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January, 2015 Volume 20, Number 5 Sharing our faith by sharing God’s love! This time of the year, there are a lot of days with low, gray clouds full of moisture. When you are a pilot, you don’t look forward to entering such clouds, because you never know how much ice may accumulate on your airplane as you fly through them. It can be a nerve-wracking experience. On the other hand, when you are able to climb above these clouds, you are in for a sight wonderful to behold. As you approach the top of the clouds, they tend to get bumpier and wetter; but then, suddenly, you pop out into clear blue skies above, flooded not with rain and sleet and snow, but with brilliant sunshine. You stop holding your breath, relax your muscles, pour a cup of coffee from your thermos, and say to yourself, “What a great day!” “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2). This reading from the Epiphany lessons sets a tone for the next two months of our worship. During this season we hear stories that reveal to us the true identity of that Light of the World, whose birth we celebrated on Christmas. When I was a boy, I lis- tened to the Lone Ranger on radio; and I remember especially the phrase, “Who was that masked man?” We might well ask, “Who is this person born in Bethlehem, a light to reveal [God] to the nations?” The gifts of the Magi are a clue: gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, and myrrh for the embalming of a body. At Jesus’ baptism the heavens open, flooding the Jordan River with light; and a voice proclaims, “This is my Son, my Beloved.” The sea- son ends with Jesus’ radiant appearance on the mountain with Moses and Elijah. When I relax in sunshine above the clouds, nothing has changed in the world below. The dark, threatening clouds are still there; only my position, my attitude, has changed. When we live as people upon whom light has shined, our attitude changes. We become aware of God’s glory shining in the most unlikely places; and that light draws our atten- tion outside of ourselves. The light shines, and we become aware of the faces around us. The light shines, and we live as images of that light, radiating the love we have felt. The light has come, and it is now given to us to shine. The glory of the Lord is risen upon us, and it is now given to us to arise and follow. Christ has revealed his glory, and it is now given to us to be transfigured by the light of his presence. Climb above the clouds in your life, and bask in the Sonshine of God’s love. Arise, shine; for your light has come St. Timothy Mission Statement Nurtured and sustained by God’s love, we are called and inspired to share His love with our neighbor, to make God’s story known, and to help our neighbors near and far …so that all may experience God’s love.

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January, 2015Volume 20, Number 5

Sharing our faith by sharing God’s love!

This time of the year, there are a lot of days with low, gray clouds full of moisture.When you are a pilot, you don’t look forward to entering such clouds, because you neverknow how much ice may accumulate on your airplane as you fly through them. It canbe a nerve-wracking experience.

On the other hand, when you are able to climb above these clouds, you are in for asight wonderful to behold. As you approach the top of the clouds, they tend to getbumpier and wetter; but then, suddenly, you pop out into clear blue skies above, floodednot with rain and sleet and snow, but with brilliant sunshine. You stop holding yourbreath, relax your muscles, pour a cup of coffee from your thermos, and say to yourself,“What a great day!”

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord willarise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2).

This reading from the Epiphany lessons sets a tone for the next two months of ourworship. During this season we hear stories that reveal to us the true identity of thatLight of the World, whose birth we celebrated on Christmas. When I was a boy, I lis-tened to the Lone Ranger on radio; and I remember especially the phrase, “Who wasthat masked man?” We might well ask, “Who is this person born in Bethlehem, a lightto reveal [God] to the nations?”

The gifts of the Magi are a clue: gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, andmyrrh for the embalming of a body. At Jesus’ baptism the heavens open, flooding theJordan River with light; and a voice proclaims, “This is my Son, my Beloved.” The sea-son ends with Jesus’ radiant appearance on the mountain with Moses and Elijah.

When I relax in sunshine above the clouds, nothing has changed in the world below.The dark, threatening clouds are still there; only my position, my attitude, has changed.When we live as people upon whom light has shined, our attitude changes. We becomeaware of God’s glory shining in the most unlikely places; and that light draws our atten-tion outside of ourselves. The light shines, and we become aware of the faces around us.The light shines, and we live as images of that light, radiating the love we have felt.

