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FRIENDLY MESSENGER
Summer 2007This Month's Contents:
Beloved People of St. Peter's, |
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The June Congregation Council Meeting was opened at 7:30 PM on June 11th with a prayer by Pastor Sara. Pastor Sara read a piece on spiritual motivation stimulated by the sacraments. Discussion followed.
Property: Leigh Rink reported that he replaced two ballasts in the kitchen, so we now have good, safe lighting. He and the committee hope to find a contractor to replace other ballasts elsewhere in our church building. They are also still working on the replacement on the Mercer Avenue door.
Evangelism: Barbara Shebey is doing her usual fine job, with her committee, sending cards to our members who are unable to come to church because of illness.
Vision Appeal Committee: Gary reported that our members and friends have contributed $7,450, which means we only have $883 to go for 2007. Gary advised that the Anniversary Committee plans a special catered celebration on September 9th.
Our old refrigerator has finally died. Brian Klatt has offered to donate the refrigerator that he is replacing. Gary Johnson and his son have volunteered to pick it up. How blessed we are!
Have a safe and happy Summer.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ann Schwarz and our choir members for all their anthems and other special music which has provided so much meaning and beauty to our worship.
The entire staff of our Sunday Church School, including Pat Johnston, Oretha Duo-Covin, Diane Pasquarello, Elizabeth Ennis and Peju Adeoba-Omole, whose weekly efforts have carried on our program of Christian Education.
Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m., after Word for the Week. to walk the neighborhood, pick up trash and talk with folks.
And door knocking on:
Saturday, June 23rd, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Or join Pastor to eat lunch at one of the Central American Restaurants on Somerset Street. Try a Salvadoran pocket sandwich called a papusa - they are delicious! See Pastor Sara to schedule a time.
The cost is $51,95 per person, if we can get 20 people to go as a group. This price includes a delicious luncheon, with a wonderful array of desserts, and the show.
If you are interested, please call Irene Plitz or Barbara Henriksen, or look for the sign-up sheet on the WELCA bulletin board.
On behalf of St. Peter’s Council, we would like to thank you, once again, for your most generous contributions, as well as your Memory Cards.
Sir Winston Churchhill once observed, “We make a living by what we get. We make life by what we give,” Your giving has improved the life of our church as every dollar goes directly into the operating fund to meet monthly expenses.
The Vision Appeal display is filled with stories from members and friends who took the time to share their memories with us. These memories include:
Walks that aided missionary projects in Liberia, West Africa
While it is great to look back and reflect on the wondeful achievements of our past, the Vision Appeal is all about the future of St. Peter’s. If you have not made a contribution to the Vision Appeal, or have not sent in your Memory Card, now would be a great time to do so.
Yours in Christian Service,
In June, 2006, 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.
Gifts can be given through St. Peter's, or sent directly to ELCA World Hunger Appeal, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764.
St. Peter's support of $20 weekly, which is given by our members in memory or in honor of a loved one, or to remember a special occasion, helps us to keep our pledge this year of $1,040, which goes directly to EPES in Santiago, Chile.
Thank you St. Peter's, for supporting this important and sorely needed mission.
Evelyn Troy, C.M.I.
Plenary speakers for this exciting annual event include: Brazilian theologian Vitor Westhelle, who teaches at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago; Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, who helps others learn to forgive and heal from the long-term effects of genocide and war; ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson; and Representatives of the Lutheran World Federation, now celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Like all summer Global Mission Events, the Ohio GME will feature international presenters, global music, and multigenerational programming for children and junior and senior high youth. GME participants can also enroll in multi-session tracks that focus on cross-cultural relationships, sustainable development, asset mapping, and global hunger issues - all key areas for growth for ELCA members who participate in global relationships and service.
Come deepen your understanding of the meaning of global mission today, and mingle with a rich stew of international guests, ELCA missionaries and members, musicians, and artists.
To register or for program information, visit www.elca.org/gme
1. What does this piece of scripture tell me about God?
These are some of the questions I pray and ponder as I prepare for my sermons each week, and perhaps as you begin to ask them with me. we can grow in deeper conversation and connection with God and God's mission in the world. And you might even have a deeper experience of worship on Sunday morning.
