new i n s i d e t h i s i s s u e · 2017. 3. 27. · old business: no report new business: copier...

O F F I C E H O U R S : M O N D A Y - T H U R S D A Y 9 A M - 1 P M

E M A I L : S T J A M E S A L T O O N A @ V E R I Z O N . N E T

W E B S I T E : W W W . S T J A M E S A L T O O N A . O R G

P H O N E : 8 1 4 - 9 4 4 - 6 8 3 5

Mission Statement:

To make disciples of Jesus Christ through Word and

Sacrament by the Holy Spirit.

Kirchenblatt April 2017 (Parish Newsletter)

Join us for Worship Sundays at 10:45 am

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church

1407 Eighth Avenue

Altoona, PA 16602

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Pastors Corner 2-3

Council Notes 4-5

Financials 6

Flower Chart 6

Birthdays 6

From the Bishop 7

Prayer List 7

Bishop’s Message 8-9

In the event of a Pastoral Emergency, please contact Pastors Scott & Carol Custead

Phone: 814-254-3072 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

WELCA 10

Daily Readings 11-13

Upcoming Events 14-17

Committee List 18

mailto:[email protected]


PASTOR’S LETTER FOR

APRIL 2017

You know, you gotta love those dandelions! Really, they would make a better

Easter flower than the Easter Lilies. Think about it. Oh, sure, the Easter Lilies are

stately, trumpeting a message of joy. But they are fragile. They must be grown with

great care, tended carefully by human hands in order the get the maximum blooms at

just the proper time. They need just the right soil, moisture, and temperature. The

bulbs can be handled as many as over 40 times between field, green house, and pur-

chase. And there is only about a two-week sales window when the blossoms must be

at their peak. After it has bloomed the plant is really no good and it is usually thrown

out.

But then there is the dandelion. Tended by human hands only in efforts to kill

them! They’re sprayed with chemicals, ripped out of the ground by outraged garden-

ers, and condemned by municipalities as a noxious weed. Go on the internet and you

will discover that there are plenty of gadgets and theories for killing dandelions. We

do everything we can to get rid of them.

Of course, everyone knows that in the end, no matter how many vengeful gadg-

ets and potent remedies are brought to bear on these little flowers they are persistent

and resilient. No matter how much abuse they get or hatred they receive, we can never

really permanently kill the dandelions. They blossom in spite of everything we throw

at them! If we get rid of them in one place, they spring up in another.

“Despised, rejected, abused, left for dead”…words we will hear on Maundy

Thursday and Good Friday concerning Jesus. The religious and political leaders of

Palestine did everything they could to get rid of Him! They thought they had eradicat-

ed Him—this King of the Jews. They had put to death one more of those blasted rab-

ble-rousers.

K i r c h e n b l a t t P a g e 2

PASTOR’S LETTER FOR

APRIL 2017

And the disciples and those faithful women believed it too. But just when they

think he is dead and gone, they discover something unforeseen and unbelievable! Just

when the Jewish and Roman leaders think they have stopped him dead, Jesus reap-

pears! And now he isn’t just preaching on the shores of the sea of Galilee or in the

temple in Jerusalem. He is everywhere! And Satan, sin and death have lost all their

powers over us forever!

Indeed, the dandelion is the perfect example of God’s abundance and extrava-

gance that gives far more than we can ever ask or imagine—just as God through our

Risen Lord gives us the gift of grace and hope and new life. This amazing mystery can

only be the work of God! Given without any tending or effort by human hands! Given

without asking. Given without measure.

During this coming Easter season, whenever you see a dandelion, try blowing

the puffy white seeds into the air and watch them as they sail away on the breeze. And

know that the Spirit of God blows the Good News of that first Easter morning ever fur-

ther and further, spreading new life that cannot be stopped! And let that dandelion re-

mind you that there is always hope—even in seemingly hopeless circumstances in this

life! There is resurrection! Spread dandelions over the world! Spread the good news

both far and near! On Easter Sunday we will proclaim it: “Christ is Risen! He is Risen

indeed!”

