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FRIENDLY MESSENGER
March 2006This Month's Contents:
Throughout the last year we have been talking about different ways how to reach out into our community. One of the key elements of outreach is building relationships with neighbors; finding out what the needs of the community are and then see how we as a church can meet some of these needs.
A congregation is in a good position to grow and to thrive when the interests of the congregation intersect with the needs of the community. So after some time of exploring two possible ways for reaching out and building relationships with our neighbors were identified : one is reading to children at Stony Brook School and one is offering ESL classes (English as a Second Language). |
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The February Congregation Council Meeting was opened at 7:30 PM on February 20th with a prayer by Pastor Storck.
A note was received from Bishop Roy Riley thanking the congregation for its outstanding support of Synod.
Christian Education - Barbara Henriksen reported that she and Oretha Duo-Covin were exploring the possibility of joining some CD classes with Holy Cross. This is still being studied.
Property - There are a couple of small leaks over Fellowship Hall. As soon weather permits, the men will asses the situation. LMM moved a fire extinguisher to be in line with code and repaired a hole in a ceiling closet in the choir room. Wiring for telephone service was also restrung in the secretary's office. Softer lighting was also added to reduce computer glare. They also distributed new communion cards and pencils throughout the sanctuary. Finally, a new timer thermostat was installed in the sanctuary. Thanks, LMM!
Evangelism - Our annual WELCA Lenten Soup Sunday will take place on March 5th.
Finance - A summary of St. Peter's Portfolio as 2/17/06 will be posted in the hall outside the office.
New Business - A committee will be assembled to explore ideas and consider possibilities to set up a financial plan that would help keep St. Peter's afloat.
There was considerable discussion about approaches to outreach in the Latino community, and Pastor advised of her follow-through on this matter. Council expressed some enthusiasm for a reading to children program and for participating in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
A letter from Pastor Scott Schantzenbach confirmed the special council meeting with him and Pastor Judith Spindt to consider an extension of Pastor Storck's contract, and also the next steps toward calling a permanent pastor. A great deal of information will presented and all are invited to attend. The meeting will begin at 7 PM on Monday, February 27th. ( This meeting was subsequently postponed to a new date to be announced).
The meeting adjourned with the Lord's Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Hassard
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In June, 2005, our women delivered an additional 100 quilts to Lutheran World Relief center in Maryland. Food items for FISH, the local food bank, are continually collected and delivered. They assist our Lutheran Men in Mission at our Annual Dinner Theater. Thankoffering Sunday is held in November. Many other opportunities for fellowship and service are coming along. As you can see, our women are very active.
To find out how you can join in, and to find out what's happening when, please talk to an active member, watch for announcements in the Sunday bulletin, or call the church office (908-754-0530)for further information and/or the name and phone number of the proper contact person. Our Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America look forward to welcoming you!
Work days at the church are also scheduled when a need arises. Each month, the men collect and deliver many bags of food to the local FISH program. Many other opportunities for fellowship and service are coming along.
As with the Women's Group, to find out how you can join in, and to find out what's happening when, please talk to an active member, watch for announcements in the Sunday bulletin, or call the church office (908-754-0530) for further information and/or the name and phone number of the proper contact person. Our Lutheran Men in Mission look forward to welcoming you!
Please continue to be a part of this picture by giving generously to our church's World Hunger Appeal."
ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, working with our Lutheran Disaster Response partners throughout the Gulf Coast region, is already caring for disaster survivors. Of particular concern are those who were in vulnerable situations even before Katrina struck, including the 28 percent of New Orleans' residents living below the poverty line, those who were homeless, and migrant farm families.
As in past disasters, our church's response to this hurricane will include spiritual and emotional counseling, care for caregivers, hardship grants, volunteer support, and, eventually, home rebuilding. You can find more information, including giving and volunteering opportunities, at www.elca.org/disaster
Your gifts to ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, designated for 2005 Hurricane, will ensure that we can accompany disaster survivors at every stage of the relief and rebuilding process. All-100 percent-of your gifts will go to help individuals and communities rebuild their lives following this disaster.
Please pray for those whose lives have been uprooted by the disaster, and for the health and safety of rescuers and caregivers."God is our refuge in the day of disaster." (Jeremiah 17:17).
Give through your local congregation, or send directly to ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60696-1764, or call 800-638-3522 to give by credit card. For more information go to www.elca.org/giving. Thank you for your generosity in this time of great need.