The light has come, and it is now given to us to shine. The glory of the Lord is risenupon us, and it is now given to us to arise and follow. Christ has revealed his glory, andit is now given to us to be transfigured by the light of his presence. Climb above theclouds in your life, and bask in the Sonshine of God’s love.

Arise, shine; for your light has come

St. Timothy Mission StatementNurtured and sustained by God’s love,

we are called and inspired to share His love with our neighbor,to make God’s story known, and to help our neighbors near and far

…so that all may experience God’s love.

2 Epistle from St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church January, 2015

Worship CalendarSunday Morning Services – 10:30 a.m. • Adult Forum – 9 a.m. • Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

Date Day Special Events ReadingsJan. 4 Sunday Epiphany of Our Lord Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14;

10:30 a.m. Praise Worship Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 Lessons & Carols

Jan. 11 Sunday The Baptism of Our Lord Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; 10:30 a.m. Children Sing Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11

Jan. 18 Sunday 2nd Sunday after Epiphany 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18;10:30 a.m. Bell Choir 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

Rite for WholenessJan. 25 Sunday 3rd Sunday after Epiphany Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12;

10:30 a.m. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20Annual Congregational Meeting after worship

ST. TIMOTHY’s [email protected]

ADDITIONAL EMAIL ADDRESSESAVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE AT:

www.sttimothylc.org

ELCA WEB SITEwww.elca.org

for information about our national church

NE PA SYNOD WEB SITEwww.godslove.org or www.nepsynod.org

for information about our synod

EPISTLE FROM ST. TIMOTHY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH isa publication of St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA).EPISTLE FROM ST. TIMOTHY EVANGLICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.Published monthly except August by St. Timothy Evangelical LutheranChurch, 140 South Ott Street, Allentown, PA 18104-6197. Questions orcomments may be directed to the Editor, Epistle from St. Timothy, St.Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, 140 South Ott Street, Allentown,Pennsylvania 18104-6197.

Moving? New Email?Change Your Phone No.?

We constantly struggle in this mobile society we livein to keep up with everyone's current mailing andcontact information. We are asking everyone tomake sure the information we have is up-to-date bycompleting the form below and either mail it to thechurch secretary or drop it in the offering plate.

PLEASE PLACE COMPLETED FORM INOFFERING PLATE OR DROP IN THE MAIL.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!

Name

Address

City State Zip Code

Cell Phone (optional) � include in directory� omit from directory

Work Phone (optional) � include in directory� omit from directory

E-mail � include in directory� omit from directory

Please send my copy of the newsletter � Mail (post office)to me via: � E-mail

Home Phone � include in directory� omit from directory

Did you know?Did you know that you can

keep up-to-date withwhat’s happening at

St. Timothy by checking ourwebsite? Just go to

www.sttimothylc.orgClick on “News & Events”in the menu bar near the

top or left side of thepage…

and you won’t miss a thing!

January, 2015 Epistle from St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 3

Things You Want To Know• It is not too late to get your flu immunization.

It has become public information that this yearsflu vaccine does not totally cover the strain of flubeing seen in the community. However, if youhave not received your flu immunization youshould still get it as a little coverage is betterthan no coverage. Should you become ill, youmay not get a severe case of the flu. • Walking or cycling four hours per week is

all that may be necessary for postmenopausalwomen to lower their risk of breast cancer. Evena leisurely stroll will be beneficial. Make thisactivity a habit that never ends. • The cold winter weather does not mean you

have to give up your walking program untilspring. Walk inside at one of the malls in thearea. You will stay warm and there is no fear offalling on slippery walkways. • Are you tired of the usual green vegetables.

