As I sit down to write, it is November 10th, the birthday of Martin Luther. Born in 1483, that makes old Martin 520 here in 2003. Yet, following on the heels of the millennium change in the year 2000, when Luther was selected as the second or third most influential person of the previous one thousand years, his popularity seems to be resurging again this fall.
For a new motion picture depicting the life of Martin Luther, produced by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, our fraternal insurance company, has been released in recent weeks in theaters throughout the country. The film features actors of the caliber of Sir Peter Ustinov, surely a venerable and regal star of stage and screen. But Luther, himself, is portrayed by none other than Joseph Fiennes, last known to most of us as the romantic young William Shakespeare in the beloved Academy Award winning movie of several years back, "Shakespeare in Love." My friend, Pastor Jim Egan, commented: "If Luther was really that good looking, I'll bet there'd be a whole lot more Lutherans today!"
Still, I wonder if you know that Lutherans number the third largest group of Christians in the world, after Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox.
And why not? Why indeed was Martin Luther voted so influential in the past millennium? Because of his re-forming, his re-focusing of the Church of Jesus Christ upon the Grace of God is just that profound! Imagine living your whole life afraid of God, and you'll understand. Think about how great it is to believe that God's love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ come to you as a free gift, even though you can never deserve it, and you'll appreciate Martin Luther all the more!
So, with Luther before us again these days, I thought I would plan a Sermon Series for Advent based on the sermons of the Great Reformer:
November 30
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"ANNUNCIATION"
December 7
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"VISITATION"
December 14
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"SHEPHERDS"
December 21
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"SAVIOR"
And then, on Christmas Eve, I'll add Luther's perspective in a meditation, entitled: "NATIVITY."
It will be like having a Guest Preacher for the four weeks of Advent. Though it will be me standing in the pulpit, the words, for the most part, will be Martin Luther's. And through the way he expresses himself, through the pattern of his language, through the color of his phrases, we will likely gain intriguing insight into Luther's keen intellect, undaunted courage, and remarkable faith.
The November meeting of St. Peter's Congregation Council was held on November 10th. The meeting was opened with devotions based on 1 Kings17:8-16.
In Pastor's report many "thanks" were given to the Women of the ELCA for Thankoffering Sunday. It was a pleasure to have Pastor Helmke participate in the service. The special offering will be sent to Crossroads Outdoor Ministries, our N.J. Synod appeal.
The Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. Pastor Anderson will preach. A possible combined choir will sing.
Our Cluster meeting was held on October 29th at Zion Lutheran in Rahway. Two events will be held in the future - a picnic and an evangelism workshop. Details will be made available as plans are finalized.
Art Klatt has resigned as Treasurer. The Council elected Dorothea Sundvall to fill this office.
St. Peter's will be hosting a meeting of the N.J. Synod WELCA Board on May 14, 2004. We also received a note from North Plainfield High School's Project Graduation, thanking us for our 2003 support.
Reports of all standing committees were heard.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned with The Lord's Prayer.
Our informal alternative worship experience is once again gathering each Sunday morning at 8:30 am. in the sanctuary. This service is accompanied by guitar, is only one half hour in length, and offers Holy Communion every week. Join us if you'd be interested in something different. Worship at 8:30 am if you must be elsewhere later on. Invite your friends. "Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things."
Congratulations
To Amelia Blenderman, a Junior at North Plainfield High School, who has been elected to the National Honor Society. Amelia, we are all so very proud of you.
And, BRAVO to Stephen Johnston who will perform in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," at Hunterdon Central Regional High School, November 21-23. "Break a Leg," Stephen!
Ministry to Persons Without Homes
Our guests next arrive on Sunday, November 23rd, and therefore, will be with us over the Thanksgiving holiday. Perhaps appropriately, as we give thanks to God for all our blessings, our hearts will obligate us to share those blessings with those in particular need. So, though at holiday time, maybe volunteering as an early evening or overnight host, kitchen crew, food donor or set-up/clean-up person is just the right thing! Watch for the sign-up sheets which will very shortly appear on the bulletin board near the kitchen. Thank you very much.
