.
Germantown Church of God 16924 Raven Rock Road, Cascade, MD 21719
Mark Hosler, Pastor, 301-241-3594
Office Phone: 301-241-3050
Kathryn Starliper, Editor Email: [email protected]
Website: www.germantowncog.org
Volume 22, Number 2 A bi-monthly Publication March – April 2017
From the Pastor One of the great delights for me of reading the Bible is that when I read a passage that I may have read many times before, new things jump off the page. I see things I had not seen before. A word or phrase may catch my attention with new meaning. A few days ago, I was reading Romans 12. I have read and taught and preached from Romans 12, many times before. But there was a phrase in verse 9 that caught my attention on this day. “Let love be without hypocrisy.” I am sure that we would all hope that when someone tells us that they love us, they are being truthful. They are not being hypocritical. And I’m sure that we would never want to have someone accuse us of loving in a hypocritical way – saying one thing but doing something different. As I read that verse and continued reading the rest of the chapter I saw something new. In the next 8 verses Paul goes through a list of behaviors that help us to understand what it looks like when someone loves without hypocrisy. It is a fascinating list. Some of the “loving” behaviors there are not surprising. “Be devoted to one another…give preference to one another… practice hospitality ….Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” But there are some behaviors listed here that are a little more challenging. “not lagging behind in diligence…persevering in tribulation…bless those who persecute you…curse not…associate with the lowly…never pay back evil for evil.” I believe that un-churched people who are at a point in their lives where they are exploring the idea of getting back into church again – especially teens and young adults – are looking for a Church where they see love being practiced without hypocrisy. Love is lived out in the behaviors that Paul lists here in this passage. The Easter season reminds us that we have been recipients of a love that was without hypocrisy. His love for us led Jesus to the cross where He gave His life for us. We now are called to show that love to the people in our community.
Lent and Easter We begin the season of Lent on March 1. Lent is a season of reflection as we look ahead to Holy Week and Easter. We invite you to join us for Worship and other special programs during this season. Ash Wednesday: We will share our monthly fellowship meal at 6:30. Following dinner, we will have an Ash Wednesday observance at 7:30. This service will include the imposition of ashes for those who wish to receive that. Lenten Worship: During the Sunday’s of Lent, we will continue our series of sermons based on the teachings of Jesus found in Matthew 5 – 7. This section of Scripture is known as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus used this opportunity as more and more people began to follow Him to teach his followers about living “Kingdom” lives in this world.
Holy Week Services: Palm Sunday - April 9 – Worship at 9:30 Maundy Thursday, April 13: We will share a light supper together at 6:00 PM. Following Supper we will have a worship service, observing the ordinances of Feetwashing and the Lord’s Supper.
Easter Services – April 16 Easter Sunrise Worship: We will begin Easter morning with a Sunrise Worship service at 6:30. This service will be held in the Cemetery (weather permitting). Easter Breakfast: You are invited to join us for breakfast at 8:15. Eggs, meats and beverages will be provided. If you are able, please bring sweet breads or fruit to share. Easter Worship: Easter morning worship in the Sanctuary will be at 9:30. Join us as we give thanks to God for His victory over sin, death, hell and the grave!
All Ladies are invited to join the Women’s Ministry at their regular monthly meetings. They meet the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings begin at 6:30, with a business and planning meeting. At 7:00 there is a Bible Study. The ladies are currently doing a study of Song of Solomon. The next meetings will be March 7 and April 4. Spring Craft Day: The Women are planning a craft day on Saturday, April 29. Watch the Sunday Bulletin for more information.
Men’s Fellowship Meetings All men are invited to attend a monthly Fellowship time at 7:30 AM on the 3
rd Saturday of
each month. We meet each month at the Parlor House Restaurant for breakfast, conversation, devotions and prayer. Our next gatherings are Saturday, March 18, and Saturday, April 15.