Try bok choy. One cup provides significantamounts of potassium, calcium, vitamin A, andvitamin C. Chop 1 pound of washed bok choyand 3 garlic cloves; saute in 1/4 cup broth for 4minutes. Toss with a small amount of olive oilans season with salt and pepper or herbs ofchoice.• Check your cardiovascular health at home:

Take your resting pulse before getting outof bed in the morning or after sitting quiet-ly for 10 minutes. Check your pulse eitheron the side of your neck near your Adam’sapple or inside your wrist below your thumb.Count for 30 seconds and double the number.A pulse rate over 100 or lower than 60 raisesa red flag unless you are an athlete. Youmay want to report this to your doctor.Measure your waist at your belly button

with a tape measure. A measurement ofmore than 35 inches for a woman and 40inches for a man leads to an increased riskof heart disease and certain cancers.

• Check your balance: Stand on one foot with your arms across

your chest for at least 10 seconds. If you havedifficulty doing this, you are at risk for falls.

Adapted from Health Monitor, Fall 2014

Discovery, Devotion,Discipleship (3D)

3D is a women’s small group. We meetTWO Thursday evenings a month and will begina new study on Thursday, January 15, 2015 from7 to 9 pm in the LOUNGE at St. Timothy.

We will read and discuss The Gift Of Years(growing older gracefully) by Joan Chittister.Joan is an internationally known author and amost celebrated spiritual writer. In this book sheencourages us to cherish the blessings of agingand to overcome its challenges, and shows usthat this is a special period of life—maybe themost special of them all. Older age gives us wis-dom, freedom, and prosperity of another kind.Older age enlightens—not simply ourselves, butalso those around us. The Gift Of Years reflectson many aspects of aging, the purposes and con-cerns, the struggles and surprises, the potentialand joys that emerge to bring us to the fullnessof life. Dates for 3D sessions: January 15 & 29,February 12 & 26, March 12 & 26, April 9 &23, May 14 & 28, 2015.

We invite everyone to join us. ContactGloria Hinrichs (610-398-8472) to order yourcopy of The Gift Of Years ($9).

Allentown AARP Chapter #5415 will meet atnoon, January 8, 2015 at St. Timothy's Church,140 So. Ott St., Allentown. Program: Kelley Goldfrom the Hackerman-Patz House at LehighValley Hospital – Cedar Crest will speak about“Your Home Away From Home”—affordablefamily lodging for patients and guests of anyLVHN facility. Please bring a non-perishablefood item for the Allentown Food Bank. Non-members always welcome. For more informationcontact Jeanne Tilghman (610-437-4265) or [email protected]

4 Epistle from St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church January, 2015

St. Timothy and the Phantoms

Members of the St. Timothy choir (and some friends) performed the National Anthemat the Lehigh Valley Phantoms home game on November 28.

We pray weekly for our members at home.Every month we highlight a portion our list ofhomebound members so that you can sendcards, and perhaps visit!

Here is this month’s list (birthday in italics):Ms. Emily Flowers, Good Shepherd

Home, Raker #204B, 543 St. John St., Allentown,PA 18103 (June 3)

Ms. Vickie (Viola) Kramer, Cedarbrook,D-6 Unit, Rm. #614B, 350 S. Cedarbrook Rd.,Allentown, PA 18104

John & Elaine Jones, 2835 W. South St.,Allentown, PA 18103 (John–August 21;Elaine–May 2)

Roma Snyder, 319 S. Ott St., Allentown,PA 18104 (September 5)

Madelon Umlauf, Country Meadows, 450Krocks Rd., #308A, Allentown, PA 18106 (June 2)

None of our members at home celebrate abirthday in January, however, we do have onewith a birthday in early February:

Sharon Clark, Good Shepherd Home,Raker #216, 543 St. John St., Allentown, PA18103 (February 5)

DEADLINEfor the

FEBRUARYNewsletter

is

JANUARY 15!

