The Messenger of Arndt’s Church - June/July, 2017

Arndt's Lutheran Church1851 Arndt Road, Easton, PA 18040

610-253-3732Email: arndts.lutheranchurch@rcn.com

Website: www.arndtslutheran.org

Summer Worship Hours Begin 5/28/17: Saturday, 6:00 p.m. - Sunday, 9:30 a.m.

Activities During June and July

Oldie's "Sock Hop" - Saturday, June 17th - 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.Join us at the Arndt's "Sock Hop" in the pavilion on Saturday, June 17th, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ticketsare $15 per person and can be purchased at the church or at the event. This is a BYOB event (wine or beer, please).Snacks will be provided. Join us for some great fun, music and dancing.

Four Seasons Adult Group - Saturday, June 24th at 6:00 p.m. - Italian Dinner

Women's Mini-Retreat - Monday, June 26th - 5:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m.A Women's Christian Retreat, "Living in a Multicultural Society - celebrating our likenesses as well as our differences",will be held on Monday, June 26th, 5:00 - 8:30 p.m., at Arndt's. A multicultural society is one in which different culturesexist alongside each other, often intermingling and incorporating a variety of aspects that define other cultures. Throughthis blending comes a greater respect for each other's culture, tolerance and a far more interesting and diverse society. In amulticultural society, individuals are able to practice whatever religion they choose, wear what they want to wear, eat whatthey want to eat and engage in cultural practices that may not be fully understood by mainstream society. Join us as weexplore the challenges and opportunities of living in a multicultural world. Registration fee for the retreat is $10 (which includes a cold buffet supper). Forms are in the narthex.

Vacation Bible School - Monday, June 26th thru Friday, June 30th - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at St. Paul's III Lutheran Church, 2561 Newburg Road, Palmer Township

Registration fee of $12.00 per child, $30 maximum per family (includes t-shirt). The theme for this year's VBS is "Storiesof the Old Testament: How easy is it to obey God?” Volunteers are needed. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex.

Sunday, July 2nd - Closing Program for VBS Worship on Sunday, July 2nd, will be held at St. Paul's III Lutheran Church, 2561 Newburg Road, Palmer Township and will include the children from Vacation Bible School participating in the service. The service will be followed by acovered dish. There is no service at Arndt's that day.

Saturday, July 8th - Outdoor Game Night - 7:00 p.m.Come for church and stay for Game Night! Or, just come at 7:00 for Game Night! Either way, don't miss the fun! We'llgather in the pavilion (weather permitting, inside if raining) to have fun together playing all kinds of games--board games,quoits, beanbags, volleyball. Bring a snack to share and your favorite games to play. All are welcome.

Sunday, July 9th - Bus Trip to Ocean Grove Choir FestivalWe are running a bus trip to the annual choir festival in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, at The Great Auditorium. The busleaves Arndt's at 11:00 a.m. sharp and arrives in Ocean Grove around 1:00 p.m. You may take a brown bag lunch for onthe bus. You will have free time in Ocean Grove until 7:00 p.m., the time the concert begins. The bus will leave Ocean Grove after the concert and return to Arndt's by 11:00 p.m. Cost is $35. Direct questions to Don Herr, 610-588-6618.

Sunday, July 23rd - Brunch, Bocce & Brats - 10:30 a.m.Following our Sunday morning worship service, we will gather in the pavilion for another one of our famous "brunch" meals and rounds of bocce. A sign-up sheet will be in the narthex as we get closer to the date. All are welcome.

Sunday, July 30th - Worship Service - 9:30 a.m.We welcome Janice Thomas, Director of Homeless Services at Third Street Alliance for Women and Children, who willspeak during our worship service about all they do at Third Street to help women and children in the community.