Hoping you will be able to join us for the Holy Week and Easter services! —

Pastor Carol

K i r c h e n b l a t t P a g e 3

P a g e 4 K i r c h e n b l a t t

News and Notes from Council

ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

MARCH 21, 2017 AT 6:00PM

Church Minutes: Minutes were reviewed. Donna Foster made a motion to accept the

minutes and Carolyn seconded. Motion passed.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Carol told us that there is a benefit dinner May 5th at Camp

Sequanota. They will be attending. Anyone is welcome to go, and they will be leaving here

before 4:00.

March 22nd the Lenten service will be at St James with both of them presiding. Evelyn will take

care of the meal.

Pastor Denise will be going on a Mission trip to Guatemala for a week. Pastor Scott will cover

for her.

Congregation membership update is being worked on, and there was a transfer of membership

for Sarah (Peters) Bell.

Holy Week and Easter services were discussed.

Synod Assembly will be attended by Mark Hoover, Betty Boslet, Pastors Scott and Carol

Custead on June 2 & 3. Motion by Bill, seconded by Carolyn for Mark and Betty to attend the

assembly. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Ralph went over the repor t and discussed the heat bill. Benevolence

to Synod and Camp Sequanota will be paid quarterly. Donna Wilt made a motion to accept this

report and Carolyn seconded. Motion carried.

Finance: Audit will be formulated by Ralph Grove.

Christian Education/ Social Ministry: Picnic will be held June 4th at Highland Park at

pavilion #1.

Sweets and Treats will be held April 2nd, and Betty Boslet will sponsor this one. There will be

no Pot Luck in April.

Sweets and Treats in May will be held May 7th, and the Pot Luck will be May 21st.

Property Committee: The carpet has been installed, and the boiler has been installed, also.

ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURH SPECIAL

CONGREGATIONALMEETING

MARCH 21, 2017 AT 12:00PM

Stewardship/Evangelism: Work is still being done to make Revelations accurate.

Worship and Music: Pastor Scott will call about the palms. Plans were made for str ipping

the altar. Services will be Maundy Thursday 7:00 pm and Good Friday 2:00 pm.

WELCA will be in charge of the service May 21st with Peggy Thatcher doing the sermon. Other

members will participate in the service. A Thank offering will be collected. Motion to have this

service was made by Donna Wilt and seconded by Donna Foster. Motion carried.

Allegheny Chorale will return for a concert April 30th.

Mutual Ministry: No repor t

By-Laws Committee: No report

Old Business: No repor t

New Business: Copier lease is up. New model of pr inter will be a 60 mo. Lease @ $77.50 per

month plus copy cost. Bill Wilt made a motion. Evelyn seconded. Motion carried.

Registration form for the Allegheny Synodical Women’s Organization 29th Annual Convention

will be in the newsletter.

Carolyn made a motion, second from Sylvia, motion carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:02.

Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.



INCOME & EXPENSE SUMMARY

January 1, 2017 - January 31, 2017

INCOME

Bank Interest $.08

Contributions

General $1,774.00

Designated $90.00

Special $280.00

Other Income $18,120.00

$20,264.08

EXPENSES

Pastoral Administration $1,884.29

Worship & Music $792.69

Office $1,565.62

Custodial & Property $21,163.43

Uncategorized .$6,107.95

$31,513.98

April Flower Chart and

Bulletin’s

Altar:

2 In loving memory of Louisa

Marshall by Donna Foster

9

16

23

30

Bulletins:

2

9

16

23

30

*Flowers will now be supplied by

Warner’s Florist. Cost $40

April Birthdays

Betty Boslet 4/12

Judy Dambeck 4/23

Mark Hoover 4/2

Marlene Leonard 4/21

Lisa Moore 4/17

Sheila Wilkins 4/6

Eric Wilt 4/6

Contribution & Attendance Summary

January 2016

Contributions $2,682 Average Weekly Attendance: 30

January 2017

Contributions $1,864 Average Weekly Attendance: 23

Almighty God, giver of every good gift; look upon this congregation with grace.

Guide the minds of our Call Committee members as they discern which of your

servants will be our next pastor. Please grant that we might receive a faithful

shepherd who will care for us and continue to equip us for ministry in this place.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Prayer List:

Tim Surkovich

(Names for inclusion on our

parish prayer list can be

submitted to the church office.

The name will remain on the list

for one month. At the end of that period

please advise the church office, if you

would like the name to be continue for an-

other month.)

