The Town Line
Lutheran Town Line Lutheran Church, Alden, New York
Sunday Worship Services November 2018
8:30 and 11:00 am
Sunday School Our Mission 9:45 – 10:45 am “Called to Be a Servant Community”
FROM OUR PASTOR
Dear Friends,
As I thought about our section from Luther for this month, I remembered
watching a show on TV many years ago that makes a good point. A woman runs into
her ex-boyfriend who is now married and because she loves him they wind up having an
affair. As the story continued you see the woman struggling with guilt because she
knows that the affair is wrong, but she keeps telling herself that she loves him and that
the only person she is going to hurt is herself. The drama unfolds as she decided to stay
at his apartment, the one he shares with his wife, believing that the wife is away for the
week. As the woman begins to relax and make herself something to eat, she hears the
door unlock. The wife walks in, calling for her husband, and the woman hides and tries
to run out of the apartment without being seen. It doesn’t work, the wife sees her and
chases her calling her to stop so they can talk. The woman goes to the stairwell and
begins running down the steps and the wife chases her. Then it happens. The wife,
while yelling for the woman to stop, misses a step and falls down a flight of stairs,
hitting her face and winding up in a crumbled heap on the landing. Here’s what
surprised me in the story. I expected the woman to keep running and leave this woman
on the stairwell. But she didn’t, she went back and helped the wife and took her to the
emergency room. We hear the woman lament: “I always thought I was the only one
who was going to get hurt.”
How often in matter of sex do we fall into this trap? The trap of thinking the
only one we can hurt is ourselves. But that is not true. One of the reasons God gave us
this commandment it to help us prevent the hurt we can cause others and ourselves. I’m
sure we have all seen the hurt, maybe not just in our lives but in the lives of people we
care about.
So let’s take a look at this commandment and think about how it can apply to
our lives.
Here is our section for this month:
The Sixth commandment:
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean?
We are to fear and love God so that in matters of sex our words and conduct are
pure and honorable, and husband and wife love and respect each other.
1. Adultery is defined as “sex with someone who is not your spouse.” Does
that make this commandment harder or easier to follow? Why?
2. What does “conduct that is pure and honorable” look like? Have you
struggled with this, or seen others struggle with this?
3. Does this commandment give us any guidance on what God thinks about
things like pornography? Why?
4. Is adultery only physical? Do you think adultery could be emotional
without the physical? Why?
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
God’s peace,
Pastor Serena
Sunday School news
Congratulations to our Confirmation Class Colin Barry and Riley Stutzman who were confirmed on Sunday, October 28 @ the 8:30 am worship.
Sunday School Home Again Tree: Starting November 23rd. The Sunday School is inviting the congregation to help furnish an apartment for a refugee family. In the gathering area please take an ornament and return your item to the collection box before Christmas. For more information on the Home again program, please speak to Sue Dewitt.
Family Hike Sunday, November 4th. Join us for a hike to the Eternal Flame and beyond at Chestnut Ridge Park. Hike is about 1 mile, and those
who want to go beyond will follow another trail to extend the hike to about 3 miles. Let's meet at the church after late service to carpool or caravan, or meet is at the park. Sign up in Gathering Space or coordinate with Anne Marie Appleby. 238-4080
Family Worship Sunday, November 4 @ 11am worship “God Talk”
Family worship will be on the 1st Sunday of the month. This is a hands on worship experience with easy to sing (and hard to forget)
song, interactive sermon, and "Cheerful Coins." Bring the whole family and invite your friends.
Adult Game Night Friday, November 16th. Open to all members and guests 18+ yrs. Pot luck supper at 6:00, game play starts at 6:30. Bring a dish to pass or snack to share. NO CHILDCARE is offered this time,
so find a sitter and come to enjoy grown-up time. Ask Anne Marie Appleby or Heidi Wild for more info.
Music and Worship committee would like to invite you on November 18th to a
Chicken –N-Biscuit potluck luncheon. Luncheon to follow after 11 am Worship service.
Do you like crafting or just making something special then join us after luncheon for Angel’s Helping Hands.
