striving to grow our faith and devotion to god at st
TRANSCRIPT
March 2019
Striving to Grow our Faith and Devotion to God at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
Beginning the Season of Lent
We hope you will join us for one of two Ash Wednesday services as we begin the season of Lent on March 6th.
• 12:00 Noon - Service of the Word with the imposition of ashes • 7:00pm - Service of Holy Communion with the imposition of ashes
Red Cross Blood Drive March 14 from 2-7pm in the Fellowship Hall Did you know that a single donation can save the lives of three people? You can help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life. Invite your friends and family to join you and sign up online at: RedCrossBlood.org. Sponsor Code: St Matthew’s. Any questions, please call the church office.
St. Matthew’s JaM Camp It’s never too early to get JaM Camp on your calendar! Our VBS program for ages 4 through grade 6 will be held June 24-28, 9:00am to Noon. Registration will be coming in April. If you are ready to volunteer your time and talents, please contact Susan Lear.
Altar Flower Sponsorship Our 2019 calendar is up and dates are open! St. Matthew's members have the opportunity to sponsor one bouquet of altar flowers for $25. Two sponsorships are available each week. Sign up in the narthex!
Sight and Sound’s Noah + April 13th Sight and Sound's Noah is coming to movie theaters for a limited engagement. Let's meet & watch together on Saturday, April 13th! This movie has a G rating making it appropriate for all ages. If you need assistance ordering online, or want to arrange carpooling, see Becki Wieder. Where: AMC Theater in Center Valley at the Promenade Shops When: Saturday at April 13th for the 12:55 showing. We'll gather in the lobby at 12:45. How: Order your tickets online at https://www.atomtickets.com/checkout/302731112?ref=fat#/tickets
The winners of St. Matthew’s Cook-off:
Katie Schnaath—Mac & Cheese
Sharon Conrey—Chili
CONGRATULATIONS
and thanks to all the cooks!
Save the date for
JaM Camp!
2 Light from the Ridge
Dear Friends-
On March 6th we will begin the season of Lent with our Ash Wednesday worship services. As the day approaches, you may be considering what kind of Lenten discipline you will engage in. Will you give something up? Will you take something on?
Since Biblical times, people have fasted as a way to deepen their connection to the holy. Luther commended it as a good work, but did not see it as a necessity. He advised, that “care must be taken, lest out of this freedom [from fasting and abstinence] there grows a lazy indifference about killing the wantonness of the flesh.” Luther understood that humans are “exceedingly tricky in looking for permission” and so might give up fasting without ever having tried it and even go further taking up greater wantonness of the flesh rather than less.
Modern folks give up a variety of things during Lent– chocolate, Facebook, soda, fast food, shopping, red meat, coffee, TV- but if this “fasting” doesn’t lead to a greater focus on God, what’s the point? One Lent, two of the women I worked with gave up caffeine. The grumbling and griping was daily. It was hard to see that their faith was being enhanced by the practice. John Calvin said that people need to be reminded “that fasting in itself is not of great value in the sight of God, unless accompanied with internal affection of the heart, true dissatisfaction with sin and with one’s self, true humiliation, and true grief.” He pointed back to the prophet Joel who calls us to rend our hearts and not our garments. Our Lenten disciplines are only of value if they impact our hearts and minds and not just our bodies.
So will you give up something this Lent? What will you put in its place? Prayer, devotional reading, a monetary offering? There are lots of resources out there. The ELCA World Hunger office has a devotional calendar filled with ideas for how to engage in Lenten disciplines and participate in 40 Days of Giving which can be downloaded for free at http://resources.elca.org/Products-Hunger.html. Perhaps you will take up “praying in color” which incorporates drawing and doodling into the practice of prayer. For me it is a way to help me stay focused and still during my prayer time. We’ll be trying it out at our Adult Forum on March 3rd along with some other devotional options.
Could you take something on as a family? I have great memories of being challenged as a kid to create a meal for my family on a very small budget. Each of us kids and our parents got $2 to create dinner for five. The balance of what might have been spent was given as an offering to feed others. More than 45 years later I still remember what I made for my meal. More importantly that activity taught me something about the connection between what we have and what we share with others.