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The Pastor's Page

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Summer is almost here. We are all looking forward to some sunny, warmweather---hopefully to stay. School is almost over. Vacation plans are being made.It is a busy time for most of us. During the summer at church, things have a tendencyto slow down a bit. Sunday School for children ends for the summer, confirmationclass ends for the summer, two services on Sunday morning become one serviceduring the summer. Vacation Bible School (with St. Paul's III) takes up our time butthen after one week, it too is over. The only thing which remains the same is theoperation of the church. It remains the same for the winter and the summer.

In our own homes, when we leave to go on vacation, we still need to pay themortgage for that month, the electric bill for that month, the telephone and internetservice for that month, the heating oil budget for that month, the insurance bill for that month, and so on, and so on. I am sure you can see where I am going with this.

Even though the church is not quite as active in the summer as in the fall,winter and spring, the bills to keep the church running still need to be paid eachmonth. Summertime tends to be a time when people, for one reason or another, don'tattend church on a regular basis and sometimes forget about the church; and in sodoing, forget about their stewardship to the church. So I am trying to gently remindeach of you to remember your commitments at church, as well as at home, during thesummer months.

Have a safe and happy summer, whether vacationing or remaining at home.

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Jean

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June Prayer Calendar

You are asked to pray for the member listed on each day of the month. All of the members of our churchfamily will be lifted in prayer many times throughout the year. Members are listed alphabetically. Ifsomeone is missed, please contact the secretary in the church office.

June 01 - Erik and Wendy Wood, Ashlee and CarterJune 02 - George and Rawlynn WoodJune 03- Kyle and Carly Yanders, Gabriella and RyanJune 04 - Bob and Barb YoungJune 05- Troy and Leah Zenga, Nicholas, Anthony and KristinaJune 06- Rich and Denice AdamsJune 07 - Carolyn AlbertJune 08 - Heather and Anthony Annunziata and Anthony, Jr.June 09 - Sue ArtzJune 10 - Mary BarbaJune 11 - Patricia BarberaJune 12 - Jerry BaucomJune 13 - Janice BeckJune 14 - Elizabeth Beverly, Michael Grant and SawyerJune 15 - Thom and Karen Beverly, Justin, Andrew and DavidJune 16- Jim and Barb BialkerJune 17 - Jeremy and Sarah Bialker, Jameson and BenjaminJune 18 - Tom and Marianne Billiard, Andrew and KatieJune 19 - Lisa Bledsoe, Kelsey, Madison and GabrielleJune 20 - Bill, Ann and Alyson BogariJune 21- Adrian BachmanJune 22 - Rich and Elizabeth Booser, Eric, Kate, Kyle and EthanJune 23 - Marie BortzJune 24 - Mitchell BortzJune 25 - Jeff and Lisa Bowman, Ryan and BrendanJune 27 - Joanne BoyerJune 28 - Kevn, Emily and Lily BrettellJune 29 - Carole Brown and Daniel LehrJune 30 - James and TerriLynn Brown

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July Prayer Calendar

July 01 - Marshall and Janie Brown, Emma, William and GracieJuly 02 - Steve BuekerJule 03 - Jon and Kerry Castro, Mia and MeganJuly 04 - Chuck and Karen Chapman, Kelsey and ConnorJuly 05 - Michael and Jennifer Cleffi, Caitlin, Mackenzie and MadisonJuly 06 - Benjamin Courtright, Kristie Smestad and ElinJuly 07 - Angela Coxe, Steven Berkowitz and AlessiaJuly 08 - Lou and Carol Ann CoxeJuly 09 - Nancy Deutsch, Joe and AllisonJuly 10 - Tim and Debbie DonbarJuly 11 - Bill DonbarJuly 12 - Sherry ExleyJuly 13 - Heather and Joe Faust, Olivia and AlainaJuly 14 - Amanda and Jonas Feliciano, Jack McCleish and Nolan FelicianoJuly 15 - Kurt and Bernice Flad, Katie and JackJuly 16 - Randy and Kathy Fogel, Brandi and KrystaJuly 17 - Roland and Marjorie FraceJuly 18 - Peg and Rebecca FreemanJuly 19 - Andrew and Heather Frey, Andrew, Jr. and AmberJuly 20 - Decca FreyJuly 21 - James and Elizabeth Frey, Annabella and James, Jr.July 22 - Mary Elizabeth Fritchman and EddieJuly 23 - Karen and Bill FryeJuly 24 - Adam, Tiffany and Anna GaryJuly 25 - Donald and Debbie GebhardtJuly 26 - Donald and Dorothy GebhardtJuly 27 - Marianne GehrisJuly 28 - Ruth GehrisJuly 29 - Tom and Lori Gerlach, Emily and RyanJuly 30 - Hope GreffeJuly 31 - Robert, Janet and Scott Gruninger