You are invited to join the Woman of TLLC at the Niagara
Lutheran Guild luncheon at Greenfield manor 5953 Broadway on November 15 at 11:30 am. Devotion: Vicar Miranda Hammer,
Abiding Savior hostess: Ladies from Abiding Savior. Program: McCarthy Horse and Buggy will give a presentation of quilting.
Please RSVP by November 8 to Joyce Smith 651-9344.
Home Again program - Furniture Needed: Do you have a gently-used sofa looking for a new home? A kitchen table and chairs you no longer need? Maybe a flat-screen TV which you have outgrown? A refugee family arriving in WNY would love to have them. We are looking for a few donations of used furniture in good condition to furnish an apartment through Journey’s End Refugee Services’ Home Again program. If you have something you would be willing to give, please check the sign-up sheet on the table outside Pastor’s office. You’ll find more info on the program there as well. Thank you for your help in bringing a family “home again.”
Reducing our Carbon footprint Starting Sunday, Nov 4 you are invited to use a real coffee cup in the gathering area. Thanks to our volunteers who have stepped up to make this happen. You are also welcome to bring your own mug from home.
Naomi Circle will meet on Tuesday, November 13 at 12:30 pm here at the Church. Come join us for Bible Study and friendly conversation. Bring a bag lunch. Dessert and drinks will be provided. All Women of Town Line are invited.
The QUILTERS will meet every other Monday during
November (11/5, 11/19, then 12/3, etc.) from about 9:15 am until 1:00 pm. Bring your lunch and enjoy good fellowship and conversation. As usual, any non-weather-related changes to our schedule will be placed in the Sunday bulletin or
telephoned to regular attendees. We’ve had a wonderful turnout of ladies recently and are really happy to have them. Please consider joining us as we continue our service to those less fortunate in our community and surrounding area. If you have any questions, please call Lois Stutzman at 683-2782.
Calling all Readers You can join the
Town Line book club at any time. We meet the 3rd Monday of every month at the Church. Just read the book and join us for lively conversation on the book.
November “Hidden Light of Northern Fires” Darren Wang December “The Christmas Wedding” Patterson and DiLallo January “America’s First Daughter” Dray and Kamole February “Lilac Girls” Martha Hall Kelly March “The Hamilton Affair” Elizabeth Cobbs April “A Place for Us” Fatima Farheen Mirza Please email/call Jeanette Dickinson at: [email protected] or call 681-3966 with questions
Sunday, November 18 Special service of Thanksgiving
8:30 and 11:00 am Our Theme this year is "Gratitude is an Attitude." Plan to join us as we take time to thank the Lord for all the blessings in our lives.
Help us decorate the church for our special Thanksgiving worship! Bring non-perishable items for the Alden/Marilla food pantry. The items will decorate the altar on Sunday November 18th. Please put your items in the box in the gathering area.
Advent Bible Study: A Christmas Story and the Greatest Story Join us for 3 weeks 10am on Wednesdays or 6pm Sunday evenings in December as we discuss the classic movie "A Christmas Story" and Jesus' story.
Help is needed to decorate for Christmas Saturday, December 1
10:00 am Many hands make light work!
YOUTH NEWS…
“The Wizard of Odds” Nov 2nd & 3rd-thanks to
everyone who helped with our performances and our audiences
who came out & supported our youth! It was a fun weekend!
Our youth will be taking orders for Christmas
wreaths on Nov 4th & 11th. Please be sure to get
your orders in! it’s a great chance to
spruce up your house or give a
wonderful gift to a friend.
Angels Helping Hands Nov 18th noon-3:00
Come and enjoy a
yummy hot lunch
followed by crafting
taught by our
expert crafters who will help your craft look great!
to our Kids in Christ kids who came out and
participated in Reverse Trick or Treat and visited
some of our homebound members! Well done!
If you are a youth grades 6-12 or 3-6 and would like to join
our youth groups please be sure to call Kate Snyder 668-5610
for questions or JUST SIGN UP! On the youth bulletin board
when we have an event.