Mountain Top Youth Lock-In The Churches in our Mountain Top Community will be holding an all-night Lock-in for young people from our Churches and Community, on Friday evening March 17. The Lock-in will begin at 6:30 PM on Friday evening, and conclude on Saturday morning, March 18 at 8 AM. This year, the lock-in will be held at St. John’s Church in Sabillasville. The theme for the Lock-in this year will be: The Ten Commandments. Participants will be learning the 10 Commandments and a special sign language will be used to help kids memorize each commandment.
ALL YOUTH THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL ARE INVITED TO THE LOCK-IN
Vacation Bible School
HELPERS NEEDED Planning has begun for our Vacation Bible School program this summer. VBS is tentatively scheduled for July 24-28. There will be a planning meeting on Monday, March 6 at 6:30 PM. In order for VBS to happen, we need lots of help. We are looking for VOLUNTEERS to help. If you would like to be a part of this exciting week of ministry, please talk to Terry Sherald. You may not feel like you have a talent, but we will find a place for you to serve.
Missions Celebration
Churches of God congregations from the Cumberland Valley district will hold their annual Missions
celebration on Sunday, April 23 at the Chambersburg Church of God. The evening will begin with supper at
5:00, followed by the Celebration Service at 6:00.
War Room - Bible Study We have begun a new Bible Study, on Thursday evenings, at 7:00 PM. The studies are based on themes from the movie, War Room. The studies include a clip from the movie, and a discussion/study based on the issue presented in the clip. There are 5 topics covered in the study:
Honest Evaluation
Real Accountability
Living the Gospel
Victory Accomplished
Impacted by Grace All are welcome to join us for this time of
discussion and study. Study Guides are available for all participants.
Camp YoLiJWa news
The summer camping season will soon be here. Here is the schedule of resident camps for this year. In addition to these, there are special camps for those who like wilderness camping, and for senior adults and families.
Name of Camp Ages/Grades Dates
Youth Camp 10th
– 12th June 11 - 17
Jr. High #1 9th June 18 – 24
Jr. High #2 8th July 2 - 8
Jr. High #3 7th July 9 – 15
Junior #1 6th July 16 - 22
Junior #2 5th July 23 – 29
Junior #3 4th August 6 - 10
Junior #4 3rd
August 11 - 13
Father/Son K – 2nd
July 29 – 30
Mother/Daughter K - 2nd
August 4 - 5
Camp YoLiJWa depends heavily on volunteers to make camp happen and keep it affordable. Right now, volunteers are being recruited to serve as Counselors. For more information about the Camp, see the Bulletin Board, or go to www.campyolijwa.org.
Daylight Savings Time Begins Before going to bed on Saturday, March 11, be sure to set your clocks AHEAD one hour and change the batteries in all of your smoke detectors.
Join us as we commemorate the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
PALM SUNDAY SERVICE Sunday, April 9 – 9:30 am Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and begins the series of observances focusing on the events of Holy Week. This Sunday is also often referred to as Passion Sunday, marking the beginning of the passion or suffering of Jesus leading to and including the crucifixion. We will have a special service of worship as we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem for the final week of His ministry and life on earth. Palms will be given to everyone in attendance.
MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE Thursday, April 13 - 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday is an alternate name for Holy Thursday, the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus. The English word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “commandment”. As recorded in John's gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). We remember the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before his betrayal and crucifixion. We will have a light supper at 6:00 pm followed by a service observing the ordinance of Communion and feet washing.
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE Sunday, April 16 – 6:30 am On Easter Sunday morning, many Christians will rise before the sun to attend a sunrise worship service. Easter sunrise worship services take a variety of forms, but all have one thing in common — the people gather early in the morning to worship our resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The gospel writers tell us that Mary Magdalene and some of Jesus’ other female followers went to his tomb early in the morning Sunday morning. They went to grieve and to tend to Jesus’ body, as was the custom at the time. When they
arrived, they found the stone rolled away, and the tomb empty. Later, they would learn that Jesus, who was crucified, is alive. Weather permitting; this service will be next door in the cemetery around the crosses. We will have a breakfast together at 8:15 am. If able, please bring a side item or juice to share.
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE Sunday, April 16 – 9:30 am Please join us in the Sanctuary as we celebrate Christ’s victory over death.
