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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. XVII, NO. 1 E-Mail: stmark@wvdsl.net JANUARY 2009 E-Mail: stmark@wvdsl.net www.stmarkwheeling.org OUR MISSION: As disciples of Christ, St. Mark ministers that all may know the joy of Christ’s love through ministries of Welcoming, Growing, and Caring.

ST. MARK CROSSINGS

SEASON OF LIGHT In one of his recent seminars, Dr. Brennan Huls presented us with a very striking analogy. He asked us to imagine two rooms separated by a door. One of these rooms is completely dark and the other room is full of light. Then he said, imagine if the door separating these two rooms were opened….what happens? Does the darkness that was in one room cause both rooms to become dark? No. Instead it is the opposite. The light from the enlightened room cascades into the dark room and both rooms are full of light. Thus, he went on to say, as the darkness cannot persist in the pres-ence of light, so disease cannot persist in the midst of a truly healthy body.

These are words which should cause us to reflect on the importance of keeping ourselves fully healthy and not just free of disease symptoms. I thought of this analogy as I pondered the coming of the Epiphany season again this year. On Janu-ary 6th, we will move from the liturgical season of Christmas to the liturgical season of Epiphany. Epiphany is often called, “the season of light.” It emphasizes the light of God’s presence and the truth we read in the prologue of John’s Gospel…. “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” There is certainly much darkness in our world today. All we have to do is to pick up a newspaper, watch the news, or surf the web to be all too aware of the “darkness.” Yet the answer to the problem of darkness in our world is not more darkness. Fighting darkness with darkness only makes things pitch black. The answer, instead, is to bear witness to the light….to become more fully what God has already made us to be…those who let our light so shine before others that they may see our good works and glorify our father in heaven.” (From Matthew 5 and the Service of Holy Baptism) On January 19th, the country will again observe the holiday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Of all the American leaders of the 20th century, Dr. King perhaps best understood the idea that the world’s dark-ness cannot be overcome by more darkness, but only by our witness to the light of Christ and his way. In one of Dr. King’s essays entitled “Transformed Nonconformist” he wrote: (Continued on page 2)

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SPECIAL THANKS Pastor Paul, Sherri, and Robert would like to say a special word of thanks to the congregation for the monetary gift this Christmas and for all gifts and tokens given. It really warms our hearts to be remembered in this season and we are thankful for such a caring congregation with which we are in ministry. Thanks to all of you!

(Continued from page 1) “When an affluent society would coax us to believe that happiness consists in the size of our automobiles, the impressiveness of our houses, and the expensiveness of our clothes, Jesus reminds us, ‘a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” “When we refuse to suffer for righteousness and choose to follow the path of comfort rather than conviction, we hear Jesus say, ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’” “When in our spiritual pride we boast of having reached the peak of moral excellence, Jesus warns, ‘the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God ahead of you.’” “When we, through compassionless detachment and arrogant individualism, fail to respond to the needs of the underprivileged, the Master says, ‘Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.’” “When we allow the spark of revenge in our souls to flame up in hate toward our enemies, Jesus teaches, ‘Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.’” “Everywhere and at all times, the love ethic of Jesus is a radiant light revealing the ugliness of our stale conformity.” These words of Dr. King still ring out in truth today. They remind us in this Epiphany season of light, that the darkness of our lives and of this world cannot be overcome by more darkness, but only by the light of Christ dwelling inside us and shining forth from us. This is the light that calls us out of the darkness of our usual lifestyles and priorities, into newness of life. This is the light that calls us to do what is right and not what is easy and popular. This is the light that envelopes and overwhelms even the terrible forces of sin and death. This is the light that shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. Let us live in the light, now and always! -Pastor Paul

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ST. MARK E-NEWS

ARE YOU RECEIVING the St. Mark E-news? E-news consists of the weekly bulletin announce-ments sent out via email on Saturdays, and other special announcements as needed. If you are not re-ceiving these, and would like to sign up, please send an email to the church office at stmark@wvdsl.net with your first and last name in the body of the email. Also, remember that should your email address change, please make the church office aware.

WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP Don’t forget our Wednesday Evening Worship each week at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs sanctuary. Through the season of Epiphany we will be using the “Holden Evening Prayer Service” by Marty Haugen. Then, as we transition into Lent we will go back to our usual format, tailored for the peniten-tial emphasis of the Lenten season. The Wednesday service is about 45 minutes in length. It includes both traditional and contemporary music, a text, sermon, prayers, and time for quiet reflection. Please join us as you are able to do so.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY RESUMES Beginning on Wednesday, January 21st, pastor’s weekly bible study will resume at both 12:00 noon and 7:30 p.m. The topic will be the Gospel of Mark led by Dr. David Rhoads on DVD. Dr. Rhoads is one of the Lutheran Church’s most outstanding New Testament scholars. During each session we will watch a brief video segment from Dr. Rhodes followed by re-cap and discus-sion. We are really making an effort to contain the time of each study to 45-50 minutes so it’s something everyone can enjoy over their lunch hour or without getting home too late in the evening. The topic of Mark’s Gospel is especially relevant right now be-cause we are currently in the liturgical year of Mark.

PRAISE BAND

St. Mark is looking into the possibility of forming a new Praise Band Minis-try. We hope to host a workshop led by Tim Seidler (CA House Music and “The Experience” praise group) in January. If you are interested, can play an instrument(s) or are a vocalist and would consider this new ministry, please let Pr. Paul or Sherri know, or just call the office and let them know. This ministry is open to all age groups and we are hoping this will be a multigen-erational ministry.

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MONDAY EVENING YOUTH GATHERINGS St. Mark’s youth (6th grade-12th grade) are invited to join Gary Roesser, Sr. on Jan 5 and Jan. 19 for the Monday evening youth gatherings. Please bring your dinner with you. Fellowship, fun and discussion begins at 5:30pm and runs until 7:30pm.

LYO WINTER EVENT

Feb 27- March 1, 2009 Skiing, tubing, boarding, hiking, bowling, fellowship.

Camp Hickory in Garrett Co. MD Registration $40

(includes all meals and lodging) Also check out the LYO website @ www.wv-wmdlyo.com

“Registration forms are available online and due back into the St. Mark office by Feb. 8. The fee for each St. Mark youth attending is $20. Please make the check out to “St. Mark Youth Fund”.

YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE ON CHURCH COUNCIL

If you are a confirmed youth at St. Mark, in the 9th grade thru the 12th grade and would like to have the opportunity to represent the youth on council, please let Sherri or Gary, Sr. know as soon as possible.

JANUARY YOUTH GROUP

We will have our monthly meeting in January on Jan. 25 following the 10:15am service. Everyone is invited to stay for pizza. We will be plan-ning our spring fundraisers and activities.

CROSSROADS St. Mark’s Youth in Ministry

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NEED MONTHLY SPONSORS FOR “CROSSINGS” Want to Help Out with the printing cost of St. Mark’s “Crossings”? You have the opportunity to dedicate a printing of a monthly issue “In Memory Of” someone special, or as a special gift “In Honor of Someone or Special Anniversary”. Donation of $100.00 is asked. Please call the office if you are interested in sponsoring a monthly issue of our newsletter (242-3466). At the time of this writing—the months of 2009 that are available are May through December.

INSTALLATION OF CHURCH COUNCIL Sunday, January 4th, will be the installation of our congregation council for this year at both the 8:00 and 10:15 worship services. We are so very thankful for all who have served and continue to serve in this vital ministry! Special thanks goes out to Norma Robinson who served as our council president for this past year (2007) and to Fred Rentschler, Jr. who served as Vice President. Their leadership moved our church forward over the past year. We also need to say a special word of thanks and congratulations to Norma Robinson who was elected again to be President of the congregation for another year (2009) and to Clyde Borrell who was elected Vice President. These officers along with our entire council are to be thanked and commended for their sacrifice and service to the Church of Christ at St. Mark. Also a very special thanks to Shelley Guthoerl who served as our Financial Sec-retary for many years and has now turned it over to Carl Bowman. We thank our treasurer, Art Schehl who has served in this position for several years. We don’t want to forget our Endowment Treasurer, Helen Mendel who has been faithful for many years.