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Arndt's Administrative Items

Interesting Items from Council

From the June Council Meeting:

+ Property Committee is obtaining quotes for painting of the sanctuary.+ Property Committee has received quote from Kunsman Roofing to repair the roof and the gutters. + Property Committee is going to secure quotes for stucco on the outside of the church building to help with the birds who continue to call Arndt's home. + It was brought to the attention of council that the new directory has some incorrect information so people are asked to please provide the office with correct email addresses and phone numbers.

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April, 2017

Income $16,600.67Expenses $14,717.28

$ 1,883.39

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Last Sunday, Second Offering

The next Last Sunday, Second Offering collection will be received on Sunday, June 25, 2017, and will benefitBig Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley. Changing perspectives. Changing lives. For over 40 years, BigBrothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Vision is that all children achieve success in life.

Altar Flowers/Altar Food Box/Worship Bulletin Sponsorships

You may sponsor our weekly, traditional altar flower vases or an altar food box for $35. You may purchaseyour own $35 worth of food for the food box and bring it in to place on the altar or you may write a check to thechurch and our volunteers will purchase the food for you. Worship bulletins may be sponsored for $15. Allsponsorships include your personal dedication message. Place completed forms in the offering plate or mailthem to the church office--forms are on the bulletin board in the coatroom area.

Thrivent Action Team Reminder

Thrivent Action Teams - Earn $250 to put towards a ministry project of your choosing. Go toThrivent.com and search for Action Teams. If you are a Thrivent member, proceed to Action Team Application.If you are not a Thrivent member, become an associate member for $20 and then fill out the Action TeamApplication. Receiving $250 and doing a great ministry project with friends...what a DEAL!

Important - Save the Date

The Bethlehem-Easton Mission District "Reformation 500 Oktoberfest" will be held on Saturday, October 14th,4:00 - 8:00 p.m., at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 610 West Berwick Street, Easton, PA. You are invited to comeout and enjoy an evening of food, music and dancing. Bring your best German dish to be judged by our panelof judges. There is no cost but due to limited seating, reservations are required. A sign-up sheet is in thenarthex.

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Regular Church Programs and Groups

Children's Sunday School

Sunday School will resume in the fall for children 3 years of age through the sixth grade.

Open Arms Senior Connection

Open Arms meets at the church on Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Pick up an Open Armsnewsletter in the narthex or ask to be put on our newsletter mailing list and have one delivered to your home.

Arndt's Preschool - June News

Graduation for our Senior class was held on Thursday, May 25th. They will move on to kindergarten in the fall.Good luck to them, we will miss them. The Juniors will return as Seniors in the fall to get ready forkindergarten; and we will welcome new incoming Juniors to our program. Everyone have a fun and safe summer.

Arndt's Bible Study - June/July Schedule

Bible Study is meeting at 7:00 p.m. on the following dates in June and July: June 20 (Supper with Levi), July 11 (Wedding Banquet Feast), July 18 (Supper with Mary and Martha).

Women's Monthly Lunch Gatherings

Ladies of the church meet at 12:30 p.m., once a month, on the third Wednesday of the month for lunch and torelax, chat and enjoy each other’s company. Too often we are doing the food prep; this time, sit back and enjoy. Car pools will meet at church at noon on lunch days. Come each month or as often as you are able. Lunch inJune will be at The Lodge in South Bethlehem (near the Sands) on June 21st. Lunch in July will be at TwoRivers Brewing Co. in Easton on July 19th. Please call Janet Herr at 610 588 6618, or email her atsnookers2@frontiernet.net, to make your reservation.