Ebola: Frequently Asked Questions 10/2014

What is Ebola? Ebola is a severe, often fatal, viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Ebola virus. Where is Ebola occurring? The current Ebola outbreak is centered in three countries in West Africa: Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Ebola does not pose a significant risk of transmission within the U.S. *An updated list of affected countries is available at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices What are the symptoms? Symptoms can include:

• Fever • Headache • Joint and Muscle Aches • Diarrhea

• Vomiting • Stomach Pain • Lack of Appetite • Abnormal Bleeding

How does Ebola spread? It is spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of a sick person. Ebola can also be spread through funeral rites that involve touching the body of a person who died of Ebola. It is not spread through food, water, or the air. If I have traveled to one of the affected countries, am I at risk of getting Ebola? You cannot get Ebola from a person unless they have symptoms of disease. Travelers are at risk only if they provided medical care or participated in a funeral rite of a person who was sick from Ebola, without taking special precautions. What should I do to make sure I don’t have Ebola? If you returned from travel less than 21 days ago and are not sick, you should take your temperature two times a day to check for signs of a fever. If you have a fever >101 degrees, you should call your healthcare provider for advice. If you returned over 21 days ago, you are not at risk of getting sick from Ebola. How is Ebola prevented? People can protect themselves from Ebola by avoiding travel to Ebola-affected countries. *CDC recommends that only essential personnel (healthcare workers and humanitarian aid workers) travel to affected countries. If you must travel to an Ebola-affected country:

• Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing. • Avoid contact with blood and body fluids. • Do not touch items that may have contacted blood or body fluids from a sick person. • Avoid funeral or burial rituals that involve touching the body of someone who died from

Ebola. • Avoid contact with animals and raw meat (including bushmeat). • Avoid hospitals that are treating patients with Ebola.

For more information: www.health.state.pa.us / 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258)

Christmas Pageant6 Epistle from St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church January, 2015

January, 2015 Epistle from St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 7

Key: [F] = Fellowship Hall [L] = Lounge [P] = Pastor’s Office [NV] = Nave[N] = Nursery [LB] = Library [YR] = Youth Room [LP] = Land of Promise

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY1 NEW YEAR’S DAYOFFICE CLOSED

211 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen6:30-11pm–ChessClub [L]

3

4 EPIPHANY9 am–Adult Forum [L]9:30 am–SundaySchool [F]10:30 am–Worship–Arrival of 3 Wise MenPraise Worship~12N–Blood PressureScreening [L]

56:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking LotOFFICE CLOSED3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]7 pm–Boy Scouts [F]

66:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot9 am–Quilters [L]11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]6:30 pm–Cub Scouts[L]

76:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]6:45 pm–Bell Choir[NV]7 pm–Allentown HikingClub [F]7:30 pm–Senior ChoirRehearsal [NV]7:30 pm–Venture Crew[F]

86:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen2 pm–DaybreakMission Team3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]4 pm–WorshipCommittee [L]7 pm–Ned HuberScout Event [F]

96:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]6:30-11pm–ChessClub [L]

10

11 BAPTISM OFOUR LORD9 am–Adult Forum [L]9:30 am–SundaySchool [F]10:30 am–WorshipChildren Sing~12N–OutreachCommittee [L]

12 6:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking LotOFFICE CLOSED9 am–PropertyCommittee [L]3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]7 pm–Boy Scouts [F]

136:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]6:30 pm–Cub Scouts[F]6:30 pm–Cub Scouts[F]7:30pm–CongregationCouncil Meeting [L]

146:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]6:30 pm–HamiltonPark Crime Watch [F]6:45 pm–Bell ChoirRehearsal [NV]7:30 pm–Senior ChoirRehearsal [NV]

15 6:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]7 pm–3D [L]

FEBRUARYNEWSLETTERDEADLINE

166:45-7:30 am–TLABefore Care [F]11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]6:30-11 pm–ChessClub [L]

17

18 EPIPHANY 26:30 am–Mission Team@ St. Paul9 am–Adult Forum [L]9:30 am–SundaySchool [F]10:30 am–WorshipBell ChoirRite for Wholeness

19 MartinLuther King DayOFFICE CLOSED7 pm–Boy Scouts [F]7 pm–Mental HealthSupport Group [L]

206:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]6:30 pm–Cub Scouts[F]

216:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]7:30 pm–Senior Choir[NV]7:30 pm–Venture Crew[L]

226:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]

236:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]5:30 pm–Council &Leaders Retreat @ St.Francis Center forRenewal6:30-11 pm–ChessClub [L]

248 am-4 pm–Council &Leaders Retreat @ St.Francis Center forRenewalOutreach Committee(after retreat)

25 EPIPHANY 29 am–Adult Forum [L]9:30 am–SundaySchool [F]10:30 am–Worship12 pm–AnnualCongregationalMeeting and PotLuck Luncheon [F]

266:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking LotOFFICE CLOSED3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]7 pm–Boy Scouts [F]

276:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]6:30 pm–Cub Scouts[F]

286:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]7 pm–AA [F]7:30 pm–Senior Choir[NV]

296:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]7 pm–3D [L]

306:45-7:15 am–TLAPickup in Parking Lot11 am-3 pm–OfficeOpen3:30-5:30 pm–TLAAfter Care [F]6:30-11 pm–ChessClub [L]TBA—Friday EveningWorship

319 am–Hamilton ParkBaseball Sign-ups [F]8 am-4 pm–WELCAEvent [L] (Snow Date)

Learning Ministries

“Vibrant Faith through Life”January 24, 2015 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Hope Lutheran, Cherryville

Learning Ministries Day is one of the most popular events our synod offers. This year’s keynote speaker is

Deborah Streicher, Project Coordinator for Milestones at Vibrant Faith Ministries. With a focus on faith formation, this event is for Sunday school and confirmation teachers, committee members, youth group members, congregation council, and church staff.

Early registration fee (before January 9) : $25. After January 9: $30. No registrations accepted after January 17.

AmazonSmile

Support the Synod When You Purchase from Amazon AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support the synod every time you shop. Prices are the same and there is no cost to you. When you shop at https://smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate .5% of the purchase price to the synod. Search for “Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Elca” and select us as your favorite charity.

Volume 23, Issue 1 January 2015!

SYNOD NEWS Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA

Common Ground Ministries Common Ground Recovery Ministries began as a ministry of Atonement Wyomissing, which had a long established relationship with the 12-Step community.

It started as a conversation about what the church could learn from the 12 Step communities and later developed into Common Ground and the speaker series “The Healing Power of 12-Step Spirituality.” Now in its sixth year this popular speaker series draws an audience of 250 to over 500 people. Common Ground also has a monthly Fellowship Supper and Coffeehouse/Open Mic Night.

This exciting emerging ministry led by Pr. Tom Scornavacchi continues to explore and celebrate the common ground between the 12-steps and our Lutheran faith. About 2 years ago, Common Ground Recovery Ministry became a Synodically Authorized Worship Community (SAWC) of the ELCA and the Northeastern PA Synod.

Pr. Tom writes: “Every Wednesday evening we meet for worship in the old church. We are ‘unchurchy’ in the way we do things. Many of our members have had negative experiences with churches in the past and others are coming to worship for the first time. So we go out of our way not to place stumbling blocks in the way of hearing God’s message of forgiveness and grace. “

Synod News is published monthly by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA 2354 Grove Road, Allentown PA 18109; 610-266-5101.

[email protected]; www.godslove.org

Retiring from Staff

Two long-time associates to the bishop recently retired.

Glenn Simmons joined the synod staff in 1988 as the ELCA's Outreach

Coordinator, a title that later changed to Mission Director. Glenn was also the bishop's liaison to the congregations of the Pocono Mission District and later to the congregations of the Lehigh Mission District.

Through the years, he has also related to Bear Creek Camp, Evangelical Ç Coalition for Mission in Appalachia (ELCMA), and the synod’s interim ministry network.

Gene Handwerk joined the synod staff following the election of Bishop David Strobel in 1996.

Gene related to the congre-gations of the East Berks and Schuylkill Mission Districts, and later to the congregations of the Northern Lehigh Valley Mission District.

He also served as the bishop's liaison to the synod's interim pastors, as well as a consultant to union, shared ministry, and federated congregations on the synod territory.

