First Sunday Fusion Discontinued First Sunday Fusion worship (one worship service at 9:00am on the first Sunday of the month) is discontinued, effective immediately. After studying the usefulness of First Sunday Fusion on the first Sunday of each month, Council has taken action to return to normal worship services at 7:45 and 10:15am each Sunday of every month effective immediately. No more remembering worship time changes until the summer schedule begins. Coffee & Conversation and Sunday School will continue as normal. Souper Bowl Sunday Join the LYF in collecting funds to benefit those who are without a bowl of soup to eat. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, youth group members will be at each church entrance with a soup pot to collect money for our local FISH program. Each person is encouraged to give generously toward this organization which supplies food for local needy people. Each family is also asked to donate one non- perishable food item for “FISH". These items may be placed in the "FISH Food" baskets at each entrance of the church. St. Matthew’s Groundbreaking It is with joyful anticipation that we announce St. Matthew’s groundbreaking festivities for our “One Church, One Building” project on Sunday, March 5 at 11:30am. The ceremony will begin shortly after the 10:15am Sunday service, followed by potluck lunch. During lunch in our soon to be renovated fellowship hall, architectural displays and drawings, as well as samples of the floorings and finishes will be available. A brief discussion with our building contractor will follow. Please plan to attend. LYF Saturday Retreat and Youth Sunday LYF Saturday Retreat & Youth Sunday, March 11 & 12 - Saturday, 9am - 5pm, preparation and rehearsal for Youth Sunday worship highlighted with a trip to Sky Zone. Sunday is youth led 7:45 & 10:15 worship. Sign up on the youth bulletin board for this fun-filled two day event! February 2017 February 2017 February 2017 Striving to Grow our Faith and Devotion to God at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Boy Scout Sunday February 5 at 10:15 Please wear your uniform! Ash Wednesday, March 1 worship opportunities: 12:00 Noon - service with imposition of ashes 7:00pm - service with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion
Transcript
First Sunday Fusion Discontinued
First Sunday Fusion worship (one worship service at 9:00am on the first Sunday of the month) is discontinued, effective immediately. After studying the usefulness of First Sunday Fusion on the first Sunday of each month, Council has taken action to return to normal worship services at 7:45 and 10:15am each Sunday of every month effective immediately. No more remembering worship time changes until the summer schedule begins. Coffee & Conversation and Sunday School will continue as normal.
Souper Bowl Sunday
Join the LYF in collecting funds to benefit those who are without a bowl of soup to eat. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, youth group members will be at each church entrance with a soup pot to collect money for our local FISH program. Each person is encouraged to give generously toward this organization which supplies food for local needy people. Each family is also asked to donate one non-perishable food item for “FISH". These items may be placed in the "FISH Food" baskets at each entrance of the church.
St. Matthew’s Groundbreaking
It is with joyful anticipation that we announce St. Matthew’s groundbreaking festivities for our “One Church, One Building” project on Sunday, March 5 at 11:30am. The ceremony will begin shortly after the 10:15am Sunday service, followed by potluck lunch. During lunch in our soon to be renovated fellowship hall, architectural displays and drawings, as well as samples of the floorings and finishes will be available. A brief discussion with our building contractor will follow. Please plan to attend.
LYF Saturday Retreat and Youth Sunday LYF Saturday Retreat & Youth Sunday, March 11 & 12 - Saturday, 9am - 5pm, preparation and rehearsal for Youth Sunday worship highlighted with a trip to Sky Zone. Sunday is youth led 7:45 & 10:15 worship. Sign up on the youth bulletin board for this fun-filled two day event!
Striving to Grow our Faith and Devotion to God at
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
February 2017February 2017February 2017
Striving to Grow our Faith and Devotion to God at
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
Boy Scout Sunday February 5 at 10:15 Please wear your
uniform!
Ash Wednesday, March 1 worship opportunities: 12:00 Noon - service with imposition of ashes
7:00pm - service with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion
2 Light from the Ridge
From Pastor Donna
Life is complex
In the middle of my preparations for Christmas, I found myself grieving the sudden death of my mom. (As many of you grieved the deaths of your loved ones.) It certainly affected my Christmas. And was one of the main reasons I gave burlap pieces with the word “love” on them to everyone at the early Christmas Eve worship – to remind all of us that Jesus, God’s love, comes not in fancy and glittery packages, but in the times of life that are the roughest.