Please designate gifts for Everett and Mary Teller’s support as CC#2758. Checks can be made payable to “CGGC” and mail to CGGC, PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839 or you can give securely online at:
http://secure.cggc.org/teller
Please designate gifts for John & Toni Thumma’s support as CC#2757. Checks can be made payable to “CGGC” and mail to CGGC, PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839 or you can give securely online at:
http://secure.cggc.org/thumma
Mission of the Month – April Southwest Ministries, USA
Pastor Everett and Mary Teller serve at the Tsaile Church of God, in Tsaile, Arizona.
Growing up in the home of alcoholic parents, Everett became interested in Christ after he saw how his mother’s life was changed by the Lord. He was twelve years old at the time of his own conversion. While self-employed makers of Indian jewelry, Everett & Mary pastored a small church in their community of Lukachukai, AZ. They later began attending Tsaile Community Church in 1990 when the congregation was still meeting in the Navajo Community College facilities. They have eagerly served the Lord in a variety of roles of worship, teaching, and council leadership. When their Anglo missionary pastor resigned in summer 2005, Everett & Mary felt led of God to apply. They are Tsaile’s 4th pastor and the first Navajo to serve in that position. They welcome the opportunity to devote more time to expanding the ministry of Tsaile Community Church. As Native Americans, Everett & Mary understand the needs of their people and especially their need for Christ.
John & Toni Thumma began their pastoral leadership at Hooghan Nizhoni Church in September 2006. Their giftedness and exemplary servant leadership uniquely prepared them for this assignment among Native Americans. In 2010, John also began serving at the Gamerco Church of God. John and Toni recently shared some prayer concerns: Pray for the availability of fire wood and food for
Navajo families as cold weather approaches. The freeze and thaw cycle often only allows a two to three hour window each day for travel because of muddy roads.
Pray for continued direction, under-standing of this unique culture, strength, and wisdom for Miss Toni and I.
Pray for this ministry and obedience to His will.
Pray that a magnificent revealing of God and His Son will be witnessed by the Navaho Nation, America, and all the peoples of the world.
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL HI-LITES DECEMBER 13, 2017: 14 members in attendance.
Pastor Mark had devotions. Minutes were approved as
presented. Reorganization of the Council was held:
Keith Starliper, Chairman; Stewart McCleaf, Vice
Chairman; Robert Sherald, Treasurer; Deanna Shaffer,
Assist. Treasurer; Kathryn Starliper, Recording Clerk;
Brenda Biser, Assistant Recording Clerk; Melinda
Ralston, Financial Secretary; Susie Buhrman, Assistant
Financial Secretary.
Council agreed to pay what is needed to make up
deficit of Mission Budget out of AA funds.
Council moved to roll over from the Use of Building
Funds to “Pews, Carpet, Painting Fund”.
Motion made and passed to use Coat Closet funds
towards Missions: Hosler Support.
Motion made and passed to move Use of Bldg,
Rebates/Refunds/Reimbursements and Jane Christie
Memorials into Pews/Carpet/Painting Fund.
Front Door Awning being built and will be installed.
Pastor's Insurance figures were submitted to the
Treasurer.
Stewardship & Property Management Commission:
Parsonage chimney cleaned 12/16/16
Firewood delivered 12/10/16
Bathroom tiles replaced in men's restroom. (Thanks
to Mark Willard)
Fan cover on and small fans installed 11/12/16
Don & Kip repairing flashing on outside of FLC
corner.
Urinal 'target' (rug) purchased and placed.
Emergency lights out in FLC – need repaired.
Christian Education Director: No report
Worship & Outreach Commission:
Missions Trip Task Group took a group of 13 to
Baltimore to work in the Shoebox Processing
Center.
Received 211 boxes for Operation Christmas Child
Went caroling with 9 participants.
Christmas Eve Service held
Christmas Day family worship held
Collected Advent Food Boxes (gave out 30 boxes)
New Year’s Sunday Communion and Installation of
Ad Council.