Blue Church Art

Blue Church Art came into being in 2003. Its founder, Helene Parnell, had been searching for a suitable location in Coopersburg to start after-school art classes. She had written to two local churches asking if she could use their rooms for her artistic venture, and was turned down by both. Pr. Mark Swanson heard Helene lamenting the rejections, and suggested that she consider the Blue Church.

In October 2003 Helene held her first class. Six students attended. News of the little art school that was holding classes in the picturesque old stone church on Blue Church Road spread. Within a year Helene had added 8 more classes, and her enrollment had grown to 42 students.

Today Blue Church Art offers eleven classes for pre-K through adult students in three sessions per year, from September to May. Classes are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. These days enrollment averages 75 students per session. On a Saturday in the spring of each year Blue Church Art holds its annual student show, a popular neighborhood event. More than 220 people came to see the beautiful artworks on display in this year's show!

In celebration of the church's 275th anniversary, the students at Blue Church Art created artworks depicting some of the beautiful features of the wonderful old church. Hopefully Blue Church Art and the welcoming, supportive congregation at St. Paul's Lutheran will continue their connection, to serve the local community for many years to come.

January 2015 LMD website: www.lehighlutherans.com Volume 20, No. 1

The Rev. Jerel W. Gade, Dean 610-966-3030 Mr. Joshua Fink, Mission District Chair 484-358-5720 The Rev. Kurt E. Garbe, Assoc. of the Bishop 610-266-5101 Mrs. Linda Smith, Newsletter Editor 610-437-9927

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2015 LMD NL news will be due January 12th. E-Mail any information to me at [email protected]. Let’s try going green; to do this you need to have a church website. If you do and you have your church newsletter advertised, why not add the LMD Newsletter? While researching this I found a few church websites that already include the LMD Newsletter and that is awesome. Yes you may still need to print a few for those without computers. Any questions please call 610-437-9927 or e-mail me [email protected] . I look forward to hearing how this would work in your church! Free to Any Church: Parament Storage Cabinet (no longer needed after church renovations.) Beautiful cabinet to store paraments and banners on seven rods. Height = 37"; Length = 98"; Depth = 25". Grace Lutheran Church 28 W Main St, Macungie. Call 610-966-3325 or [email protected] LCS will hold a Workshop for Confirmands at San Martin de Porres Lutheran Church, on Jan 4, 2015 from 12:45-2:30 p.m. To register, please call Kathy Reyher at 610-770-9205. When All Hell Breaks Loose - The public is cordially invited to listen in on a panel discussion of Dr. Manfred Bahmann’s new book When All Hell Breaks Loose on Tues, Jan 13, 2015, 2:30 p.m. in Crest Hall of Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown, PA 18104. For more information, please contact Luther Crest’s Chaplain Dianne Kareha 610-391-8210. Muhlenberg College Chapel invites you to Gospel Weekend! We host Edward "Chief" Menifee, the musician at Morehouse College Chapel in Atlanta, for a spirited weekend of Gospel music. Rehearsals (open to the public) will be Fri evening, Jan 23, 2015 and Sat morning, Jan 24, 2015 with a concert Sat afternoon, Jan 24, 2015. Contact Chaplain Callista Isabelle for more specific timing and to sign-up to take part in Gospel weekend: [email protected] or (484) 664-3120. Ministry with Our Elders (Senior Adults): For Clergy, Parish Nurses, Secretaries of Congregations, Pastoral Care Visitors, and Other Caregivers Luther Crest (800 Hausman Road, Allentown, PA 18104) will host a Moravian Theological Seminary course on Mondays, Jan 26 through Mar 2, 2015, 1:30-4:30 p.m. This six-week course is designed for clergy and laity who want to become more effective in ministry with the senior adults with whom they serve. Participants will have an opportunity to improve their skills of communication with older adults, as well as gain an understanding of the life issues that confront them. The course will cover the following topics: grief, dynamics and issues of dementia and aging, caring for the caregiver, life review, spirituality and faith, visitation and communication skills, effects of aging on family systems, and community resources. Cost for this 1.8 CEU course is $60 (payable to Moravian Theological Seminary, 1220 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018-6650); early bird registration is $50 (by Jan 19, 2015). For more information, please contact Luther Crest’s Chaplain Dianne Kareha 610-391-8210 or go to http://moravianseminary.edu. “Islamic Imperialism” Presentation at Luther Crest The public is cordially invited to attend Rev. Dr. Manfred Bahmann’s presentation, “Islamic Imperialism,” on Tues, Feb 10, 2015, 2:30 p.m., in Crest Hall of Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown, PA 18104. For more information, please contact Luther Crest’s Chaplain Dianne Kareha 610-391-8210.