MUSIC NOTES…
It’s not too late to join
our choirs. If you would
like to sing, or play bells, for Christmas
eve be sure and see Kate. You can just
try it out for the holiday and see if it’s a good fit for
you. Check the music bulletin board for rehearsal
times & days or just speak with Kate! We have so
much fun I’d hate for you to miss out!
Kate Snyder 668-5610
TOWN LINE LUTHERAN CHURCH
MEMORIAL WALKWAY Order your memorial brick(s) in
memory of your loved ones. Order forms are available at the
Church.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymnal The Memorial Committee and Church Council have approved setting up funds to pay for a new ELW Hymnal. The amount per book is $25.00 which can be given: As a Memorial: In memory of _____________________________by____________________ As a Thank offering for blessings: In thankfulness for blessings received by ________________________ To honor someone In honor of _________________________by_______________________ Please make checks to the Town Line Lutheran Church Memorial fund and mail/drop off this form to church or place in offering plate. The new hymnal will be in our pews for Advent.
Memorial Committee is looking for volunteers to help place new hymnals in the pews on Tuesday, November 27 at 10 am. Thanks in advance!
Picture page
First Communion Class
Coloring page
How can you help others or get help? Here are a few local agencies Alden Pantry collection You can bring items for the Alden Food pantry to church any Sunday. There is a blue box located in the Coat room.
Alden Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteers. Call 937-7105 for more information
Hearts and Hands “Faith in Action” A Neighbor helping neighbor” volunteer program Call: 542-2226 www.heartsandhandsfia.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities Become a friend of Ronald: Find us on Facebook.
Suicide Bereavement support For immediate help/support call 24 hours a day: (585)202-2783 Erie County Crisis Services (716)834-3131 Lutheran Charities www.wnylutherancharities.org 716-632-2623
Alzheimer’s Association of WNY 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 [email protected] 2805 Wehrle Dr Suite 6 Williamsville, NY 14221
Hospice Buffalo 225 Como Park Cheektowaga, NY 14227 716-686-1900 Essential Care for Children, a program of Home Care Buffalo 225 Como Park Boulevard Cheektowaga, NY 142270-1480 (716) 686-8006 Caring Hearts Perinatal Program 150 Bennett Road Cheektowaga, NY 14227 (716) 359-8056 Life Transitions Center, Inc. The Mary & Ralph C. Wilson Counseling Center 150 Bennett Road Cheektowaga, NY 14221-1480 Phone: (716) 836-6460 Caring Hearts Home Care 892 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 686-8300
The Town Line Lutheran Newsletter In order to help us cut costs and also waste less of our world's precious resources, we will not be mailing the newsletter to your door. Here are your choices on how you can get your newsletter:
1. Email: drop an email to Diane at the office to receive your newsletter electronically. The church email is [email protected].
2. Pick up paper copy at church: Paper copies of the newsletter will be available for you to take home the last Sunday of every month.
3. Download from the church website: www.townlinelutheran.com
4. If none of the above work we can mail it to your home
If you wish to advertise in the newsletter, please drop off or email your articles by the 15th of any given month.
If you have a change of address or phone number, please email the Church and let us know
Email addresses are needed: If you would like to have your email added so we can contact you in this way, please email the Church: [email protected].
Check out our website at www.Townlinelutheran.com We are also on Facebook, so friend us!
Join us on Twitter
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Church Cancellation: Due to inclement weather (hopefully not too soon) please check Channel 2 for Town Line Lutheran Church closings. During the winter months please use caution in the parking lot and sidewalks as conditions can become slippery.
Church Council 2018-2019 Ann Marie Appleby Harold Bowen Rick Krueger Marcie Mason Harry Mandris Larry Muscoreil Judy Quinty Mark Reddy Tom Stutzman Heidi Wild Patty Zehler
The Annual Congregational meeting took place on Sunday, October 21 with over 50 members in attendance. Reports are available in the gathering space.