Week before July 1st:
Week before July 8th:
Week before July 15th:
Week before July 22nd:
Week before July 29th:
Week before August 5th:
Week before August 12th:
Week before August 19th:
Week before August 26th:
Week before September 2nd:
Week before September 9th:
Week before September 16th:
Week before September 23rd:
Week before September 30th:
Lynn K. Blenderman
Joan Hassard
PARISH HAPPENINGS
Office Hours
The church office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 A.M. - to 1:00 P.M. If the door is not unlocked, please ring the bell or knock. Pastor Sara will also be available at the church on Thursdays.Summer Worship
Beginning on Sunday, June 24th, and continuing through Sunday, September 2nd, we will gather for worship each week at 9:30 a.m.Building Wish List
Gail, our secretary, Pastor Sara and the Property Committee will be compiling wish lists which will be posted on the bulletin board near the side door. Please look at these lists and see how you can help in the running of our church by donating something needed or desired. Thanks for your consideration. Thank You's
We wish to extend our thanks to:Save the Date
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church will be continuing it’s 115th Anniversary Celebration with a special luncheon on Sunday, September 9th, Rally Day. The luncheon will follow the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service.Summer Neighborhood Outreach
Throughout the summer, Pastor Sara will be heading out into the neighborhood to get to know our neighbors. If you would like to join her, please see Pastor Sara or sign up in the narthex. The following times are scheduled:
Saturday, July 21st, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.The Twisted Time Machine!!!??
What is this? Reserve Saturday, August 11th, 11:00 a.m., and find out. As part of St. Peter’s continuing celebration of our 115 years as a congregation, WELCA is pleased to sponsor a trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, where we will dine and then listen to a hit parade of music from 1912 to the present. We are promised an afternoon of spectacular period costumes, dynamic dancing and lots of exhilarating LIVE music.Let It Shine - St. Peter's Vision Appeal
As yo know, St. Peter's made a commitment to raise $8,333 during 2007. Thanks to your generosity, and numerous friends of St. Peter’s, we have received $7,450 in contributions. That means we have only to raise $883 more to meet our 2007 goal.
Massive food collections for hurricane relief victims in South Carolina
Hospital visits by Pastor Anderson
Providing food, clothing and shelter through our FISH Hospitality Ministry
Resettling Vietnamese refugee families
Making quilts for hundreds of needy families around the world
Supporting EPES, our missionary project in Chile
Reaching out to the community through bus trips, variety shows and our annual Spring Fling
95ERS softball fellowship and Vacation Church School
Gary JohnsonLutheran Men in Mission Thank You’s
We want to thank everyone who came to to the Church Picnic and hope you enjoyed yourself. We also wish to thank WELCA for the wondeful desserts and to Paul and Erik for having us, and for supplying the beverages and everything that was put on the grill. They have invited us back again next year. We said, “Put us down;we’ll be back.”
Women of the ELCA
The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA) invite all women to participate in their many activities. Meetings with a specific theme or activity are usually held at the church once each month. Our Katie's Quilters usually meet twice a month on a Wednesday morning at 10:00 and a Friday evening at 7:30. Check with the office for the monthly schedule of activities.Lutheran Men in Mission
Our Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) meet once a month at the Church. All men of the church, young and senior alike, are welcome and encouraged to attend. Check with the office for the monthly schedule of events. In recent years, LMM has sponsored our Annual Picnic, and have have organized and cooked for our Annual Dinner Theater. They also take a regular turn with Fellowship Time after services, plus present our ladies with carnations on Mother's Day.ELCA World Hunger Appeal
"In 2004, our church's World Hunger Appeal celebrated its 30th anniversary - 30 years of bringing help and hope to people in need." These are the words addressed to us in a letter from Mark S. Hanson, presiding Bishop of the ELCA. He goes on to say, "In this anniversary year, our church will be celebrating the work of the Appeal...Through your giving, you have been part of this mosaic of hope that comes through merging relief, sustainable development, advocacy, and education. Your gifts are part of a picture - of a church that is responding faithfully and effectively to its Lord's command to feed those who are hungry and to seek justice for those who are oppressed."E.P.E.S. (Educacion Popular En Salud)
The "Mission" - EPES is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of shantytown inhabitants through the training and organized participation of the residents themselves. Over the past 20 years, EPES has trained hundreds of local people as community health promoters. The great majority (97%) of the health promoters are shantytown women.Global Mission Event, Summer 2007
"New Heaven, New Earth" - Revelation 21 provides the theme for this summer's Global Mission Event, scheduled for July 19-22 at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.Word for the Week
Each week we are given the gift of God's Word in our lectionary texts, the texts assigned to us for each week of worship. You will hear these words on Sunday mornings, the Sunday School children study these texts, and, in the Season of Lent, I invite you to take some time during the week before you come to church on Sunday to read, study and pray with these texts each week. It could be a simple way to do daily devotions. On Monday, read the first reading, Tuesday, the psalm, on Wednesday, the second reading, and Thursday, read the Gospel texts. On Friday and Saturday, go back to those readings you had questions about and dig more deeply into your study. One simple way to read these texts is to ask yourself the following questions:
