FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

June 2015 – NEWSLETTER

The Rev. Michael J. Bodnyk (610) 216-7364 (Pastor’s Cell #)

3355 MacArthur Road Whitehall, PA 18052

faithlutheranwhitehall@rcn.com www.faithlutheranwhitehall.org

(610) 435-0451 Fax (610) 437-6591

Chris Schmidt

President, Church Council cascolry@aol.com

Church Council

Monday, June 1st 7:00 pm

Pew Communion The Gathering Place Tuesday, June 2nd

1:00 pm

Confirmation Sunday, June, 7th

10:30 am

Summer Worship Begins Sunday, June 21st

9:00 am only & Graduate Recognition

TRANSITIONS

Dear Partners in Ministry: This time of the year is always a time of transitions. The school year is coming to a close, and students start thinking about what they are going to do for the summer. Other students are graduating from high school and college, with thoughts of “What am I going to do with my life?” Adults who have been hard at work since last summer, who dealt with our long, cold winter, are thinking of plans for some relaxation in the coming months. We have transitions within the congregation of Faith Lutheran. On June 21, we change to one service on a Sunday morning (9:00 am), giving our SS teachers and choir members a summer hiatus. Following two years of preparation, fifteen of our young people will take responsibility for their continuing faith journey through “Affirmation of Baptism: Confirmation.” With the departure of Amanda Christensen as our vicar, we will be looking for some of you to assist me in our ministries. However, while the summer period we are transiting into might be more relaxed, the church is not on vacation. We will continue to worship God throughout the summer. The church will vibrate with the sounds of youth, with our Vacation Bible School program of “G Force,” a two-week program of Camp Rhythmo, and Hilary Stahler-Miller’s ongoing early childhood music program. With one service on a Sunday, it will make it easier for our Iron Chefs to provide more fellowship breakfasts in the coming weeks. And the committee is gearing up for August’s annual Car Show & Craft/Vendor Fair. As I am writing this, we are looking ahead to Sunday’s celebration of the Day of Pentecost, as the promised Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Jesus as they were gathered in Jerusalem. That same Spirit blows on us today as we continue to minister to one another and the world in Jesus’ name. Some refer to the Holy Spirit as a “breath of fresh air,” which renews and recharges us. Please allow this “breath of fresh air” to uplift you during this transition time. There is much going on in all of our lives, and we need time to recharge our batteries. In the midst of all that is going on, remember that your church is here for you. In Christ.

Pastor Bodnyk

CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT FOR MAY 4, 2015 Here are highlights of the May Council meeting.

Council began its study (which will be done monthly) of the book, “Living Lutheran: Renewing Your Congregation.”

Mike Miller, reporting for the Property Committee, announced that a roofing contractor would be selected in May, with the work to be completed, hopefully, by July 17. He also listed other needed projects for the future.

The Human Resources Comm. had its first “Safe Church” training session, and will be scheduling others in the future. Everyone 14 yrs. of age and older who works with youth must, per state law, undergo background checks and receive the training.

In order to be pro-active, and staying within the guidelines of the ELCA, Council passed two motions unanimously: A) Affirmed that we are an inclusive congregation, and welcome all into our membership and participation in all congregational ministries, rites and services.

B) Affirmed that the pastor could unite same-sex couples, according to state law. (These resolutions are available in their entirety for those interested.)

Church Council is strongly supporting electronic giving, especially as it allows people to stay current with their giving even when they are away.

The Rev. Robert George Scholarship Committee is revamping the guidelines for the distribution of the scholarship funds.

The next meeting of Church Council will be on Monday, June 1, beginning at 7:00 pm. Remember that members of the congregation are invited to attend all meetings of Church Council:

YOU TOOK MY PARKING SPACE AT CHURCH This should wake us up.

One day a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver and got out and said, “I always park there! You took my place!” The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated “That’s my seat! You took my place!” The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit! You took my place!” The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, “What happened to you?” The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye,

“I took your place!”

Sunday

Worship Schedule

at 8:00 am and

10:30 am

Sunday School at 9:15 am

**Please note** Summer Worship Service

Starts Sunday, June 21st Up to and including

September 6th (Only one service 9:00 am)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tuesday June 2nd

1:00 pm The Gathering Place

**Please note Pew Communion is usually the first of each month.

If you prefer grape juice rather than wine for Communion, please bring a blank Communion Card to pastor.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Baptisms Logan Stephen Yoo

Genevieve Pryor +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Our June Newsletter

sponsors are Richard and Gizella Snyder in honor of

their 64th Wedding Anniversary.