Pastor & Sue going to Haiti for Vacation
Dr. Kevin Richardson preaching on January 8
Guest speaker needed for January 15. Terry Sherald
will be the worship leader.
Planning for 2017 calendar/brainstorming: how to
increase our worship attendance by 10%
Other ideas for specific activities or events
discussed.
NOTE: Treasurer's Highlights November 2016:
Dr. Gilbert Fund offering of $675.00 has been sent to
the ERC for CC2710 Bangladesh Medical Ministries.
Again, there was no payment due this month to
Potomac Edison for the church electric as we
continue to have a credit of $29.05.
Based on an average of $2,792.13, weekly tithe
and offering YTD, our projected budgeted deficit
is $5,311.35.
~
Treasurer's Summary for November 2016:
Checking Account beginning Balance: $42,804.41 Deposits/Credits 14,492.00 Withdrawals/Debits 9,895.38 Transfer from Savings Account -0- Transfer to Savings Account -0- Service Charges -0- Ending Balance: $38,688.60 Savings Account beginning Balance: $50,026.28 Transfer from Checking Account -0- Interest Payment 3.29 Transfer to Checking Account -0- Service Charges -0- Ending Balance: $50,029.57
~
JANUARY 10, 2017: Council Meeting cancelled due
to lack of business on the Agenda (and weather
conditions.)
Steve Trostle is recuperating from
major surgery and if you would like
to send a card of encouragement
you may do so by using the
following address. Steve and wife
Jan are missionaries in South
Africa. He is a brother to Neal (and Pat) Trostle and son
of the late Clair and Mary Trostle.
Steve & Jan Trostle
P. O. Box 2912
Durbanville, 7551
Republic of South Africa
….CONGRATULATIONS are extended to Keith &
Kathryn Starliper's eldest daughter, Lori Ann Fugate of
Shakopee, Minnesota upon completion of her college
course from Crown College in Shakopee on December
31, 2016. Lori had one more class to take and has
completed it and received a Bachelor of Science Degree
majoring in Management and Ethics. Pray for her as she
searches for employment in her field.
Lori is married to Marlin Fugate, Jr., is the mother
of two adult daughters: Kathleen Jessica Peterson and
Aryn Fugate and the grandmother of Gracie Ann
Peterson...all living in Shakopee.
“Whatever comes next, God is always there to Bless
you!” Jeremiah 29:11
~
The Ultimate Christian Bucket List:
Twenty Things to do before Heaven....
20. Win someone to Jesus.
19. Memorize an entire chapter of the Bible.
18. Learn to pray better.
17. Become a person of good humor and frequent
laughter.
16. Volunteer in your community.
15. Find someone from your past and apologize.
14. Find your spiritual gift and put it to use.
13. Develop some talent such as for music or art.
12. Tell everyone you love that you love them.
11. Visit a nursing home and minister to patients who
rarely have visitors.
10. Plant some flowers or even a tree.
9. Give a needy child the Christmas of his life.
8. Make sure all within your 'sneeze' halo are saved.
7. Do a random act of kindness.
6. Keep a journal for a year of your life.
5. Master one of the new techni-gadgets.
4. Widen yourself.
3. Deepen yourself.
2. Forgive someone.
1. Get saved.
www.godvine.com
CONGRATULATIONS
to Corey Donatto and
Makenzie Romig who
were married on Saturday,
November 5, 2016. The
wedding took place in Fort
Littleton, PA. They were
supported by many family
members and friends. The
wedding was a beautiful
and delightful event.
Attendees were entertained
by Corey’s singing and phenomenal dancing, as well as
by brother Colin’s toast. Corey and Mackenzie have
bought a home and are living in Waynesboro.
Pastor Mark and
Sue had the opportunity
in January to make a
trip to Haiti to visit with
their son Steve, his wife
Amy and their family
who are missionaries
there with Project Help. They were joined on their
journey by
Benjamin, Christina
and their children. It
was good to be back
where the Hosler
family had spent 8
years while the boys
were growing up.
