st. stephen’s christian fellowship...
TRANSCRIPT
ST. STEPHEN’S CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
1100 Hunters Chase Lane
Lebanon PA 17046
717-273-3912
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.saintstephenscfc.org
August 2017
Special Thanks
A special thank-you goes out to
the Music & Worship committee
for the work they do organizing
and planning music events such as
the worship service conducted by
Andrea Joy and Jason E. P.
Johnson as well as Singpiration.
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A Note from Pastor Ron
Encouraging Words As You RE-commit to Church This Fall
When you find yourself in a wilderness, an empty unfulfilling time, it’s probably because you have
put God near the bottom of your list of important things! So, how do you return? What encouraging
words do you need to hear? How do you get through it?
Are you one of these?
The one whose heart is broken by another’s cruelty and refusal to get along.
The one who is searching for something–or someone–to ease the pain of loneliness.
The mom who struggles to find the balance between working at home and ministering and
caring for her kids.
The father whose job is on the line and who lives with fear of a pink slip.
The one who just got the pink slip and has a mortgage payment due.
The parent whose kids have rebelled.
The one who longs to find purpose and meaning and joy again.
The one who has temporarily lost his vision and stability because of one careless error.
The heart that longs for the fullness of God, to be filled with His presence, but can’t hear
Him in the noise of their circumstances.
The one who whose world has turned strangely dark, with no hope of change.
The one who cannot escape from the nightmares of chronic physical pain.
The one who has just received the doctor’s news that is not good.
The one who has agonized in prayer but sees no change.
The one who is imprisoned in an endless cycle of destructive habits.
The one whose resume reads “success,” but whose heart cries “exhausted.”
The one who has just said goodbye to someone they love.
You may find yourself in one of these categories, or in none of them. Maybe you know someone
who’s struggling in the wilderness right now and needs encouragement. I’m not sure who needs
these encouraging words, but I’m guessing all of us have experienced a “wilderness” at one time or
another in our lives. Maybe you’re still there. So, whoever you are, these encouraging words are for
you.
Here are some encouraging verses from Isaiah 35:1-3, 10.
“Strengthen those who have tired hands.”
“Encourage those who have weak knees.”
“Say to those who are afraid, ‘Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy
your enemies. He is coming to save you.'”
“Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be overcome with joy and gladness.”
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Isaiah lived in disturbing times, when God’s people imprisoned themselves in their own deserved
judgment, following endless cycles of disobedience. Yet God promised hope and encouraging
words to balance their impending judgment: a light, as it were, at the end of the tunnel.
I’m sure Joshua needed encouragement as well, even though he had just come from a
literal wilderness with Moses for 40 years. But he was moving into unconquered territory now. He,
too, needed encouraging words, just to believe God’s promises to him and to God’s people. What
God told him was not an option, but a command:
“I command you–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord Your
God is with you wherever you go”
God further promises that hope does not disappoint, (Romans 5:4; Isaiah 49:23). Wherever you are,
whatever “wilderness” you’re in right now, cling to those encouraging words. Cling to Jesus.
Earthly hope will let us down. But true hope, wrapped up in a personal relationship and believing in
Jesus will never disappoint. That kind of hope is rooted not in circumstances, but in Christ alone.
If you are grounded in the Church, don’t give up. Satan would love to keep you away. If you have
drifted from the Church, Satan is winning and you are losing. Come back!
A Personal Prayer for You
Lord, please hear the cries of those still “wandering” in the wilderness of difficult circumstances.
Comfort weary, fearful hearts, and come alongside those who desperately need your
companionship, counsel, and intervention. You have promised your presence, and I ask you to make
Your presence real in every reader’s heart today. Give them hope and light wherever they are. You
are the only One who can truly help. Encourage them today, as only You can. Help them to run to
Your arms of love. Let them know, that in You, all things are possible. Thank You for Your
encouraging words, Jesus!
I love you all!
pastorron
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Church Council President’s Comments
Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!
It is hard to believe that summer is almost over; in a few short weeks school will start and
the Labor Day holiday will be upon us. As for Church Council, and some of the
committees of St. Stephen’s, this is planning time. The Music & Worship and Christian
Education committee is very busy planning several special programs. Church and Ministry
committee is working on relationship building and spiritual life within the church based
on the information provided in the recent church survey. Church Council is focusing on
ideas and plans for church growth. Each of these committees are prayerfully asking for
God’s direction in all that is discussed and considered. We also ask that each of you
provide prayerful thoughts and suggestions as well.
Remember, God is the true leader of St. Stephen’s and His direction may come from many
sources. You may be that source!
May God Bless,
Paul Weidman
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Music News and Views
Music News and Views for August, 2017
By Steve Suk
Singspiration! Our 2nd annual hymn sing will be here soon; August 13 at 6:15. The singing
will be followed by an ice cream social. It should be a great time for everyone.
We will be singing your favorite songs as well as having some special music. We are again
fortunate to have Dennis Mellott leading the song service. His energy and ability was
greatly appreciated last year and I’m sure will be this year.
This year we will be asking for your one favorite song. We will endeavor to sing as many
verses as time allows. I hope everyone reading this will be able to attend and enjoy the
music as well as the ice cream!
Hymn sings are a wonderful way to express our love of singing as well as our love for the
Lord. Singing these old-time hymns, as well as newer ones, are a great way to stay
grounded in good doctrine and in good memories. It is an amazing thing that we can sing
these hymns over and over and never get tired of them. With the Celebration Hymnal we
have a tremendous resource for singing our favorite hymns as well as being able to learn
newer contemporary songs.
It is interesting to note that many of the “old-time” hymns have the entire story of
salvation embedded in the verses. In fact, these hymns could be used as devotional
resources by themselves. Sort of like a mini-sermon in each song.