Country Dance Class - Every Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

A country line dancing class will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Theclass will be taught by Barbara Ann Willett, a certified dance instructor. Cost is $5 per class. If you have anyquestions, please contact Barbara at 610-253-7382.

Four Seasons Adult Group - Saturday, June 24th - 6:00 p.m.

The Four Seasons adult group will gather at the church on Saturday, June 24th at 6:00 p.m. for an Italian dinner. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Join the fun - all adults invited.

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Ongoing Fundraising Programs at Arndt's

Gift Card Program from Great Lake Scrips

Scrip Gift Card Program: Plan ahead for your shopping needs and order gift cards to make those purchases.You may purchase shopping cards, dining cards and gas cards to name a few from our Scrip Gift Card Program.Carole Brown places gift card orders on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. If you would like to ordercards, please call her at 484-505-0647 before those days so she may include your purchases in the order.

RADA Cutlery

RADA Cutlery products are reasonably priced, well constructed--and made in America! We have many itemsin stock (please see the poster in the narthex) and there are many other knives and items available in the RADAcatalog. This is a great fundraiser for Arndt's because it is something that everyone can use and it gives thechurch a return of 40% profit. Contact Joan Kocher at 610-515-0908 or Karen Beverly 610-252-2338 forpurchasing information.

Community Service and Activities

Safe Harbor Meals Provided by Arndt's

Safe Harbor Dinner - The next dates for the Safe Harbor dinner meal are Thursday, June 22nd andThursday, July 27th. Thank you to everyone who participates in this community ministry.

Backpack Project

Arndt's continues to collect individual packs of applesauce to support the backpack project. Our goal is toprovide the best nutrition that we can, so we ask for the no added sugar applesauce. You may bring yourdonations to the church and place them in the box marked for the "Backpack Project". Thank you for yoursupport of this project.

Christmas in July - Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels of Northampton County has been sponsoring a Christmas in July program for approximatelysix years. Volunteers collect gifts during the year which are individually wrapped and given to each Meals onWheels client that receives meals regularly. Last year they distributed these gifts to 625 clients.Once again, we have agreed to be part of the program and have been asked to collect the following items:

Single wrapped roll paper towels

Men’s disposable razors

Small packs of tissues

Bar soap (individually wrapped)

There will be a box in the narthex for you to place your donations. Thank you for supporting this project.

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Arndt’s Lutheran Church & St. Paul’s III Lutheran Church present:

2017 VBS - June 26 - 309:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Stories of the Old Testament:“How easy is it to obey God?”

Held at St. Paul's III Lutheran Church2561 Newburg Road, Palmer Township

Registration fee of $12.00 per child, $30 maximum per family (includes t-shirt)

Volunteers of all ages are needed.

Please volunteer to help for VBS this year. The sign-up sheet is in the narthex.Questions? Ask Jean Ruschman or Karen Beverly

Log on to the Arndt's website, www.arndtslutheran.org, to print a registration form.

Worship at Arndt's

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Sunday, June 4, 2017 – Day of Pentecost - Holy CommunionToday's festival derives its name from the Jewish festival of Pentecost, observed fifty days after Passover. On the fiftiethday of Easter we celebrate the Holy Spirit as the power of God among us that heals, forgives, inspires and unites. In thereading from Acts, images of wind and fire describe the Spirit poured out on disciples of all nations. In John's gospel the risen Christ breathes the Spirit on his followers on Easter evening. In the one Spirit we are baptized into one body, and at the Lord's table the Spirit unites us for witness in the world.

Sunday, June 11, 2017 - The Holy Trinity - Holy CommunionThough the word trinity is not found in the scriptures, today's second reading includes the apostolic greeting that beginsthe liturgy: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. In the gospel Jesus sends his disciples forth to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Morethan a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known inJesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in word andsacrament, as we profess the creed, and as we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith.