For Sale: Allen Digital Classic Organ - circa 1977. Church model with two keyboards and full 32 note AGO style pedalboard, used in music room for rehearsals. Case is in great shape. Includes self-contained speaker system and would be best suited for a home practice instrument or Hauptwerk project. Includes a full transposer for adjusting performance keys. There are 5 factory-set combination action buttons to recall combinations. Organ is being sold 'as is'. Best offer. Grace Lutheran Church 28 W. Main St, Macungie. Call 610-966-3325 or e-mail [email protected]. The Clothes Closet located at St. Luke’s, 417 N 7th Street, Allentown is in desperate need of all men’s clothing. Especially pants and shirts that could be worn for a casual dress job interview. We are constantly getting requests from agencies trying to help men attend job fairs and interviews. For more information or questions contact Leslie at 610-434-3943 or [email protected] LCS’s Refugee Resettlement case workers would like to thank everyone for their generous donations. At this time, we are in dire need of the following items: bathroom boxes (from Welcome Box list), pillows, mops, brooms, vacuum cleaners, twin sheet sets, twin blankets, full sheet sets, full size blankets, bathroom and kitchen waste cans, alarm clocks, and microwaves. Items can be dropped off at our office Mon through Thurs between 8-12 and 1-4. We are also in need of apartment sized furniture such as chests of drawers/dressers, kitchen tables and chairs, living room small sofas/loveseats/chairs, end tables, etc. (NO BEDS). Please call Ammar at 484-542-9849 to arrange for pickup of items. Muhlenberg College Chapel invites you to join us for worship any Sunday evening during the academic year. Worship is at 5:30 p.m. in Egner Chapel, followed by dinner in the Hoffman House at Muhlenberg. If you are interested in bringing your confirmation students or high school youth to join us for worship, and/or your congregation would be willing to provide a Sunday dinner for Muhlenberg students, please contact Chaplain Callista Isabelle for scheduling and more information: [email protected]. Speakers Available: Luther Crest has a variety of speakers available to speak to congregations, adult Sunday school classes, organizations such as women’s and men’s groups, Bible studies, seniors groups, and youth groups. Topics include: Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia, Depression, Elder Care, and Caring for the Caregiver, Senior Housing Options, and Continuum of Care, Living with Loss/Grief Support, Communicating during Times of Conflict, Prayer, and Scripture Studies. For more information or to schedule a speaker, please contact Rev. Dianne Kareha, Diakon Chaplain for Luther Crest 610-391-8210.