And here we are, St. Matthew’s Kellers Church, in the middle of a transition between pastoral leadership, and we are about to break ground on an ambitious building project. In the middle of winter. With Lent right around the corner. (Ash Wednesday is March 1 this year.) It is a lot! But you are doing it.
The new building is a sign of hope and determination. When I mentioned to the other interim pastors that St. Matthew’s would be breaking ground on a major renovation project, they were quite impressed. They mentioned how a prospective pastor would be glad to see a congregation that went ahead with an important project to benefit future ministry without waiting for the next pastor to show up.
A complicated calendar
Here at St. Matthew’s, we have a bit of a complicated calendar coming up. Our last transition events will happen January 29 and February 5, during adult forum time. Final surveys for the Ministry Site Profile that goes to synod will be presented to the congregation on Feb. 5 and 12. Council will select a call committee on Feb. 7. A joint meeting of the call committee, council, and transition team, to go over the Ministry Site Profile will take place Feb. 26. Ash Wednesday is March 1, with a brief worship at noon and our regular worship at 7 pm. March 5 following worship we will have groundbreaking and a celebration luncheon for the “One Church One Building” project. March 7 the council will (hopefully) approve a final form of the Ministry Site Profile, which will then be send to synod. Then we will resume our normal Lenten schedule. And of course, throughout this time, we will worship well, learn about God’s love for us in adult forum, Sunday school, and confirmation, and experience the love of God through pastoral and lay visitation. Wow!
When life is complex, pray!
Seriously. Pray for the ministry of St. Matthew’s. Pray for the staff and leaders. Pray for those who have experienced deep griefs. Pray for our building project. Pray for our transition. Pray for us and our community, so that many more will come to St. Matthew’s to hear the good news of God’s love – that God loves us especially in the rough burlap times of our lives, when comfort is hard to find.
God has given us a great mission: to be the light on the ridge, to share God’s love in thought, word, and deed. With God’s help, we will accomplish this great mission.
God bless us all!
Church Address 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie, PA 18944 [email protected] Phone 215-795-2965 / 215-795-0960 (fax) Website www.kellerschurch.org Staff: Interim Pastor The Rev. Donna M. Wright [email protected] 267-897-0670 Director of Music & Youth Susan D. Lear [email protected] Ministry Assistant Linda English Nice [email protected] Administrative Assistant Holly Thorrington [email protected] Nursery Attendant Patty Murphey
3 Light from the Ridge
Memorials
In Memory of Fritz & Virginia Bishop (Parents, Grandparents & Great Grandparents) Given by Landis & Stefanowicz Families (Beverly, Larry, Brad, Kim, Shannon, Dan, Amy, Jason & Mike) In Memory of Bill Buzdygon Given by Bernice Gilbert & Family; Richard & Phyllis Detweiler and Family; Grim Family—George, Bob, Heather, Jared, Ethan & Caleb (all to Capital Campaign) In Memory of Heidi Hahn Given by Bernice Gilbert & Family (Capital Campaign) In Memory of Ethel & Leonard Gilpin and Cora A. Molloy Given by Nancy E. Hird In Memory of Kenneth & Gerald Moyer Given by Bernice Gilbert & Family; Kenneth & Janet Beer; Scott & Susan Lear (all to the Capital Campaign)
Notes from The Transition Team Acts 15:28: It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us
January 29th – Part 1– Mission Goals Transition Event – during Sunday School
February 5th – Part 2– Mission Goals Transition Event – during Sunday School
February 7th – Select Call Committee Members – Council Meeting
February 19th – Install Call Committee – Congregational Meeting
February 26th – Review MSP* - Call Committee, Council, and Transition Team
March 5th – MSP* to be reviewed by Congregation (copies to be made available to review)
March 7th – Approve MSP* - Council Meeting
March 8th – Send MSP*/Supporting Documents to Synod
March 16th – Synod with prayer reviews our MSP and begins the matching process – SEPA Synod
committee of deans meeting *Ministry Site Profile – our job posting **Schedule subject to change due to weather – events may be postponed and rescheduled**
Thank you Thank you to all of you that participated in our Personal Space Camp and Effective Leadership Event. Please speak to a transition team member and let them know what you found most interesting from the event.