Sunday, June 18, 2017 - Second Sunday after Pentecost - Holy CommunionMoses tells the Israelites that they are called to be a priestly kingdom and a holy people. Jesus sends out the disciples aslaborers into the harvest. In baptism we too are anointed for ministry, sharing God's compassion with our needy world. From the Lord's table, we go forth to proclaim the good news, to heal the sick and to share our bread with the hungry.

Sunday, June 25, 2017 - Third Sunday after Pentecost - Service of the WordJeremiah knew the frustration of having his words rejected. Jesus declares that his words may not bring peace, butdivision. In baptism we are buried with Christ that we may walk in newness of life. As we take stands for the sake ofjustice and lose our lives for the sake of others, we need not be afraid. The hairs of our head are counted. In baptism we are marked with the cross of Christ forever.

Sunday, July 2, 2017 - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - (At St. Paul's III)The welcome of baptism is for all God's children. This baptismal gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. Intoday's gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God'smerciful welcome.

Sunday, July 9, 2017 - Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - Service of the WordThe mystery of God's ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. Jesus associates with the lowly and outcast.Like Paul, we struggle with our own selfish desires and seek God's mercy and forgiveness. We gather to be refreshed byChrist's invitation: "Come to me, all you that are weary." Gathered around word, water and meal, we find rest for oursouls.

Sunday, July 16, 2017 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost -Holy CommunionGod's word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seedindiscriminately. Ou lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant or dead, Godpromises a harvest. At the Lord's table we are fed with the bread of life, that we may bear fruit in the world.

Sunday, July 23, 2017 - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - Service of the WordIt is an age-old question: why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage andsuffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God and from the Lord's table we go forth to bear the fruit of justice and mercy.

Sunday, July 30, 2017 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - Worship and Praise ServiceAs Solomon prays for wisdom, we seek to more deeply know the treasures of faith. In today's gospel Jesus offers everydayimages that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God's reign, the great surprise is that God'sgrace finds us first!

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Arndt’s AnnouncementsPlease submit any special information you may want to share with the rest of the congregation to the

"Arndt's Announcements” page of The Messenger.

Congratulations

God's Blessings to Jordan Marie Kutza who was confirmed on Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 2017. Weddings

Congratulations and best wishes to Jessica Weaver and Michael Varju who were married on Saturday, June 3, 2017.

Funerals

Carl Shafer was raised to life eternal on June 4, 2017. Funeral services were held on June 8, 2017.

Kyle Flad was raised to life eternal on June 6, 2017. Services will be held at the church on June 10, 2017.

Thank you to . . . .

The congregation for supporting the May Last Sunday, Second Offering which benefited ThirdStreet Alliance and collected $74 for the community program.

Jim Bialker, Rosanne Diaz-Kerr, Scott Lewis, Larry Rondinelli, Bruce Sandt, Larry Shoudt, Andy Spatig andKen Weidner for participating in the Memorial Day service at the flagpole.

Thank you from . . . .

ProJeCt of Easton, Inc.'s Board of Directors, staff and all the people who benefit from our programs.Thank you for your donation of various food items to the Interfaith Food Pantry. It is only through the generoussupport of our community that we are able to offer the services we provide to the public through the InterfaithFood Pantry and the ASSIST program at no cost. Your support makes a difference to those in need.

Janice D. Komisor, Executive Director

The Center for Animal Health & Welfare. On behalf of the Board, staff and volunteers of the Center forAnimal Health & Welfare, thank you for your very generous gift of $28. Your gift will directly benefithundreds of animals who will visit The Center until they find their forever home, and provides much-neededfunding for their care during their stay with us. I can't stress enough how much we appreciate your donation--particularly when so many worthy causes are asking the same of you and yet you chose to support the healthand welfare of animals at The Center. We look forward to continuing to build a better community for animals inour area with your support.

The Center's Animals Staff and Board of Directors

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