Grandchildren
Charity, Daniel, and Jojo enjoyed showing their cousins
Mary and Marco, around the mission compound, and
introducing them to many friends. Daughter Rebekah
wasn’t able to join us
for this trip, but
hopefully there will be
an opportunity for her
to join the rest of the
family.
While on the trip,
Pastor Mark had the
opportunity meet Pastor Recene who serves as the pastor
at Germantown Church’s sister Church, Moreau.
BIRTHDAYS…
MARCH
1 George Coyle, Scott McFarland
3 Garry Brian Huff
5 Dennis Buhrman
7 Jesse Johnson
9 Bob Lourdon, Steve Mossburg
11 Kathryn Starliper
12 Jean Brown, Larry Sanders
15 Dorothy Lourdon, Isaac Acosta
16 Terry Sherald, Ross Ayers
19 Susie Buhrman
20 Gary Peck Jr.
22 Jude Buhrman, Vicki Sanders, Toni Thumma
25 Tina Germain
26 Christina Hann
30 Aaron Fredlock
APRIL
1 Edye Dandy, Karolina Jones
2 Jacob Fredlock, Pat Trostle
3 Rebecca Warner
4 Franklin “Dutch” Buhrman
7 Jacob Carlton
9 Jennifer Gossert, Daniel Hosler
10 Wanda Ditch, Perry Ressler
11 Ed Bombardier
13 Sarah Molgaard
16 Esther Fleagle, Audrey Gearhart, Ashley Ayers
20 Emily Ayers
21 Geraldine Reck
24 Vicki Rock, Bob Sherald
26 John Freeman
ANNIVERSARIES...
MARCH
14 Rod & Mila Ayers
17 Wayne & Elaine Buhrman
19 Lynn & Jaylene Gsell
22 Ralph & Brenda Simmons
26 Gary, Sr. & Molly Peck
27 Jerry & Geraldine Reck
APRIL
1 Garry & Martha Huff
3 Michael & Robin Biser
9 Vino & Ann Donatto
12 Justin & Dominique Frazer, Richard & Joy Poling
16 Daryl & Christina Hann
28 Bob & Terry Sherald
29 Ed & Faye Worth
MISSION OF THE MONTH...
March: Help Hotline
April: Southwest Ministries: John & Toni Thumma and
Everett & Mary Teller
HAGERSTOWN RESCUE MISSION
MINISTRY... March: Faith Bible Class
April: Church Family
GREETERS...(9:15 am)
MARCH
5 Steve & Laura Shuck
12 Garry & Martha Huff
19 Charles & Esther Delzer
26 Molly Peck
APRIL
2 Don & Pam Cauthen
9 Vicky Lantz & Gwen Ridenour
16 Roy & Dollie Sanders
23 Lynn & Jaylene Gsell
30 Tom McCardell
CHILDREN'S CHURCH…(9:30 am) 3 years to 3
rd grade
MARCH - Teacher/Helper 5 Sue Hosler & Wanda Ditch
12 Ann Donatto & Colin Donatto
19 Deanna Shaffer & Laura Shuck
26 Christina Hann & Shelley Johnson
APRIL - Teacher/Helper
2 Sue Hosler & Wanda Ditch
9 Ann Donatto & Colin Donatto
16 Deanna Shaffer & Laura Shuck
23 Christina Hann & Shelley Johnson
30 Ann Donatto & Colin Donatto
NURSERY... (9:30 am)
MARCH
5 Lori Warner
12 Pam Cauthen
19 Natalie Johnson
26 Lisa Frazer
APRIL
2 Terry Sherald
9 Lori Warner
16 Pam Cauthen
23 Natalie Johnson
30 Lisa Frazer
HELP HOTLINE – Food for the First...
The first Sunday of the month is “Food for the First” where we bring in
our items of canned goods, pantry
items or monetary gifts. But any time
is always appreciated. Please help consider those less
fortunate than we.
(Italics denotes missionaries)
Germantown (Bethel) Church of God
LIBRARY
New Accessions – JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2017
BOOKS: Youth / Adult, NON_FICTION:
Cordeiro. The Driven Mentor. Growing Your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior. Bethany. c2007.