Please join us - Mission - NOT IMPOSSIBLE January 29
th and February 5
th 9:00 – 10:00 – During Sunday School Time – It is time for our
congregation to come together and brainstorm our future mission work. Please come share your passions, ideas, and perspectives. We need to know what each of you wishes to be part of in our church’s future mission work. As always there will be Fun and Goodies. Team members are: Cindy Detweiler, Michelle Fluck, Susan Ganisewski, Paul Gruver, Jim Lauchmen, Kathleen Herstine, Kevin Rice, Brian Robinson, Sue Robinson, Kelly Smola, and Pastor Donna Wright. A prayer for St. Matthew's folks to pray for this month Dear Heavenly Father, As we walk this path of transition, we know that You are with us. We also know that You are walking with the person You have chosen to be our new pastor. Guide our paths to intersect and become one. Strengthen our faith during this journey and continue guiding us as we strive to do Your will for the good of St. Matthew’s, this community, and our world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen (This month’s prayer was written by Michelle Fluck.)
4 Light from the Ridge
Welcome back to The Building Corner!
“We did it” and finally got the actual building permits from Bedminster Township. The hour is fast approaching where will be putting the first shovel in the ground. Speaking of shovels in the ground, March 5th will be the official ground breaking ceremonies and you are all invited to join us for the celebration, followed by a luncheon.
The Interior Design Subcommittee, with designer Beth Farquharson, has completed their work and made selections of carpet, lighting, tile and paint colors. Dave Fermier continues to research options for new, inviting signage for outside our church.
As we get closer to beginning the actual construction work, please remember there will be disruptions that we all will need to deal with. Please be patient and understanding during this time of transition. “You need to break some eggs to make an omelet.”
Thank you for your continued support of “One Church, One Building.” If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brooke Rush at 215-913-4671 or email at [email protected].
WELCA News
At the January meeting, St. Matthew's WELCA prepared a small thank you gift for the greeters. We thank all the volunteers who help to make our church run smoothly. Our devotions centered around Psalm 91.
Help take away the winter chill. St. Matthew's WELCA will be selling corn chowder soup for $6.50 a quart on February 5. Please call Kathleen Herstine 215-795-2209 or Carol Herstine 215-257-5811 email [email protected] to preorder.
Please consider helping us to create personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Items needed are a dark bath towel, 2 bath-size bars of soap, 1 toothbrush, 1 sturdy comb, and 1 metal nail clippers. These items are very much appreciated in times of disasters.
All women are invited to come on the first Saturday of the month at 9:30am.
Activities Committee
SPRING FLING! Sunday March 19th. Soup & Sandwich lunch after 10:15 worship followed by crafting! This is your chance to try out some of the neat things you see on Pinterest but don't take the time to do. Watch for sign up sheets in February. You can coordinate a craft or just come out and create. There will be a table for the kids too! Bring a soup or sandwiches to share - we'll enjoy good food, fellowship & creativity. MAY 20 - his & hers activities. Big Girl/Little Girl Tea - Ladies put on your hats & take your daughter or niece or granddaughter for tea! See Danelle Lauchner for details or to sign up. Big Guy/Little Guy Outing - Meet at Revolutions on Rt 378 1pm (Black River Plaza) for some 'guy stuff' - eating, arcade games, bowling. Fun for all ages so bring your son or nephew or neighbor or grandson. Hats are optional. IRON PIGS - We have a reservation for June 17th - watch for sign-ups when it gets closer. We're also working on a trip to Sight & Sound, Lancaster, to see Jonah in April. Denise Smith will give us more details as it gets closer.
Looking forward to making memories with our church family & friends!