On Ash Wednesday, our liturgy calls us to a discipline that contends against evil and resists whatever leads us away from love of God and neighbor.” We are invited to “the discipline of Lent—self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love—strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament.” However you may choose to journey through the 40 days, I hope that you will be enriched in your spirit through activity that calls you to consider all that God has done for us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
See you at worship!
3 Light from the Ridge
Congregation Council
Council President
Gary Monesmith 267-446-7519 [email protected]
Council Secretary
Kelly Smola 215-872-1476
Financial Secretary
Sharon Myers 215-257-7922
Bookkeeper
Paul Gruver 215-723-7571
Treasurer
Debra Yates 610-847-8670
Activities
Becki Wieder 610-346-6640
Christian Education
Lisa Rice 215-257-7646
Church Building
Bob Grasmeder 215-453-9278
Evangelism Denise Smith 215-795-2303
Finance Brooke Rush 215-257-7235
Property & Grounds
Bruce Seachrist 215-536-2394
Social Ministry
Teresa Hearn 215-205-5206
Stewardship
Cindy Murphy 215-766-3834
Worship & Music
Susan Robinson 610-847-2405
Council Highlights for February • The Council approved that donations from our Endowment Income
Fund be made to local fire departments, Bear Creek, Head Start, Lutheran Community at Telford, Pennridge Fish and our Mortgage Fund.
• Our congregation donated 8,187 pounds to Pennridge Fish in 2018 for which Pennridge Fish is very grateful.
• Pastor Heidi and Gary Monesmith attended a Safety and Security Symposium and are now working with Council on how to bring some of the suggestions to our congregation.
• St. Matthews is getting new faucets for all the bathrooms (donated by Moen) to correct the spraying problem. However, be aware you will now need to turn the faucet off when you are done. They will no longer turn off by themselves.
Memorials In memory of Edith Hebel :Given by Leroy & Kathleen Herstine (World Hunger)
MUSIC BOX Wed 2/27 6:30pm Bell Ensemble Sun 3/3 Bell Ensemble Sun 3/10 Mike Gruver, vocal Wed 3/13 7:00pm Women’s Ensemble Sun 3/17 Women’s Ensemble Sun 3/24 Grades 1—6 Sun 3/31 Juliana Swanson, flute Wed 4/3 6:30pm Women’s Ensemble 7:00pm Women’s Ensemble Sun 4/7 Rebecca Yardley, piano Wed 4/10 7:00pm Choir Sun 4/14 Youth Orchestra Wed 4/17 7:00pm Choir rehearsal Thu 4/18 Choir Fri 4/19 Choir Sun 4/21 Choir
4 Light from the Ridge
Great Topics for Great Conversations! 3/3 - Intergenerational Conversation Getting Ready for Lent. The
Confirmation students will join us as we look at a variety of devotional resources. Pastor Heidi will be leading the conversation. (See her article on page 2 for more details.)
3/10 - Bring Your Own Bible: Join Pastor Heidi for a conversation about our Bibles. Be sure to bring at least one from home: maybe your Grandma’s Bible or the one you received at Confirmation? What can we learn about our faith, our history and ourselves from this important “library.”
3/17 - Visiting and Eucharistic Ministers: Have you ever wondered what our Eucharistic Ministers do during their visits? Would you be interested in being a regular visitor for homebound members of St. Matthew’s? Join this conversation which will help shape our visitation ministry in the months to come.
3/24 - Bible Verses You Should Stop Using: Becki Wieder will lead the conversation following a TED Talk video on Bible Verses that we may be misusing or misunderstanding in our daily lives. Don’t miss this fascinating topic!
3/31 - Community Garden: There have been a number of conversations over the last two years about building a Community Garden at St. Matthew’s. We know we have the knowledge and the talent. Pennridge FISH has said they will take all the food we can grow. Be a part of this conversation for what we hope will be a reality this summer!
Life Line Screening Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings will be at our church once again on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. They will be providing ultrasound screenings to Identify risk factors for Cardiovascular disease include; Carotid Artery (plaque buildup-a leading cause of stroke), Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (an enlargement or weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body), Peripheral Arterial Disease (hardening of the arteries in the legs), a Heart Rhythm Screening (an EKG to detect Atrial Fibrillation-irregular heartbeat) and an Osteoporosis Risk Assessment for men and women. Being proactive about your health by knowing your risks helps you and your doctor address problems early.
Register online TODAY at www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle and receive your “Community Circle” discount.