GODSPEED TO GLENN SIMMONS

Our Lehigh Mission District is about to experience a change in its leadership. After having served as the NEPS representative to our Mission District in his position as Associate of the Bishop, Pastor Glenn Simmons will be retiring the end of December 2014 and will, consequently, be relieved of these responsibilities. Pastor Simmons has served us well and with loving care for nearly 6 years. But we join our colleagues throughout the synod in giving thanks for his many contributions across the 32 years he has served as staff of our synod. For instance, immediately prior to assuming his responsibilities with our mission district he had served in a similar position with the Pocono Mission District for about 20 years. And, as is true for all staff serving our synod, Glenn’s responsibilities have included numerous other responsibilities. For instance, he has played a major role in planning and overseeing the arrangements for our synod assemblies for a number of years. He has also been responsible for planning our Bishop’s Conferences, has served as a member of the Board of Bear Creek Camp, and has been our representative to ELCMA. In conversation with Glenn, I learned that he has very positive remembrances of his relationship with our mission district. He is appreciative of what he detected as our openness to work with him. And he affirms our creativity in developing new efforts making what he identified as “amazing adjustments” during the time he has been working with us. This includes, of course, the consolidation of the Nativity and St. Michael’s parishes and the new relationship between the Christ and St. Stephen’s parishes. He is grateful for the privilege of serving among us and we are certainly very thankful for his service. We do wish him, and Mary, Godspeed for the future! And we’ve learned that Pastor Kurt Garbe, also an experienced NEPS Associate of the Bishop, will begin serving as the liaison to our mission district as of January 2015. He, too, will be serving in this capacity alongside of numerous other significant responsibilities. For instance, he is the staff member responsible for maintaining our Global Mission, Companion Synod, and Deaconess & Retired Leaders relationships. He serves with the Leadership Development and Worship Teams. And he will become the new member of the Bear Creek Camp Board. But I know we are all looking forward to Pastor Garbe’s involvement in our Lehigh Mission District. And in a very real sense we also wish him Godspeed for his future with us! I appreciate the privilege of up-dating you with regard to these major changes in our Lehigh Mission District. It is to be expected that the new year will bless us with new opportunities for mission and ministry and we pray that God will continue to bless our responses! Pastor Richard Stough LMD Secretary

OPERATION SUNSHINE

36 S. 8th St, Allentown, PA 18101 Open Mon 11-3 Wed. 9-4 [email protected]

610-435-9155 Paula & Dick Skelly Co-Trip Coordinators

Day of Trip Emergency Number 610-417-3286

Operation Sunshine is a non-profit fellowship opportunity within our Mission District, run solely by volunteers. Please join us and

invite your friends as we enjoy a variety of venues together. *****************

March 19 (Thur) – Hunterdon Hills Playhouse – ABIE'S IRISH ROSE – Celebrate a belated St. Patrick’s Day with Operation Sunshine at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Enjoy a delicious sit-down luncheon with a dessert buffet before watching Anne Nichol's Hilarious comedy classic, “Abie's Irish Rose”. Watch as young Abraham Levy tries to fool his strict Jewish father by introducing his new bride, Rosemary Murphy, as “Rosie Murphyski.” The plan actually seems to work at first until Rosemary's strict Irish-Catholic father arrives on the scene and a hilarious tug-of-war erupts! Bus leaves St. Timothy's at 10:00am and will return approximately 4:30pm Cost $ 85 Payment Deadline: Tue., Mar. 10 April 1 (Wed.) – Fulton Theatre, Lancaster- THE PRODUCERS - FIRST FLOOR SEATING. The Producers is a madcap romp that features scene after scene of delicious, laugh-out-loud comedy, 16 wickedly witty new songs, and some of the most gloriously outrageous dance numbers to ever grace the Fulton stage. It’s the winner of the most Tony® Awards in Broadway history. Orchestra seating on the first level of the theatre – Rows C, D and E! Sit down lunch at the Pressroom included. We realize that this is Holy Week, but in order to get first floor seating for this very popular production, this was our only option. Bus leaves St. Timothy's at 9:30 AM and will return approximately 6:00 PM Cost $98 Payment Deadline: Thur Feb 26 April 22 (Wed.) - Media Theatre, Media, PA - HELLO DOLLY – Starring Andrea McArdle (the original star of Annie on Broadway), Hello Dolly is the story of sassy and brassy Dolly Levi who travels to Yonkers searching for Horace Vandergelder. She stirs up the lives of his niece and his two store clerks as she manipulates the proceedings. Songs include "Before the Parade Passes By", "It Takes A Woman", "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and the familiar trumpet-laced title tune. Lunch at the Rose Tree Restaurant included. Bus leaves St. Timothy's at 9:30 AM and will return approximately 6:00 PM Cost $84.00 Payment Deadline: Mon., Mar. 9