2. What is God up to in this text?
3. What does this text call me (or us) to do or to be?
1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21
Psalm 16
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalm 66:1-9
Galatians 6:7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Deuteronomy 30:9-14
Psalm 25:1-10)
Colossians 1:1-14
Luke 10:25-37
Genesis 18:1-10a
Psalm 15
Colossians 1:15-28
Luke 10:38-42
Genesis 18:20-32
Psalm 138
Colossians 2:6-15
Luke 11:1-13
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23
Psalm 49:1-12
Colossians 3:1-11
Luke 12:13-21
Genesis 15:1-6
Psalm 33:12-22
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Luke 12:32-40
Jeremiah 23:23-29
Psalm 82
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Luke 12:49-56
Isaiah 58:9b-14
Psalm 103:1-8
Hebrews 12:18-29
Luke 13:10-17
Proverbs 25:6-7
Psalm 112
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 1
Philemon 1-21
Luke 14:25-33
Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 51:1-10
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13
Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Luke 16:19-31
2007 New Jersey Synod ELCA Assembly Report
It was again an honor for me to represent St. Peter’s as a voting member to the 20th Annual Assembly of the New Jersey Synod, ELCA, held on May 31st, June 1st and 2nd, at the Brunswick Hilton, East Brunswick. There were many items on the agenda, so, at the risk of overlooking a particular item of interest, the following is a summary of the major highlights. Please do not hesitate to speak to Pastor Sara or me about any synod issue that may be of concern to you, whether or not you see it discussed here.
On Thursday evening, May 31st, the Assembly was opened with an inspiring Service of Holy Communion held at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, New Jersey. Mark Mummert, a Seminary Musician from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, accompanied by the Academy Brass Quintet, Drexel, Hill, PA, lead us on the cathedral’s powerful pipe organ through a new Liturgy of Holy Eucharist that appears in the 2007 Lutheran hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship. George Moser, AIM, Assembly Musician, assembled the Combined Choir of the New Jersey Synod for this special event.
The theme of this year’s Assembly was “Come and Follow Jesus for the Sake of the World.” As this just so happened to be the Feast of the Visitation , Bishop Riley’s sermon centered on this Gospel passage from Luke 1:39-57. Mary, in a very real sense, is the first person to follow Jesus. After receiving the news that she will bear a son, Mary goes to her cousin Elizabeth ‘s home for confirmation. Discovering that “nothing is impossible with God,” they are convinced that they are a part of God’s plan to save the world. Quoting Bishop Riley, “Jesus is God’s improbable answer in a probable world,” for Jesus says, “I love you, no matter what!” Even when we crucify him on a cross, when we are most undeserving, God still reaches out to us, through Jesus, with his loving grace. Again quoting the Bishop, “ We have an awesome, improbable God.” Both Mary and Elizabeth were open to the wonder of God. Then the Bishop posed this question to us, “How do we sing Mary’s song [today]? Have we learned anything?” Rephrasing a well known Broadway tune, the Bishop closed with these words, “We don’t ‘need a little Christmas,’ we need
a lot of Easter!”
On Friday morning, Pastor Sara and I attended a series of Mission Breakfasts which were followed by the Second Business Session. An early topic on the agenda was the nomination and election of the Bishop of the New Jersey Synod for a new 6 year term. On the first ballot, Bishop E. Roy Riley was reelected, receiving 311 of the 416 votes cast. Bishop Riley was both stunned and touched, and actually “unprepared,”as he said, to have had this happen. Bishop Riley has led the synod since 1991, but indicated that this may be his last term
At the Friday morning Service of Holy Communion, the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, ELCA Churchwide Representative, delivered a sermon based on the Book of Jonah. He started out with these words, “The Church of Jesus Christ has a mission.” Then he spoke about the task of defining mission initiatives. Going to Nineveh was not originally part of Jonah’s “mission plan,” but God had other plans and prevailed. Rev. Malpica Padilla went on to say that the disciples were sent to places they could not imagine. In this we see that God shows no partiality; God is on a mission of inclusion. “We do not set the agenda, God does.” Then Rev. Malpica Padilla, in a marvelous twist, rephrased the words that opened his sermon, “The mission of Jesus Christ has a Church! In obedience, we must accept the call, and go!”