Comedy Night/Dinner Theater
You can almost smell the spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove! The date for our Annual Comedy Night/Dinner Theater is Saturday, November 22nd, at 6 p.m., in our Fellowship Hall. Rehearsals are continuing. The cast is honing their dramatic and comedic skills. The laughter will lift your heart. Join congregation and community for a wonderful time.
Thanksgiving Eve Service
On Wednesday, November 26th, at 7:30 pm, we will gather for our COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE at Holy Cross Episcopal; Church, across the street from us on Mercer Avenue. This year Pastor Anderson will preach. Please plan to join our whole community in thankful worship.
Sunday Church School
Our Christian Education program for the year is now in full swing. All children are welcome and encouraged to join us as we focus on the scripture lessons for each Sunday.
Our Adult Forum, under the leadership of Pat Johnston, invites and encourages all of us who are just a bit older to continue the never-ending process of Christian Education. Study the Bible. Know Christ. Discuss your faith. Gather in our Nursery Room. Be part of this experience.
Our Sunday Church School program for all ages is held at 9:15 every Sunday morning.
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 on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. Our Katie's Quilters usually meet twice a month on a Wednesday morning at 10:00 and a Friday evening at 7:30. last summer our women delivered 170 quilts and 13 health kits to Lutheran World Relief center in Maryland. Food items for FISH, the local food bank, are continually collected and delivered. They will be assisting our Lutheran Men in Mission at our Annual Dinner Theater on November 22nd. Thankoffering Sunday was held on November 9th. 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!
Be a Good Samaritan!
Our Women of the ELCA will be collecting items on Sundays, November 23rd and 30th, to be delivered to the Good Samaritan Center in Camden, New Jersey. The Center is asking for, in any size: new or hardly used underwear, socks, hand soap, shampoo, and 2 items per person of used clothing. These items will be delivered by a van belonging to one of our WELCA members in early in December.
Lutheran Men in Mission
Our Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7;30 pm at the Church. All men of the church, young and senior alike, are welcome and encouraged to attend. We need you! If you need a ride, please see or call Ken Troy. LMM sponsored our Annual Picnic, a spring fishing trip, a spring bus trip to the homes of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Mother's Day refreshments and carnations. They are currently busy working on plans for our Annual Dinner Theater on November 22nd. Work days at the church are also scheduled when a need arises. 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!
Recent examples of local and international recognition as follows: EPES training methods and materials have received international recognition for innovation and effectiveness. EPES educational games and materials are used by programs throughout the world. In 2000, the EPES AIDS game was distributed by the World Council of Churches to over 200 organizations at the World AIDS Congress in south Africa.
For four years, EPES participated in the international editorial team of CONTACT, the health journal of the World Council of Churches, until it was scaled back due to financial difficulties. EPES continues to produce CONTACT in Spanish and distributes it to more than 1,000 churches and health organizations in Latin America.
Educational tools developed and used in EPES' local breast cancer education campaign were adopted with permission and used by the National Cancer Corporation in 2001 in its national campaign on the importance of self-examination for women.
Dr. Konrad Raiser, Secretary General, World Council of Churches, in a letter to EPES on its 20th Anniversary in 2002 said, "In a world characterized by violence, injustice, poverty, and neglect, EPES has been a wonderful example of how churches can offer an answer by equipping and strengthening communities and free themselves from these evils and find their way into a fuller and more abundant life for all."
In 2004 we will be supporting the EPES organization, begun in Santiago, Chile, for the 23rd consecutive year. You may honor someone's birthday or anniversary or remember a deceased loved one with a gift to EPES. A sign up sheet for Sundays in 2004 and donation envelopes are available on the office hallway bulletin board.
Yours in Christ,
Evelyn Troy
Congregation Mission Interpreter