Church Staff Information Ministers: All the People of God in this place Pastor: The Rev. Serena Mollenkopf-Grill Cell: 716-510-2939 Email: [email protected] Pastor Emeritus: The Rev. Merlin H. Knauff (retired) Secretary: Diane Casell Office: 684-1467 Sexton: Ann Stanek Music Director: Kate Snyder: 668-5610
Church Office Hours
Monday, - Thursday 9:00 am – noon The doors will be locked for the safety of our staff and volunteers,
please knock or use the doorbell at the carport door when you stop by. If you need assistance outside of these hours please call/text Diane 716-713-3149 or Pastor Serena 716-510-2939
Thanks for your cooperation.
Facts and Figures
Sunday Attendance Offerings October 7 130 $4,438 October 14 119 $3,616 October 21 122 $5,727 Needed Weekly $3,300
Congrats to our new Council members. We pray for all our council members as they guide our church. Thank you to our council members who went off and put their time in to help our church.
Worship Assistants for November
Ushers Early Service Late Service
Paul Schuler David Reiner David Veros Wilson Wild Ronald Ball Harry Mandris
Acolytes Early Late 4 Colton Witucki Adam Bauer Paige Mertz 11 Josie Wild Haley Tyburski Alaina Dersam 18 Jacob Dulski Daulton Mason Riley Streit 25 Adam Dulski Tony Muscoreil Shawn Scotland 29 Mackenzie Mertz Ben Wild
Communion Set –Up 4 Ellie DeFillipo 8:30 am Marcie Mason 11:00 am 11 Charlie Turner 11:00 am 18 John Wild 8:30 am 25 Marcie Mason 11:00 am
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for all the above Ministries! Call/text Diane 716-713-3149 or email the church if you would like to help at the church in any of these or our many other ministries
November 13 36 years Carol and Peter Subsara November 26 52 years Sharon and Charles Holcomb November 30 33 years Christine and James Wilckens Did we miss your special Anniversary? (10, 20, 25 or over 30 years) If so, please let us know at the Church office.
Baptism September 30, 2018 - Zoe Jean, daughter of Kevin and Amanda Nowakowski
In Sympathy Our sincere sympathy is extended to Adele Steinman on the death of her son, Richard. DEATH Called to the Church Triumphant on October 12, 2018, was our member, Shirley Huehn. A Funeral service was held on October 16th at Town Line Lutheran. Our sincere sympathy is extended to her family and friends.
Memorials
To the Memorial Fund in memory of Shirley Huehn by Herbert Holdeney
Don’t Forget Daylight savings time ends Sunday, Nov 4th Turn your clocks back one hour.
1 Lisa McKibben 1 Claire Arnott 2 Elizabeth Ball 2 Kyle Kohl 3 Rev. Merlin Knauff 2 Nathan Turner 3 Nolan Bonning 6 Ann Heinrich 6 Heather Dzimian 7 Andrea Frey 7 Ryan Manchester 8 Sydney Sims 9 Barbara Sims 8 Jason Strang 9 Julie Skubis 9 Daulton Mason 9 Beth Quenzler 10 Grace Noel 11 Ruth Ives 11 Alison Daucher 13 Kourtney Dulski 13 Kaylee Kendall 16 Linsey Erny 16 Diana Huber 17 Edward Reich
18 Ryker Manchester 19 James Macken 19 Richard Noel 19 Josephine Wild 20 Diane Baehre 20 Michael Randall 20 Delaina Blair 21 Shawn Zima 23 James Wilckens 24 Nancy Arndt 24 David Noel 25 Timothy Bowen 25 William Dabb 25 Edythann Sims 25 Benjamin Wild 25 Shirley Nedell 25 Christopher Kendall 26 Hayley Tyburski 27 Taylor Tyburski 27 Mark Schreiner 30 Maryjane Heinrich Did we miss your Birthday? If so, please call us at the Church office, 684-1467.
TOWN LINE LUTHERAN CHURCH Town Line Road Alden, New York 14004-9590 A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ELCA.org Living in God’s Amazing Grace
Church office: 716-684-1467 Church Fax: 716-683-1664 Pastor: The Rev. Serena Mollenkopf-Grill Cell: 716-510-2939 Email: [email protected] Pastor Emeritus: The Rev. Merlin H. Knauff (retired) Church Email - [email protected] Church Website: www.Townlinelutheran.com