Faith Lutheran Church

Income & Expense

Apr 15 Apr 14 $ Change % Change

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

Current & Benevolence 18,875.60 19,868.55 (992.95) (5.0%)

Rental Income 742.00 997.00 (255.00) (25.58%)

Special Quarterly 2,640.00 3,363.00 (723.00) (21.5%)

Sunday School 157.10 162.85 (5.75) (3.53%)

Total Income 22,414.70 24,391.40 (1,976.70) (8.1%)

Expense

Administration Salaries 3,562.77 4,453.89 (891.12) (20.01%)

Christian Education Salaries 844.10 1,169.10 (325.00) (27.8%)

Benevolence 1,875.00 1,854.00 21.00 1.13%

Maintenance 5,137.05 5,081.36 55.69 1.1%

Misc. 1,179.07 1,245.08 (66.01) (5.3%)

Music Ministries 1,886.68 1,840.02 46.66 2.54%

Office Expense 795.34 1,249.93 (454.59) (36.37%)

Pastoral Ministries 8,650.32 8,316.34 333.98 4.02%

Total Expense 23,930.33 25,209.72 (1,279.39) (5.08%)

Net Ordinary Income (1,515.63) (818.32) (697.31) 85.21%

Other Income/Expense

Other Income

Capital Improvement 1,670.50 0.00 1,670.50 100.0%

Non Budget Income 2,942.00 3,494.00 (552.00) (15.8%)

Transfers 0.00 5,000.00 (5,000.00) (100.0%)

Total Other Income 4,612.50 8,494.00 (3,881.50) (45.7%)

Other Expense

Intern Program Expense 3,551.59 2,282.35 1,269.24 55.61%

Non Budget Expense 2,963.40 2,935.15 28.25 0.96%

Other Expenses 1,670.50 0.00 1,670.50 100.0%

Total Other Expense 8,185.49 5,217.50 2,967.99 56.89%

Net Other Income (3,572.99) 3,276.50 (6,849.49) (209.05%)

Net Income (5,088.62) 2,458.18 (7,546.80) (307.01%)

CHURCH CHATTER

Church Council Meeting

Monday, June 1st at 7:00 pm

SPECIAL THANKS! Our Spring Craft Fair was an outstanding success because of

your help. We had over 100 members who participated by

setting up, roasting turkey for barbecue, making food,

donating baked goods or money, tearing down, working the day

of the craft fair. We owe all of you who attended and

participated in any way a giant thank you. To our

Pieceworkers of Faith, proudly we thank you for your offering of the quilt for our

raffle. As in the past the ELCA Disaster Relief Fund will receive a portion of the profit

with the remainder earmarked for the General fund. On behalf of the Fellowship

Committee, thank you for your support. Please remember the Fall Craft Fair is

November 14th, 2015. For the Fellowship Committee, Adriana and Rhynier Minnich

The Weller Health Education Center held an Outstanding Friend

of Kids Awards Dinner on April 22, 2015. One of our members,

David M. Yanoshik won the Advocate Award. David is a

dedicated volunteer and board member who unselfishly shares

his time and talent with many organizations, including the Weller Center. Motivated by a

commitment to community David makes a powerful, positive impact on the lives of

children and youth everywhere. As the perfect role-model, we celebrate his tireless

efforts: “Thank You!” David and kudos to you!

Howdy y’all, Here are some copies of the Southern Magazine which has my Chaplainry military article

in it. Sorry it took so long classes have been busy. Looks like things are going through

well in South Dakota so we will be associate pastors at two congregations in Sioux Falls.

I hope y’all are doing well and that the spirit is continuing to work through Faith to do

amazing things. I love y’all and keep y’all in my prayers. God Bless and keep you always.

In peace, Josh Johnson

ROOF REPLACEMENT UPDATE By the time you are reading this, we will have selected the contractor(s) who will be completing the replacing the roofs on most portions of the church and the vicarage. To date, we have met on-site 5 roofing contractors to explain the scope of the job and answer questions.

Preliminarily, we are confident that the job will be completed within the estimated cost of $150,000 to $170,000. When the bid is awarded, we will know the total cost and know how much will be “borrowed” from investments beyond insurance money received from last July’s hail storm. At that time, we will place a giving barometer in the Narthex to track the $4.50 weekly extra giving and final goal over 3 years. Thank you for the continued giving to date.

Property Committee ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

IRON PIGS

June 5, at 7:00

Price is $20/ticket. You order your own food and drinks from menu and it is delivered to your seat or get food anywhere you want from food stands. Call Dan Herzog @ (610) 428-6142 to order tickets. Leave your name, phone number and how many tickets you need. Many thanks for your continued support of this important ministry.

JOIN US

IRON CHEF’S BREAKFAST SUNDAY JUNE 28TH AFTER

9:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE PANCAKES, SAUSAGE,

COFFEE, TEA, JUICE AND FRUIT CUP.