Donated / Dorothy Martin.
BOOKS: Youth / Adult, FICTION:
Bayarr. Amish Winter of Promises. Jacob’s Daughter Series. Bk 4. c2012. Donated / Dot Martin.
Bayarr. Amish Winter Wonderland. Jacob’s Daughter Series. Bk 2. c2011. Donated / Dot Martin.
Brunstetter. The Selfless Act. The Amish Millionaire. Bk.6. Shiloh Run Press. c2016. D / Dot Martin.
Shorey. The Edge of Light. At Home in Beldon Grove. Bk. 1. Revell. c2009.
Shorey. The Promise of Morning. At Home in Beldon Grove. Bk 2. Revell. c2010. D / Dot Martin.
Shorey. The Dawn of a Dream. At Home in Beldon Grove. Bk 3. Revell. c2011.
Gray. A Sister’s Wish. The Charmed Amish Life. Bk 3. Inspire. c2016.
The 2016 READING PROGRAM is complete. The participants were (in alphabetical order):
Ivy Bare
Jean Brown
Pam Cauthen
Maxine Dingle
Louis Lajoie
Roger Osbaugh
Joy Poling
Richard Poling
Rosalie Sanders-Luke
Larry Sanders
Terry Sherald
Laura Shuck
Lori Warner
Note: The Germantown Church of God Library continues to function well. We are not growing as speedily as
in the past for various reasons, but the quality & content is designed to meet the needs of the congregation &
community. No department is lacking, from Children’s books / viewing materials; Adult Fiction; & Non-
Fiction, which includes Inspiration (Christian Growth; Prayer; Family Life, Testimonials); The history of both
country & surrounding areas; Church History is compiled weekly; the Bible & commentaries; Missions &
Autobiographical books; Christian Education on all levels.
The enthusiasm of many readers / viewers is contagious. And this inspires the Librarian.
At this time, we do not plan to pursue the Reading Program Theme. If there is a demand, especially if children can be guided in that way, we are always open to new ideas.
Our sincere THANKS & APPRECIATION to all who support the Church Library,
By using it; donating materials; & monetary donations. Joy Poling, Librarian
March 2017
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 6:30 PM Family
Fellowship Meal
7:30 PM
Ash Wednesday
Service
7:00 PM
Bible Study
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Lent Begins
Food for the
First
6:15 PM
VBS Planning
Meeting
6:30 PM
Women’s
Ministry
6:30 PM
Prayer
Gathering
7:00 PM
Bible Study
10:00 AM
AA Breakfast
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Daylight
Savings Time
Begins
7:00 PM
Elders Meeting
6:30 PM
Commissions
7:00 PM
Admin. Council
7:00 PM
Hagerstown
Rescue Mission
7:00 PM
Bible Study
7:30 AM
Men’s
Fellowship at
Parlor House
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
First Day of
Spring
7:00 PM
Bible Study
26 27 28 29 30 31
7:00 PM
Bible Study
Every Sunday 9:30 AM – Worship Service & Children’s Church
10:30 AM – Sunday School
Hagerstown Rescue Mission Service – Faith Bible Class
Missionary of the Month – Help Hotline
April 2017
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Food for the
First
6:30 PM
Women’s
Ministry
6:30 PM
Family
Fellowship Meal
10:00 AM
AA Breakfast
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Palm Sunday
7:00 PM
Elders Meeting
6:30 PM
Commissions
7:00 PM
Admin. Council
6:00 PM
Maundy
Thursday
Service
Good Friday 7:30 AM
Men’s
Fellowship at
Parlor House
16 Easter 17 18 19 20 21 22 6:30 am Sunrise
Service
8:15 am Breakfast
9:30 am Worship
7:00 PM
Hagerstown
Rescue Mission
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 5:00 PM District
Missions
Celebration at
Chambersburg
30 Every Sunday 9:30 AM – Worship Service & Children’s Church
10:30 AM – Sunday School
Hagerstown Rescue Mission Service – Church Family
Missionary of the Month – Southwest Ministries:
John & Toni Thumma and Everett & Mary Teller