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AREA WIDE YOUTH GROUP

JOIN US FOR THE

In Honor of

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

on

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

at

EDGWOOD LUTHERAN CHURCH

begins at 1:00p.m.

Dress appropriately for the weather

and

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JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 1— Ola Marshall, Luke Clune, Noah Clune 3— Daniel Cheathum 4—Victoria Ellison, Samantha Krumski, Brent Nelson, Kalee Robinson 5—Ruthedda Knollinger, Daniel Minch, Jim Taylor 6—Burke Glover, Dorothy Pyle 7—Tim Braden 8—Phyllis Mullavey, Natalie Naegele 9—Sherri Schafer, Albert Wyatt 10—Logan Marshall, Dave Naumann, Deborah Reineke 11—Jill Walton 13—Whitney Naumann 14—Don Braden, Kate Freed 15—Rob Davis, Edith Folmar, Bob Miller, Sr. 16—Jennifer Aubrey, Frances Braden, Dan Lewis Florence Oliver, Bob Beck 17—Mark Naumann, Amy Serig 18—Norma Farrow, Art McKenzie 19—Cheryl Peyton 20—Eric Huls, Kyleigh Minch 21—Michael Hughes, Beverly Knollinger 22—Michael Hlad, Craig Peyton 23—Mary Doman, Howard Watkins

JANUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

12—Charles & Elizabeth Jonas

JANUARY ALTAR FLOWERS 4—Ruth Miller & Eberle Family in memory of Ralph Miller Eleanor Nickerson in memory of husband, Robert (died 1/5) Jim & Peggy Glaser in honor of granddaughter, Ellie’s 2nd birthday 1/9) 11—Wilma Rentschler in honor of children’s birthdays, Louise, Carolyn & Frederick, Jr. 18—Mary Doman in honor of double birthdays, Sally & Grandma Mary 1/23 Carolyn Nortemann in memory of mother, Lillian at her birth date 1/27 Ken, Ellen, & Laura Kriner, Devin, Gavin & Jacee Glass in memory of Jeremy Glass 25—Betty Schafer in memory of husband, Roy at their Wedding Anniversary date Otto & Marion Zwicker to the glory of God and in honor of their Wedding Anniversary

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26—John Rose 28—Hoya Clemons 29—Samara Joyner, Michael Porter 30—Kathryn Sacco 31—Melissa Braun, Ann Martin, Jared Zambito

OFFICIAL ACTS Funerals— Elijah T. Evans, Jr. Baptisms— Aubrey Nicole Dunkin Brooke Alexandra Serig Owen Mitchell Wurschmidt (Dec. 29)

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Carbon Monoxide – A Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning results when the CO mole-cule binds to hemoglobin, the primary carrier of oxygen in the blood stream. This altered hemoglobin, called carboxyhemoglobin, is unable to carry oxygen to the tissues and brain. Carbon monoxide poi-soning can cause brain damage and death. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it; but carbon monoxide can kill you. A concentration of as little as 0.04% (400 parts per million) carbon monoxide in the air can be fatal. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, are often mis-taken for the flu because the deadly gas goes undetected in a home. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death. 1,700 people die annually from accidental CO poisoning, 10,000 others are treated or hospitalized annually. This time of year is more prevalent due to furnace and fireplace use, etc. So hug your loved ones, and GET A CO MONITOR for your home! Add it to your TO DO list, buy one with your tax refund- make it a priority to get one! The following link provides information about the different types of CO detectors. http://www.ridgwayfire.org/carbonmonoxide.htm

WAYS TO START OFF THE NEW YEAR

According to historians, the celebration of the New Year is the oldest holiday. Ancient Babylonians first observed it in the spring about 4,000 years ago. In 153 B.C., the Roman Senate declared January 1 as New Year’s Day. The early church started to hold religious observances that coincided with pagan celebrations. Some denominations still mark Christ’s circumcision on New Year’s. The tradition of making resolutions dates back to the Babylonians, who often promised to return bor-rowed farm equipment. Using a baby to symbolize rebirth and the new year dates back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Modern-day New Year’s customs often focus on prosperity. In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight, hoping to have 12 happy months to come. The Dutch eat donuts because another year has come full circle. One of the best ways to start off the New Year is by spending time in prayer. Look back on God’s many blessings during the completed year and ask for his guidance in the one to come. Also consider starting the tradition of praying for people around the world on New Year’s Day.