FREE WILL OFFERING

CHRISTIAN ED ANNOUNCEMENTS

The last day for Sunday School is June 14th and 9:00 am worship services start on June 21st. Our Vacation Bible school is scheduled for July 27 through July 31st. Closing program on August 2nd. Enrollment forms are available in the church office or in our newsletter. Volunteers working with youth….if you have not attended a training and completed your background checks, please see Judy Ehret or Joanne Gantz-Jalowiecki.

Have a safe summer!

• Flag Day, June 14, 2015 • Father’s Day, June 21, 2015

• First day of summer, June 21, 2015

WHEELS of FAITH AUGUST 15, 2015

The committee is hard at work preparing for the 7th annual Wheels of Faith Car Show and Craft Fair to be held here at Faith Saturday, August 15 from 9 am to 3 pm. While we distribute over 2,500 flyers at shows and

cruises within a 40 mile radius, conducting fun and successful shows remains our best advertising. In 2014, we attracted over 150 classic cars and trucks and 30 vendors. The goal is continued growth and being the “best small car show in Pennsylvania”. We ask that the congregation place this event on their calendars and come out to support the event and Faith Lutheran. We will again donate part of the proceeds to the Whitehall Food Bank.

WOF Committee

SAVE THE DATE!!!!! WEEK OF JULY 27TH

VBS is coming to FELC this summer!!!! Who’s excited???? I know I am. VBS is held Monday through Friday 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. All children ages 3 through Grade 6 are invited to attend.

We ask that your child is potty trained or that you stay and enjoy the experience with your child. There will be a closing service at the August 2rd worship service. If you are interested in helping at VBS or would like to make a donation (to defray the costs) please contact Karen Euculano or Joanne Gantz- Jalowiecki. We could really use your help in making this a wonderful experience for the kids this summer.

2015 VBS Registration Form Child’s Name: Address: Please circle your child’s age or the grade completed in June: 3 years 4 years Kindergarten 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Parent/Guardian Name: Phone Number: Emergency Contact: Phone Number: Food/Health Allergies: I understand that the Pastor, Church Staff, Teachers, and all VBS Staff and Helpers will do everything possible to make this experience a spiritually rewarding time and I entrust my child to their care and guidance. (Parent/Guardian please sign):

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VBS DONATIONS – VBS is in need of the following donations: crayons, glue sticks, construction paper, and apple juice. Any help is always welcomed. Thank you for your support and donations. Karen Euculano, VBS Coordinator

Food Pantry needs are

tuna, pancake syrup, pancake mix, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned fruit, canned meats, soup, vegetables, boxed

potatoes, hamburger helper, pasta sides (rice or noodle) coffee and tea. Snacks, pretzels, crackers, fruit snacks, cake mixes, condiments, etc.) Many thanks for your continued

support of this important ministry.

Monetary Donations are always

welcome: Please make check payable

to WHITEHALL FOOD PANTRY

Our gift in thanks to God for our many

blessings given anonymously.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What is a dad? A dad is someone who wants to

catch you before you fall but instead picks you up, brushes you off,

and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes

but instead lets you find your own way, even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who holds you when you cry,

scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed,

and has faith in you even when you fail.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Tamara Eichelberger is graduating from Elizabethtown College with a BA Degree in Sociology-Anthropology, and a minor in German and History.

Amanda Endy will be graduating from Whitehall High School. She has been on honor/high honor roll every marking period. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Her activities in high school included playing on the varsity tennis team 4 years, Student Council, Zephyr Nation, Peer Mediation, and the Outdoors Club. Some of her volunteering during high school includes Special Olympics and Toys for Tots. Amanda looks forward to attending Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA this fall where she will study Business Management/Health Care Administration.

Christina Endy will be graduating from Whitehall High School. She has been on honor/high honor roll every marking period. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta, and has received the Student Athlete Award. During high school Christina has played on the varsity tennis team for 4 years and served as a team captain. She was part of Student Council, Student Focus Group, and the Outdoors Club. She volunteered with Special Olympics. Christina will be attending Stevenson University in Owings Mills, MD where she will be studying Nursing and playing on the Woman’s Tennis Team.

Derek Mattison is graduating from Whitehall High School and will be heading to Penn State Main campus as a freshman this fall.

Taylor Miller graduated high school and was the recipient of a $180,000 Naval Scholarship to Drexel University. He was presented his scholarship by a Commander from the US Navy. Taylor is the grandson of Keith and Linda Baily.

Joseph Rothrock will be graduating from Catasauqua High School. He will be attending Kutztown University in the fall majoring in Social Work with a minor in Psychology. Joe is the son of Larry and Linda Rothrock of North Catasauqua.