During the afternoon Business Session The Rev. Roger W. Spencer was reelected as Council Secretary. Dianne R. Browne, from St. Mark, Oaklyn, was elected as Council Vice President.
There were a number of resolutions passed: to advocate for a new just immigration policy in the U.S., to designate a Sunday in October as “Mental Illness Awareness Sunday,” and to create more equitable expectations for the full inclusion of practicing gay and lesbian people in the ministry.
At the Assembly Banquet on Friday night, the “Servant of Christ” recognition was accepted by Carol Lee Tieman, Holy Trinity, Manasquan, on behalf of all who served as Katrina volunteers, and in honor of those congregations which supported them. The Rev. Gladys C. Moore, Assistant to the Bishop for 16 years, is taking a position in campus ministry at Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts. She was given a special farewell presentation by the Bishop, who was visibly moved by her departure. Special music for the evening was provided by the Senior Ensemble from the Arts High School, Newark, NJ.
On Saturday morning, I attended a 7:15 Service of Communion at which our own Pastor Sara presided. The Rev. Willem Pieters, representing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia, gave the homily. (I learned that you can actually sing a hymn or two at that hour!)
At the opening of the Saturday Business Session, we took part in a service entitled, “Lutheran Campus Ministry as a Means of Grace: A Litany of Thanksgiving for 100 Years.” In this service we recognized this special anniversary, giving thanks to God for all God’s blessings to, and received from, this important ministry.
In conjunction with this special 100 year anniversary, we were privileged to have The Rev. Dr. Roland (Rollie) Martinson, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN, speak to us regarding the youth and young adults of our Church. He stressed the importance of including Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry in the circle of the “Whole Church,” not just as a set of attached “Mickey Mouse ears.” He also stressed the importance and value of outdoor ministry and campus ministry for predicting those “20 Something’s” who would not fall away, but remain faithful in their church life. Our Youth Convo and Young Adult Convo expressed the desire to be recognized as the “church of today, not just the church of tomorrow.” They wish to participate in leadership positions in congregations; they want involvement, all the way up to council positions, and desire to be sent to synod assemblies, not just with a voice, but as voting members.
On Saturday morning, as a Special Order, Bridge of Peace Lutheran Church, Camden, New Jersey, was received into the membership of the ELCA New Jersey Synod. This is a multicultural, multi-challenged congregation, comprised of 59 adults and 73 children. The Rev. Giselle Carvalho Coutinho, Pastor-Developer, has been called to serve as the new congregation’s full time pastor. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. This happy, jubilant group seemed to dance their way to the podium. There was much clapping for joy. As their Pastor said, “We clap a lot at Bridge of Peace.” They carried a beautiful banner made by the members, and wore purple tee shirts with gold lettering, which read, in English and Spanish, “God orders our steps, sharing the Good News, seeking justice and peace.” Everyone stood and applauded this young and enthusiastic congregation. As the first congregation received by the ELCA New Jersey Synod in 10 years, we will continue to pray for them as they go forward in mission.
Also on Saturday morning, a new and exciting initiative entitled “Mission on the Move”(MOM) was overwhelmingly approved. MOM “will provide for the development of new ministries while supporting others during times of transformation. Providing resources for exploration, innovation, and growth in God’s work in the 21st century is vital to a thriving church.” You will be hearing more about this appeal in the coming weeks and months. Please speak to Pastor Sara or me if you have any questions. We both have the pertinent Assembly materials. The following is short summary:
“To further our participation in God’s mission for the sake of the world [our Assembly theme], we intend to extend our missional assets to:
1. Support the purchase of land and buildings for two new mission starts by 2012.
2. Expand the “Fund for Mission Endowment” to support new and existing churches during times of rapid growth, transition, and renewal and support witness and work that is grounded with and among people in poverty.
3. Strengthen the congregational witness to the local community across the territory of the synod by returning a portion of the capital funds (10%) to congregations to address individual parish outreach opportunities.”
The total gifts needed for this campaign is $2.7 million dollars. A special estate grant of $250,000, designated by Synod Council, will initialize this appeal. “Mission on the Move seeks to fulfill the Great Commission that God has given to the Church (Matthew 28:18-20)...Each congregation , no matter how challenged locally, will be invited to participate in this united venture. God calls the church to account for the making of disciples and the proclamation of the Gospel. Together we are called to develop and support this ministry...Challenge goals for congregations will be established based on congregational size and resources.”
Thank you for sending me as your lay voting member to the 2007 New Jersey Synod Assembly. It was an honor to serve in this capacity.
Last modified 6/29/2007