Working with Pennridge FISH Pantry
There is always something to do at Pennridge FISH! If you are interested in being a volunteer, you can stop by during their hours of operation or go to their website: https://pennridgefish.org/how-to-volunteer and fill out an application. You can also volunteer to transport donations from church to the pantry by contacting Teresa Hearn. Supporting FISH through donations of time and supplies are ways that you can share God’s love with our community!
Here are some items that are always welcome on the shelves at the food pantry. Grab one of our FISH bags and fill it up the next time you’re at the grocery store!
100% fruit or vegetable juice pasta and macaroni spaghetti sauce canned milk canned fruit soups—all kinds dry potatoes rice and grains small jars of peanut butter or jelly baby wipes coffee, tea and hot chocolate diapers, sizes 4,5,6 bath soaps and shampoos laundry detergent and cleaning products paper towels, toilet paper, tissues feminine products, toiletries, shaving items, deodorant, toothpaste
5 Light from the Ridge
The Activities Team has some fun things planned for 2019! Save the date for these upcoming events. More details and sign ups to follow.
Saturday, May 11 Coffee House starting at 6:30pm. This is your chance to share your singing or guitar playing (or both) or maybe even do a little stand-up comedy. Bring a friend to the Welcome Center for some coffee and entertainment.
Saturday, June 15 Iron Pigs - See Donna Lebiedzinski if you're interested. We'll be on the PPL Picnic Patio.
Saturday, October 19 Movie Night - doors open at 6 and movie starts at 6:30pm. "I Can Only Imagine" friends, pillows, bean bag chairs are welcome.
Sunday, December 1 Cookie Exchange - following 10:15 worship. We'll have lunch than swap cookies - come with one type, leave with lots!
Sunday, December 8 Caroling following 10:15 worship. We'll have lunch then head out to spread some Christmas cheer!
Keep your eyes and ears open - you never know what else we might try.
Thank you!
Thank you to St. Matthew's congregation for all of your prayers, cards, meals, and well wishes for us before and after Craig's operation. Everything is very much appreciated. Craig and Susan Petticoffer
Thank you to members and friends of St. Matthew’s who participated in Souper Bowl Sunday on February 3 sponsored by Lutheran Youth Fellowship. A total of $471 and 165lbs of non-perishable food was collected for Pennridge FISH.
6 Light from the Ridge
March’s Volunteer Leaders
Counters: Cindy Murphy, Brooke Rush; alternate: Deb Yates Altar Guild: Marilynne Bagosy, Rose Vargo, Judy Smolenski Ushers: 7:45 Kevin & Lisa Rice; 10:15 Brooke & Robin Rush, Paul Schneider, Bruce Seachrist FISH Food Volunteer: Cindy Murphy 3/3 Liturgist: 7:45 Carol Miller; 10:15 Marilynne Bagosy Lector: 7:45 Mackenzie Robinson; 10:15 Sharon Myers Acolyte: 7:45 Katie Nicholas; 10:15 Camilla Valletta Holy Communion Assistants: 7:45 server Donna Buzdygon, wafers Mary Fowler, wine John Cimino, juice
Kelly Smola; 10:15 server Frank Ganiszewski, wafers Mike VanValkenburgh, wine Cathy Hall-Currey, Michelle Fluck, juice Holly Thorrington, Susan Petticoffer
Kids Space Volunteer: Linda Seachrist Greeter: 7:45 Denise Anders; 10:15 Tom Hebel 3/6 Ash Wednesday Liturgist: Lisa Rice Acolyte: Connor Nicholas Holy Communion Assistants: server Gary Monesmith, wafers Sharon Myers, wine Linda Nice, Roger Beer juice Brooke Rush, Holly Thorrington 3/10 Liturgist: 7:45 John Cimino; 10:15 Katie Schnaath Lector: 7:45 Carol Kirby; 10:15 Dave Wurster Acolyte: 7:45 Darian Smola; 10:15 Logan Goepfert Kids Space Volunteer: Brenda Leight Greeter: 7:45 Brayden Robinson; 10:15 Cindy Detweiler 3/17 Liturgist: 7:45 Barbara Hess; 10:15 Brooke Rush Lector: 7:45 Brayden Robinson; 10:15 Cindy Detweiler Acolyte: 7:45 Logan Lear; 10:15 Emerson Gruver Holy Communion Assistants: 7:45 Barbara Hess; 10:15 Tom Hebel, Sharon Conrey, Donna Lebiedzinski Kids Space Volunteer: Kristin Dudish Greeter: 7:45 Marilynne Bagosy; 10:15 Linda Heckman 3/24 Liturgist: Bob Podraza Lector: 7:45 Matt Gruver; 10:15 Sharon Conrey Acolyte: 7:45 Mackenzie Robinson; 10:15 Owen Gruver Kids Space Volunteer: Mike VanValkenburgh Greeter: 7:45 Darlene Hardy; 10:15 Deb Yates 3/31 Liturgist: 7:45 Kelly Smola; 10:15 Susan Ganiszewski Lector: 7:45 Joyce Koenig; 10:15 Becki Wieder Acolyte: 7:45 Brayden Robinson; 10:15 Sarah Kummery Kids Space Volunteer: JoAnn Burmeister Greeter: 7:45 Joyce Koenig; 10:15 Becki Wieder