Those serving in our military

Homewood of Altoona:

Dick Potter

Graystone Manor//Bellmeade

Robert Civils

Presbyterian Village in Hollidaysburg:

Charlie Green

Patti Green

In their own homes:

Deborah Manbeck

John Wiederkehr

Glenn Dell

Jake and Marlene Leonard

♦If anyone would like to join the prayer chain

or knows of someone needing prayer, contact

Janet Kauffman or the church office.

THE VISITATION TEAM ASKS

if anyone would like to be added to the

Visitation List or knows of anyone who would

like to be added, please call the church office to

notify us. Also, please call the office if anyone is

hospitalized so that the visitation team and prayer

chain can be notified. These requests can also be

emailed to

[email protected]

From the Office of the Bishop….

* See next 2 Pages Bishop

Rhyne’s message on the 500th

anniversary of Reformation.

Remember In Your Prayers


P a g e 1 0 K i r c h e n b l a t t

W.e.l.c.a.

WELCA MINUTES – MARCH 11, 2017

Peggy Thatcher called the meeting to order. Devotions were led by Peggy. She shared a story

about an “EMPTY EGG”. Discussions followed. To interact with each other, we all had to

take a paper with a Bible verse on it and take turns reading them out loud. Many offered their

opinions of the readings.

TREASURER REPORT was given by Shirley Manbeck. Our balance is $183.76. The least

coin offering is approx. $9.48 reported by Donna Foster. We discussed some ways that we could

make some money to add to our balance. Keeping in mind, if and when we do, we need to see

what we could do with the money. It is not necessary to keep a large amount in the account.

The purpose is to be helping other organizations out with their needs.

Peggy would like us to think about our next project for WELCA. Some examples were: quilts,

blankets, soap, school kits, baby care kits, etc. WELCA would like to have a box for the FOOD

DRIVE to be put in the church. We will start this in April. Later we plan to specific

which items will be needed each month. But for now we will just say food items.

Peggy reminded us to please try to attend on April 29th (Saturday) 8:30am – 3:00pm at St. Mat-

thews Lutheran Church in Martinsburg for the Allegheny Synod Women’s Association Annual

Convention. Cost is $25.00 a person. Donna Foster, Sylvia and Donna Wilt are planning to

attend as of now.

Sylvia Matsatzki wanted to know if we would like to go as a group to Sip and Saute by

DeGennero. Peggy asked her to check on the price and how many has to be in the group. This

might be an option for us to do as a summer get together.

Pastor Carol would like us to do a bus trip to visit Flight 93 National Memorial and tour Camp

Sequanota and have lunch there. We could possibly do this in September. Pastor Carol is going

to check some dates in September and get back to us.

Peggy mentioned a group is going to go to the movie “The Shack” at Carmike 12 on Tuesday,

March 14th at 12:45pm and do a late lunch at Jethro’s. All are invited.

Pastor Carol reminded us of the Lenten Service being held at Simpson Temple this Wednesday,

March 15th. The subject is “Sight”. Pastor Scott is the preacher for this service.

Thank Offering Service being held on May 21st with WELCA in charge of the service

Next meeting for WELCA is April 8th (Saturday) at 9:00am.


Apr 1—Romans 8:22-28, Psalm 120:1 God’s answers are wiser than our prayers.

Apr 2—Daniel 10:1-14 Lord, help me to trust Your care for me even when I can’t see it Amen

Apr 3—Colossians 3:12-17 Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others. Amen

Apr 4—Psalm 63:1-11 Thank You Father, for Your Word in our hearts and our minds—our last thought at night as we rest securely in You. Amen

Apr 5—2 Kings 23:12-14, 21-25 Lord, forgive us for those things we turn to that show our hearts are not focused on You. Show us what we need to give up, and replace it with presence of Your Holy Spirit. Amen

Apr 6—Psalm 102:25-28 Lord, You are the One who never changes, and you are so good to us. Calm our hearts today with the grace and peace that comes only from You. Amen

Apr 7—1 Samuel 9:1-10 I’m not sure, Lord, how my neighbors would describe me. But I want to be close to You and to be a light in my corner of the world. Amen

Apr 8—Genesis 48:8-16 Father, I thank You for being the Shepherd of my life. I praise Your faithfulness. Amen

Apr 9—John 20:24-31 Lord, may the record of Your life be written on our minds and hearts so that we may have ever-increasing faith in You. Amen