That is why these hymns were so effective in the great evangelical crusades of the past.
From Billy Sunday to Billy Graham, they were mainstays for reaching the lost. Remember
“Just as I Am” that was used so effectively in the Billy Graham crusades?
I will close by saying that there are many reasons we sing hymns. But I believe our first
reason should be to honor Christ through our singing. That is what we will be doing on
August 13.
Please join us!!
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August 2017
Our Worship Team List
Lectors:
Ushers: Greeters:
August 6
Kim Weidman
August 13
Brian Weidman
August 20
Cindy Klingler
August 27
Janet Light
August 6
Brian & Kim Weidman
August 13
Linda Focht & Helen Crawford
August 20
Johan Berger & Richard Rights
August 27
Janet & Sarah Light
August 6
Linda Focht
August 13
Kaitlyn Day
August 20
Richard & Janice Rights
August 27
John & Pat Stormfeltz
Counting Teams:
August 6 Team #2 Ken Shank
August 13 Team #3 Brian Weidman
August 20 Team #4 Janet Light
August 27 Team #5 Cindy Klingler
Communion Usher Schedule:
August 6th December 3rd
Linda Focht & Helen Crawford Erin Frantz & Stephanie Bossler
September 3rd January 7th, 2018
George Boland & Brian Weidman Helen Crawford & Linda Focht
October 1st
Paul Weidman & Joy Weidman
November 5th
Johan Berger & Kim Weidman
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8/3 Bruce Barry
8/4 Bradley Spotts & Paul Hess
8/8 Margaret Minerick
8/9 Janice Rights
8/11 Sue Patches & Peggy Bender
8/15 Kevin Koons
8/19 Devin Gill
8/21 Kathy Jo Bomberger
8/23 Benjamin Day & Paul Dechert
8/24 Randy Dubbs
8/24 Jonathan Hoke
8/25 Howard Kreider
8/26 Patricia Shank & Steve Gipe
8/27 Julia Sweigert
8/28 Donna Schies
8/29 Jane Meyer
8/30 Colin Leonard
8/2 Richard & Janice Rights
8/18 William & Joan Mentzer
8/3 Wilson & Janet Morinchin
8/19 Mark & Joanne Krall
8/25 Dana & Elizabeth Kapp
8/29 Joe & Jane Meyer
8/30 Pastor Ron & Gaye Salem
8/31 Randy & Cynthia Dubbs
SUMMER AT THE TABERNACLE
41 Boulevard Ave. Mt. Gretna, PA
Wednesday, August 2nd—Rev. Quentin Wallace
Saturday, August 5th—Handbell Festival
Sunday August 6th—National Christian Choir
Wednesday, August 9th—Brothers in Grace
Sunday, August 13th—Rev. Dr. Tom Long
Sunday, August 20th—Susquehanna Chorale
Sunday, August 27th—Quintessentially Brass
**All events begin at 7:00 pm**
St. Stephen’s is having the second annual Singspiration!
2nd Sunday in August
August 13th
6:15 p.m.
Followed by an ice cream social. This is a perfect
opportunity to ask your friends and neighbors to come and
have a wonderful time in fellowship with others!
Rally Day!
To be held September 10th in the evening.
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SUNDAY PRAISE SERVICE
The praise service for the month of the August will be in
conjunction with the Singspiration. Please consider
coming out for our Singspiration in August on the 13th at
6:15 pm!
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Lebanon Country School Prayer Walk
August is here which means school is right around the corner!
Our congregation will once again be participating in the Lebanon Country
School Prayer Walk!
We will be meeting after church on August 27th at Ebenezer Elementary.
You can walk over or drive!
When we arrive at the school we will have a prayer circle, and then we will
stroll individually or in small groups and silently pray for the upcoming
school year, students, teachers, and school staff. As we put our feet to our
prayers we will begin to pray with a huge kingdom-sized hope for our
schools!
If you are not able to walk but want to participate, please still join us!
There is lots of shade and great places to put up a chair and offer your
prayers for the upcoming school year.
I look forward to seeing everyone there!
If you have any questions, please contact Erin Frantz
717-838-1795
REMINDER!!!
Church services hours will be changing back to the
normal schedule starting Sunday, September 10th. This
means that Sunday worship will begin at 10:30 am,
with Christian Education at 9:00 am.
Don’t Forget!
Our Facebook:
Haven’t liked us on
Facebook yet?
It’s not to late, check us
out at…
St. Stephen’s Christian
Fellowship Church
Our Website:
Check us out online for
updates on news around the
church and church
information.
Check us out at:
Also if you have any
information for the website
see that our secretary
receives it as early as
possible
August 2017
Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat.
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2 3 4 5
6 7 8
9 10 11 12
Worship
9:30 am
Council Meeting (CR)
7:00 pm
13 14 15
16 17 18 19
Worship
9:30 am
SINGSPIRATION
6:15 pm
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Worship
9:30 am
27 28 29 30 31
Worship
9:30 am
Lebanon County School Prayer
Walk
Christian Ed. and Music & Worship Meeting 7:00 pm
SH-Social Hall
CR- Conference Room
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St. Stephen’s Christian
Fellowship Church 1100 Hunters Chase Lane
Lebanon, PA 17046
Don’t forget to join us on Sundays for our worship service at 9:30am
See you in the pew!
St. Stephen’s Christian Fellowship Church
August 2017 Steeple
It is always nice to see fresh flowers on our altar on a Sunday morning.
So, please sign up now for your date for altar flowers or bulletins.
The sign up list is located in the church narthex.
Altar Flowers are $37.50 a week.
Bulletins are $12.00 a week
Questions or dedications, call the office at 717-273-3912 or email [email protected]
Our flowers are supplied by ‘Crazy for Daisies’
Altar Flowers & Bulletins