7 Light from the Ridge
~ March 2019 ~
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
3
Transfiguration of Our Lord 7:45 & 10:15am Worship Holy Communion 8:45a Thrivent Coffee Hour 9a Sunday School, Confirmation & Adult Forum
4
10a Staff Meeting 7p Social Ministry Team in Meeting Room
5 7p Council Meeting
6 Ash Wednesday 9a Women's Breakfast @ Dublin Diner
12 noon Worship 7p Worship with Holy Communion
7 6:30p Friends of Lake Nockamixon in FH
8
9
10 Daylight Saving
Begins
First Sunday in Lent 7:45 & 10:15am Worship 9a Sunday School, Confirmation & Adult Forum
11 10a Staff Meeting 7:00p Worship & Music Team in Meeting Room
12
13 7p Women’s Ensemble Rehearsal
14 2p Red Cross Blood Drive
15 Newsletter deadline
16
17 Saint Patrick's Day
Second Sunday in Lent 7:45 & 10:15am Worship Holy Communion by intinction 9a Sunday School, Confirmation & Adult Forum
18 10a Staff Meeting
19 7p Council Constitution Review
20 Spring Begins 9a WELCA Workday Knotting Quilts
21
22
23 2p Brett Wimmer & Stephanie Lear Wedding
24
Third Sunday in Lent 7:45 & 10:15am Worship 9a Sunday School, Confirmation & Adult Forum
25 10a Staff Meeting
26
27
28
29
30
31
Fifth Sunday in Lent 7:45 & 10:15am Worship 9a Sunday School, Confirmation & Adult Forum
Notes:
8 Light from the Ridge
LYF FUNDRAISER
HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE EASTER EGGS
Peanut Butter Eggs ________
Coconut Eggs ________
Butter Cream Eggs ________
Total quantity ordered _______
Total amount paid __________
Name _________________________________
Telephone number _______________________
Deadline to place your order is March 31.
Candy is available for pick up on Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019. Place the form and money in the offering plate.
The candy sale supports all youth activities.
Help the LYF make their Easter Candy sale a success by donating the following ingredients:
2 lbs Confectioner Sugar Any size full fat Creamy Skippy Peanut Butter 1 lb of salted butter Coconut 8 oz full fat cream cheese
Please drop off your donated items in the round room by March 31. Monetary donations are also welcome.
9 Light from the Ridge
Easter Flowers
Name __________________________________________________________________________
Phone _______-________-__________
In honor of ___________________________________________________________________
In memory of ________________________________________________________________
Other___________________________________________________________________________
Tulips (multi-color) ______ Hyacinths (multi-color) ______
Lilies (white) ______ (Put # ordered on line)
Total amount paid $__________
Easter Flowers
Lilies are $10 / Tulips & Hyacinths $8
Please put order form and money in offering plate
or mail to the church office.
Deadline for ordering is Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
3668 Ridge Road
Perkasie, PA 18944
Change Service Requested TIME VALUE MAIL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Quakertown, PA
18951
PERMIT NO. 162
St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie, PA 18944
215-795-2965
www.kellerschurch.org
March
2019
Mar
Phone: 215-795-2965 / Website: www.kellerschurch.org Pastor The Rev. Heidi M. Rodrick-Schnaath / [email protected] Director of Music & Youth Susan D. Lear / [email protected]
Administrative Assistant Holly M. Thorrington / [email protected]