Apr 10—Hebrews 10:19-23, John 1:12 . “Love’s redeeming work is done, fought the fight, the battle won. Death in vain forbids him rise; Christ opened paradise.” Charles Wesley

Apr 11—Luke 23:32-34 Lord Jesus Christ, through Your grace and power as You dwell in me, help me to forgive, that Your love will set me free. Amen


Apr 12—John 12:1-8 Search me, God, and know my heart….See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting, Psalm 139:23-24

Apr 13—Matthew 26:36-46, Hebrews 13:5 Jesus, thank You for bearing the pain and isolation of the Garden of Gethsemane and the cross for us. Thank You for giving us a way to live in communion with the Father. Amen

Apr 14—Mark 15:19-20, 33-39 Dear Jesus, I can’t begin to thank You enough for taking care of my sin when You died on the cross. I acknowledge Your sacrifice, and I believe in the power of Your resurrection. Amen

Apr 15—Isaiah 53:9-12 Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away our sins, have mercy on us, and help us to extend mercy and love to others. Show us how we might share Your love with others today. Amen

Apr 16—Isaiah 53:1-8 Lord, we give thanks for Your knowledge of our circumstances and Your care for us. Today we want to walk with You and honor You in all we do. Amen

Apr 17—John 14:1-4 Lord Jesus Christ, if and when we feel homeless, remind us that You are home. May we share this sense of belonging with those we meet, Amen

Apr 18—Psalm 148:1-6 I enjoy the world You have created with its variety and color. You and what You have made awesome, Lord!.. Amen

Apr 19—2 Corinthians 2:14-16 Lord Jesus, make us carriers and communicators of Your beauty to the people in our homes, offices, and neighborhoods. Amen

Apr 20—Genesis 12:1-9 Help me, Lord, to trust You with the uncertainty in my life. Amen

Apr 21—Luke 3:7-14, 2 Corinthians 9:7 Lord, thank You, for the many ways You bless us. Forgive us for so often taking Your goodness for granted. Show us what we have that we might use to bless someone else today. Amen.

Apr 22—Nehemiah 2:1-9, Psalm 145:18 Thank You, loving Father, for blessing me with the beautiful privilege and opportunity of prayer. Amen


Apr 23—Philippians 1:1-11 Dear God, give me a desire to grow spiritually. I want to honor You with my life and experience the joy of the Spirit’s work inside of me. Amen

Apr 24—Psalm 116:1-9, James 1:17 What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? ...I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Psalm 116:12, 17 ESV

Apr 25—Galatians 6:1-10 Father in heaven, we ask for hope and perseverance to continue reaching out to others. Amen

Apr 26—Luke 5:12-16 Father in heaven, please help us to see ourselves and one another in that desperate man—and in the merciful eyes of Your Son who reached out and touched him . Amen

Apr 27—Acts 17:22-32 Show us, Lord, what is important to other. Help us to think of their interests first, and allow opportunities to speak about the love of Jesus. Amen

Apr 28—Proverbs 20:1-15 Dear God, Please help me to manage my anger in a way that does not lead me into sin. Give me self-control through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen

Apr 29—Hebrews 11:1-8 Father, thank You for Your promise to walk with us through all of life. In moments of doubt, help us to have the confidence You are in control and we can trust You. Amen

Apr 30—Psalm 4:1-8 Father in heaven, the words of others can wound us deeply. Your words to us heal and comfort, and You assure us that we are loved forever. Amen

YOUR PLEDGE FOR ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH ALTOONA, PA

I will talk positively about my church.

I will invite others to come and share in our ministry.

I will attend services regularly.

I will share that God lives through us - - - and smile regularly.

I will give thanks to God every day for the blessings of my church family.

DEADLINE FOR THE MAY ISSUE OF THE KIRCHENBLATT IS,

SATURDAY, APRIL 15.