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JANUARY SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

January 2009

4 Wise Men Find Jesus Matthew 2:1-12 11 Baptism of Our Lord John Baptizes Jesus Mark 1:4-11 John 3:16

18 Jesus Surprises Nathanael John 1:43-51 Psalm 139:1 (2-3)

24 Prince Caspian Movie and Party Fellowship Hall 1PM

25 Disciples Follow Jesus Mark 1:14-20 Mark 1:17/John 3:16

PERFECT ATTENDANCE UPDATE: In October Mason Lapp had perfect attendance.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE FOR NOVEMBER 2008: Rylie White Mason Lapp Judy Fedczak JoAnne Meyer Martha Abplanalp Harry Abplanalp Ola Marshall Elliott Ellison Stanford Borrell

FUN FOR ALL AGES COMING JANUARY 24, 2009 THE ADVENTURES IN NARNIA CONTINUE… 1 PM join us as we watch Prince Caspian and find out more about

Narnia and what it can teach us about living in fellowship with

Christ and one another. We will not only watch the movie on the

big screen, but we will follow up with snacks, games and other fun

activities to help us figure out what it all means. Bring your family

and friends and prepare to return to Narnia with us.

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THIS ‘N THAT To St. Mark Congregation: I would like to thank Pastor Paul for all his visits and prayers when I

was in the hospital. Also thanks to all the people who sent cards and prayers. It was very appreci-

ated. Thanks, Jenny Humphrey IS YOUR “GIVING” CURRENT? Our anticipated “Giving” through November 30, 2008 was $160,417. “Giving” received to this date totals only $148,448. Total income-to-date is $206,491 while total spending-to-date is $218,689 resulting in a deficit spending to date of $12,198 The No-vember church financial statement is posted on the first floor bulletin board for those interested. THANK YOU to Cheryl & Craig Peyton for their hard work regarding the Christmas Baskets. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans contributed $500 towards this effort. BUS TRIP: St. Mark had fifty-two (52) members & friends attend the “Living Christmas Tree” per-formance at Grace Brethren Church in Columbus, OH. A good time was had by all. Recently pictured in the newspaper was Bill Dumas who helped celebrate the 223rd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. Also recently pictured was Anita Petri who is involved in the annual United Way fund-raising campaign. Thanks to everyone that helped with the decorating of the church for the Advent and Christmas sea-son. “Thank you” from the area wide youth group to St. Mark’s youth leaders for hosting our December event. We had a great time caroling, eating pizza and cookies, playing video games and watching the movie. Pastor Paul, Sherri and Robert would like to thank St. Mark’s members and friends for all of the Christmas cards and gifts. We are blessed to be serving in such a warm, caring and supportive con-gregation. We look forward to our ministry together in 2009. Dick Strickler was recently elected Financial Director of the OH, WV, PA Tri-State Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. St. Mark’s congregational coordinators continue to be Merv Ev-ans, Margaret Ragni and Carolyn Rose. In December the Wheeling Park High School Music Department held their annual “Festival of Sound” concert at Wesbanco Arena. St. Mark youth participating included Soprano—Kristy Scott, Tenor—T.J. Espina, Violin—Kristy Scott, Trombone—T.J. Espina, Jazz Ensemble—T.J. Espina . Leslie & Pat Garrett were involved in its planning and direction. Congratulations to all for their ex-cellent performance!! Community Lutheran Partners is very appreciative of the support of $500 from the congregation of St. Mark Lutheran Church. I am very excited that we will be working together in 2009 to develop Health ministries and a Disaster Preparedness plan. Sherri Schafer, Program Developer, CLP.

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St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church NONPROFIT ORG 141 Kruger Street, Elm Grove U S POSTAGE Wheeling, WV. 26003 PAID WHEELING WV PERMIT NO. 44 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

JANUARY 2009

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

MARY ELLEN KNAUSS

In Memory of Husband, Walter At his birth date, January 1