February Responsibilities Ushers: 7:45 Casey & Tracey Barnes; 10:15 Kathleen & Leroy Herstine, Joan Price, Walter Wurster Counters: Bob Grasmeder, Judy Smolenski; alternate: Denise Smith Altar Guild: Lori Streapy, Michelle Fluck 2/5 Holy Communion Assistants: 7:45 server Barbara Hess; wafers Mark Oristaglio; wine Carol Moffo, Pat Fowler; 10:15 server Tom Hebel; wafers Bruce Seachrist; wine Sharon Conrey, Denise Smith, Judy Smolenski, Susan Petticoffer Liturgist: 7:45 John Cimino; 10:15 Becky Kummery Lector: 7:45 Lisa Rice; 10:15 Boy Scouts Acolyte: 7:45 Maya Valletta; 10:15 Zachary Yardley Greeter: 7:45 John Cimino; 10:15 Sue Robinson 2/12 Liturgist: 7:45 Kevin Rice; 10:15 Michelle Fluck Lector: 7:45 Joyce Koenig; 10:15 Cathy Hall-Currey Acolyte: 7:45 Elijah Gruver; 10:15 Erin Leight Greeter: 7:45 Darlene Hardy; 10:15 Deb Yates 2/19 Holy Communion Assistants: 7:45 Donna Buzdygon; 10:15 Roger Beer, Lauren Draper, Sharon Myers Liturgist: Gary Monesmith (both services) Lector: 7:45 Pat Fowler; 10:15 Bob Grasmeder Acolyte:7:45 Susannah Gruver; 10:15 Rebecca Yardley Greeter: 7:45 Mary Fowler; 10:15 Sharon Conrey 2/26 Liturgist: 7:45 Donna Buzdygon; 10:15 Bob Podraza Lector: 7:45 Judy Smolenski; 10:15 Bruce Seachrist Acolyte: 7:45 Maya Valletta; 10:15 Autumn Hunter Greeter: 7:45 Carol Herstine; 10:15 Denise Smith
Thank You
THANK YOU to everyone who helped to make the Chili/Mac &Cheese Cook-off a success. Especially our entertainers, Carly Wieder and Nate, Elijah & Susannah Gruver, our trivia MC Tony Gioia, and our judges. Dear fellow church friends—thanks to all the staff for everything you do for me each week of the year (bulletins & sermons). Thank you Linda Nice & Leroy and Kathleen Herstine for the visits. Thanks to WELCA & the Confirmands for the cookies (& card from Confirmands). Thanks also to the 4-6 grade student who gave me a Christmas card. May God Bless each one of you. Love, Marian Beer
The Congregation Reporting Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 19 at 9am in Fellowship Hall. Any reports not picked up will be mailed on January 30. Please bring your report to the meeting.
Coffee & Conversation
February 5 Mission - NOT IMPOSSIBLE Transition Event February 12 “In Luther’s Time” - Jim Valletta February 19 Congregation Reporting Meeting February 26 “Go Red for Women” information from the American Heart Association - Denise Smith
MUSIC BOX
Sun 2/5 Grades 4-6 Bells
Sun 2/12 Grades 1-3, vocal/chimes
Juliana Swanson, flute
Wed 2/15 Women’s Ensemble, 7:00pm
Festival Choir, 7:15pm
Sun 2/19 Women’s Ensemble
Sun 2/26 Festival Choir
Wed 3/1 Fest. Choir prepares, 6:30pm
Festival Choir
Sun 3/5 Grades 1-3/4-6, vocal/bells
Congregation Council 2017 L. to R. top row: Lisa Rice (Christian Education), Bob Podraza (Finance), Gary Monesmith (President), Bruce Seachrist (Property & Grounds), Denise Smith (Evangelism); L. to R. front row: Cindy Murphy (Stewardship), Debra Yates (Treasurer), Teresa Hearn (Social Ministry), Becki Wieder (Activities), Susan Robinson (Worship & Music), Judy Smolenski (Council Secretary), Bob Grasmeder (Church Building)
7 Light from the Ridge
~ February 2017 ~
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
9a Women's Breakfast @ Dublin Diner
2
6p Friends of Lake Nockamixon in fellowship hall 6:30p Confirmation Class
3
4 Snow date Upper Bucks Conference Stewardship Conference 9:30a WELCA Meeting - Kathleen Herstine's home
5 Epiphany 5 Souper Bowl of Caring 7:45 & 10:15am Worship Holy Communion 10:15a Boy Scout Sunday 8:30a Koinonia Cafe 9a Transition Event in Forum 9a Sunday School and Coffee & Conversation
6 10a Staff Meeting 7p Forum Committee Meeting
7 7p Council Meeting 7p Boy Scout Troop #7 in 203
8 7p Transition Team Meeting
9
10
11 9a-3p Pinewood Derby
12 Epiphany 6 7:45 & 10:15 Worship 8:30a Koinonia Cafe 9a Sunday School and Coffee & Conversation