Announcements and

Upcoming Events EASTER FLOWER ORDER DEADLINE MAR 26 LENTEN SERVICE @ BETHANY MAR 29 6PM CHOIR PRACTICE MAR 29 7PM LENTEN SERVICE @ SIMPSON TEMPLE APR 5 6PM CHOIR PRACTICE APR 5 7PM WELCA MEETING APR 8 9AM COUNCIL MEETING APR 11 6PM CHOIR PRACTICE APR 12 7PM MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICES APR 13 7PM GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES APR 14 2PM KIRCHENBLATT ARTICLE DEADLINE APR 15 12PM CHOIR PRACTICE APR 19 7PM CHOIR PRACTICE APR 26 7PM ALLEGHENY CHORALE CONCERT APR 30 3PM


Announcements and

Upcoming Events

SCHEDULE:

April 5 7PM April 12 7PM April 19 7pm April 26 7pm

Our Church Picnic will be June 25th. Pavilion 1 at Highland Park.

K i r c h e n b l a t t P a g e 1 5

WELCA FOOD DRIVE STARTS APRIL 2ND. Please place your non-perishable food items in the collection box in the lobby.

SWEETS AND TREATS THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH.

The next Sweets and Treats is April 2nd! Sponsored by Betty Boslet

Announcements and

Upcoming Events IN THE CASE OF A PASTORAL EMERGENCY, please contact Pastor s Scott & Carol Custead at

Phone: 814-254-3072 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] The church office email is [email protected] The church’s website is www.stjamesaltoona.org

Find us on Facebook to get up-to-date information.

REMINDER AND IMPORTANT

BULLETIN ADDITIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN TUESDAY AT 10:30 AM. For corrections, please contact the church office secretary Tim Surkovich, I’m in the office Monday-Thursday 9-1.

****IF AN ARTICLE FOR THE KIRCHENBLATT CANNOT BE SUBMITTED BY THE 15TH OF THE

MONTH, PLEASE CALL AND RESERVE A SPACE FOR YOUR ARTICLE SO THAT THE KIRCHENBLATT CAN BE FORMATTED AHEAD OF TIME TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR ALL THE

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS.****




Announcements and

Upcoming Events

If you would like to opt-out of receiving a hard copy of this newsletter, please contact

the church office either by phone or email.


Church Council Members Mark Hoover—President

Shirley Manbeck—Vice President

Dana Detwiler—Secretary Ralph Grove—Treasurer

Betty Boslet Carolyn Feather

Donna Foster

Evelyn Holsinger Sylvia Malsatzki

David Manbeck Debra Morgan

Bill Wilt Donna Wilt

Pastors Carol & Scott Custead

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church Staff

Pastors– Revs. Scott & Carol Custead, Intentional

Interim Pastors

Church Administrative Assistant - Tim Surkovich

Organist & Choir Director - Pat McConnell

Financial Secretary/Bookkeeper - Ralph Grove

Custodian—Earl Walters

_____________________________________________

Mutual Ministry *Donna Foster *Evelyn Holsinger Joe Yanke *Dana Detwiler *Donna Wilt Christian Education/ Social Ministry *Evelyn Holsinger

*Carolyn Feather Janet Kauffman *Sylvia Malsatzki *Debra Morgan *Donna Wilt *Shirley Manbeck *David Manbeck

Worship & Music *Dana Detwiler *Donna Foster *Mark Hoover *Sylvia Malsatzki Pat McConnell Phyllis Spinazzola Finance

*Mark Hoover *Betty Boslet *Donna Wilt *Bill Wilt Ralph Grove Stewardship/Evangelism *Donna Wilt

By-Laws *Mark Hoover *Betty Boslet *Carolyn Feather *Debra Morgan Edith Trinks Property Bob Holsinger Bill Dambeck *Evelyn Holsinger *David Manbeck *Shirley Manbeck *Bill Wilt Earl Walters Mike Savino

*Dana Detwiler *Carolyn Feather Janet Kauffman

* Denotes Council Member Thrivent Rep-Robin Kessler A.L.S.M. Rep—?

Chairpersons are listed in bold at the top of each committee.

BELOW YOU WILL FIND THE COMMITTEES AS OF THIS DATE. PLEASE NOTIFY

EITHER THE CHAIRMAN OR CHURCH OFFICE IF YOUR NAME DOES NOT APPEAR

WHERE IT SHOULD OR APPEARS WHERE IT SHOULDN’T. ALSO, PLEASE NOTIFY US IF

YOU WOULD LIKE TO SERVE ON ANY OF THESE COMMITTEES.

new i n s i d e t h i s i s s u e · 2017. 3. 27. · old business: no report new business: copier...

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