Nicole Schmidt will be graduating from Whitehall High School with high honors. She will be attending Kutztown University this fall majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Ed.

Zachary Thompson is graduated from De Sales University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

Jonathan Whittaker graduated from Syracuse University with a Master of Science in Accounting Degree. Jonathan has accepted a position as a tax associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Houston Texas.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't let the noise of others'

opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."

Congratulations to all our graduates!

God Bless!

SCHEDULE FOR VOLUNTEERS MAY 31ST THROUGH JUNE 28TH

May 31st June 7th June 14th

June 21st – One Service 9:00 am

June 28th

Liturgists

None Needed

E- Norma Hrozencik

L- RJ Kemmerer E- Barbara Kotsch

L- Nelson Schaeffer None Needed

Pat Wotring

Communion Assistants

None Needed E- Barbara Kotsch

L – Nelson Schaeffer None Needed None Needed None Needed

Altar Guild

E- Cathy Haller L – Rosemarie

Haffner & Jane Ramer

E – Diane Batza & Bobbi Kling

L- Sara Laub & Beckie Ward

E – Kris Eichelberger & Linda Scheirer

L – Doreen Miller & Pat Walschburger

Nancy Buskirk & Norma Hrozencik

Rosemarie Haffner & Jane Ramer

Acolytes

E- Avery Druckenmiller

L- Juliet Hower

E- Kayla Endy

L- Jade Graveley

E- Hailey Druckenmiller

L- Justin Mattison

Alexandra Reinhard

Kayla Endy

Crucifers

E- Jillian Hess

L- Jordan Euculano

E- Alex Rummel

L- Julia Thomas

E- Erica Juliano

L- Cooper Ward

Ryan Schmidt

Gabrielle Reinhard

Lectors E – Peggy Frye L – Kim Kneller

E – Shelley Pringle L –

E- Norma Hrozencik

L- Kathy Schaeffer

John Senchak Jr.

Sue Stahler

Narthex Greeters

E – Clarice & Eric Miller

L – Lois & Dennis Hower

E – Carl & Ruth Rohrbach

L – Kim & Tami Kneller

E- Fred & Linda Scheirer

L – Dolores Kotsch & Sara Laub

Denise Sneddon

Rhynier & Adriana Minnich

Ushers E-Team # 2

L-Team # 7

E - Team # 3

L- Team # 8

E-Team # 4

L-Team # 9 Usher Team # 1 Usher Team # 2

Flower Sponsors

Ralph & Nancy Eckhart

Christian Ed Team Open Jim Schaffer Jim Schaffer

Bulletin Sponsors Carolyn Ruch Barb Yurasits Ron Golley Cheryl Endy Jim Schaffer

Coffee Hour Baker Tami Kneller None Needed None Needed None Needed Iron Chef Breakfast

JUNE 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

31 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT 9:15 AM Sunday School - All Ages 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Early Childhood Music 8:00 PM -AA Meeting

1 1:00 PM Pieceworkers 7:00 PM Church Council

2 1:00 PM PEW COMMUNION 5:15 PM Weight Watchers

3 9:00 AM Early Childhood Music 10:00 AM Early Childhood Music 6:00 PM - 9:00 PMCommunity Justice Panel

4 5 6 10:00 AM Early Childhood Music

7 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Piano Recital 8:00 PM -AA Meeting

8 1:00 PM Pieceworkers

9 10:00 AM Prayer Group 5:15 PM Weight Watchers 6:30 PM EC Music 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM ZUMBA

10 9:00 AM EC Music 10:00 AM EC Music

11 12 13 10:00 AM Early Childhood Music

14 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Baby Christening 8:00 PM -AA Meeting

15 1:00 PM Pieceworkers

16 10:00 AM Prayer Group 5:15 PM Weight Watchers 6:30 PM EC Music 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM ZUMBA

17 9:00 AM EC Music 10:00 AM EC Music 6:00 PM - 9:00 PMCommunity Justice Panel 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Girl Scout Meeting

18 19 20 10:00 AM Early Childhood Music

21

9:00 AM SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT 8:00 PM -AA Meeting

22 1:00 PM Pieceworkers

23 10:00 AM Prayer Group 5:15 PM Weight Watchers 6:30 PM EC Music 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM ZUMBA

24 9:00 AM EC Music 10:00 AM EC Music

25 26 27

10:00 AM Early Childhood Music 3:00 PMSerakas/Snyder Wedding

28

9:00 AM SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT 9:00 AM Iron Chef Breakfast 8:00 PM -AA Meeting

29 1:00 PM Pieceworkers

30 10:00 AM Prayer Group 5:15 PM Weight Watchers 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM ZUMBA