribution. The hymn will be new for the congregation to sing, although you heard it sung by the choir last year. The Offertory Anthem is not in our hymnal but appears in older hymnals. “Jesu, Grant Me This, I Pray” lends itself nicely to the texts of the day.

Holy Week begins with the Procession of Palms and the Palm Sunday Gospel. The Children will sing their Hosannas prior to the reading of the Gospel of the Palms, and then the procession into the Nave will give everyone a chance to sing “All Glory Laud and Honor.” The choir will sing “Ah, Holy Jesus” as the emphasis moves toward Passion of Christ. Introducing the somber hymn will be a baritone horn played by Denise Saunders who is also singing with our Lent/Easter Choir.

The choir is scheduled to sing for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, The Great Vigil of Easter, and The Resurrection of Our Lord. We thank the choir for making the commitment to sing all of these special

services. Cantors, flute players, and bell ringers will also be used in the coming weeks. Please thank them as you see them.

A couple of things that may be new to you during Holy Week 2018. The first is during the Good Friday Service when the cantor, congregation, and choir will sing the Adoration of the Cross, followed by the Solemn Reproaches. The Adoration is sung in Greek, Latin, and again in English, each time with more intensity. Likewise there are three Reproaches, sung by the choir and cantor that ask the question: “My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer Me!” Finally, the congregation sings the Adoration of Christ. Another minor change is that the choir will wing the Acclamations at the end of the Easter Day service. Some of you have asked about the organist rotation. Only by the Grace of God have we been able to have people on the bench each Sunday to play for us. We recognize the need to have as much continuity as possible for the congregation and the choir. So this Spring we have invited Christine Milbrath, a student at Messiah College to be the primary organist and choir accompanist. Theresa Wix to share that responsibility when Christine is not available. There are several other substitutes scheduled when neither Christine nor Theresa is able to play. All of our organists have remarked about the compliments they receive from the congregation, the good congregational singing, and the general welcoming spirit they have experienced in our midst.
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