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Wings & Feathers Newsletter for Jan/Feb 2016
Important information about what's going on around
Holy Counselor Lutheran Church
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30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created;
and you renew the face of the ground.
31May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works —
Psalm 104: 30-31
Another year begins amidst the flurry of Christmas celebration! There are so many things that come up at the beginning of a year. There are plans to make, resolutions to consider, and programs to start. What are you doing in your house? At your workplace? At church?
At Holy Counselor much of that is done at our annual meeting of the congregation. The annual meeting sets the agenda for the next year in our congregation. Much of what the congregational council does throughout the year is to carry out the decisions made at this meeting. That is why it’s important for all of our members to attend. On January 17th we will hold one worship service at 10am followed by our annual meeting. At this meeting we will review items from 2015, look forward to 2016 and elect council members. These elected leaders will work together to carry out the vision and mission of the congregation over the next year. If you or someone you know would make a good candidate please speak to me or Pam Kucks. The congregation will also vote on our ministry spending plan for 2016. At Holy Counselor we attempt to answer God’s call in the world through ministry – all of those ministries need resources, those resources take many forms including financial support, committed people, and the nurtured skills and talents given to us.
In order to continue the progress of the last two years we will, again, host a discussion on the ministry spending plan between the two regular worship services on January 10th. It is especially important that those with detailed questions or concerns about the ministry spending plan make use of this time set aside for conversation and discussion.
It isn’t always easy to see how God’s call for us is answered through tools like meetings or constitutions, but as Lutherans we believe that the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, and enlightens the church in all its forms, in all places and at all times. I hope that you see these opportunities as one more way to be a faithful disciple of Christ.
-Pastor Chris
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CHURCH COUNCIL
Pastor Rev. Christopher Bruesehoff
President Pam Kucks
Vice President Mark Rossi
Secretary Jeanne VonOesen
Treasurer Dawn McCormick
Financial Secretary Sandra Wardell
Outreach Group (Parish Activities Team, Membership &
Social Ministry Teams) Liz Walker
Nurture Group (Worship Team,Education Team,
Youth Team) Denise Urbaniak
Administration Group (Property Team, Information &
Technology Team) Kenneth Wiik
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COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Submitted by Pam Kucks, Council President
Happy 2016 to my HCLC Family!
As you have probably grown accustomed to by now, I never know exactly where the “material” for my submission for the newsletter will come from. Well, the last stanza of this poem “Wishing” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox was read at the memorial service for Joan McCarthy and I thought what a beautiful message to send out to all of you as one year ends and a new year begins...
Wishing
Do you wish the world were better?
Let me tell you what to do.
Set a watch upon your actions,
Keep them always straight and true.
Rid your mind of selfish motives,
Let your thoughts be clean and high.
You can make a little Eden
Of the sphere you occupy.
Do you wish the world were wiser?
Well, suppose you make a start
By accumulating wisdom
In the scrapbook of your heart.
Do not waste one page on folly;
Live to learn, and learn to live.
If you want to give men knowledge
You must get it ere you give.
Do you wish the world were happy?
Then remember day by day
Just to scatter seeds of kindness
as you pass along the way:
For the pleasures of many
May be oft times traced to one,
As the hand that plants an acorn
Shelters armies from the sun. - Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Each year I make “promises to keep” in all aspects of my life; home, work, personal, church etc. and I love to look back as the year comes to a close. In reflection of this past year at Holy Counselor I find myself getting emotional, knowing that I really tried to keep my promises to myself for our church; as your president… To focus on our church calendar and as a council we tried to stay ahead of things, we did try. To change up the format of our Council Meeting Agenda was also on my list and helped our meetings. Also, and very important Stewardship was on my list. A BIG thanks to Pastor Chris, and the 2015 Campaign ”Because of God’s Great Mercy”, all congregation members who shared their journey and those who filled out pledge cards (keep them coming in).
In my role as your Council President a highlight for me was to meet with Bishop Bartholomew… what a bright light in my reflection of the year! Again, her words “Never underestimate the power of an invitation” ring in my ears. I invite all of you to join me at the Annual Congregational Meeting on January 17th.
May God continue to bless you ALL & Happy New Year 2016!
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Submitted by Ken Wiik,Administration Group Coordinator
Thanks to all who helped with hanging of the greens in November and their removal in January. A special thanks to Larry Polagye who removed all the excess nails and hangers that had been installed over the years which should make hanging the greens next year much easier.
The fire inspection by Vernon Township has finally been done for the first time in quite a while, and everything was fine. We did however find that our previous fire prevention company, which it appears is no longer in business, did not do as good a job as we thought. We are now using Sussex County Fire Sales and Service LLC out of Augusta. A number of our extinguishers needed to be replaced due to age and others needed to be refilled. We got rid of the monster CO2. All the extinguishers are now 10LB ABC Dry Chemicals with exception of the kitchen and fellowship hall where there are 20LB ABC Dry Chemicals.
While I am sure that those of us that ski, snow board or participate in other winter activities are not crazy about the weather, but from a property standpoint it saves us money on propane for heat and snow plowing expenses. Not to mention it is pretty cool to play golf in NJ on Christmas Eve in shorts. I am sure we'll see lower temps and white stuff soon and we have a contract in place for snow removal.
We've gotten some estimates on repair work for the raccoon damage and other things that need attention. We will be looking for folks to come down and help with removal of ceiling tiles. The more labor we can provide, the lower our cost will be. Look for more details coming out in the near future. We will also be scheduling a new date to clean out the closet by the fellowship hall. Many hands make light work again, details and dates will be announced shortly.
Although winter just officially started, we will need to get an early start this spring finishing up those areas we cleaned up in the fall. We also will need to take the mower for servicing sometime in March. We are going to use the company in Hamburg this year. If anyone has a trailer that can transport the mower, please let me know. It needs to be at least 6 feet wide to handle the mowers deck.
Any questions or concerns please call, email or see me between or after services on Sundays.
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NURTURE REPORT
Submitted by Denise Urbaniak, Nurture Group Coordinator
Youth Group Events
Our Youth Group under the guidance of Diane Rossi was very active during the months of November and December. Prior to Thanksgiving they coordinated another successful food drive to stock the food pantry going into the holiday season. Their hard work was rewarded with a pizza party after the food drive pickup. Our youth provided dinner and fellowship for Family Promise and they found time to help with the hanging of the greens and participate in the Christmas play. Thomas Birkland, Ben Dupont, and Hannah Vince, along with Diane Rossi attended the junior high youth retreat at Harvey Cedars.
In January a Chinese food and bowling night is planned. Looking forward to February, they plan on seeing the movie “Risen” and hosting the second annual Open Mic Night followed by a lock-in. Also, the weekend of February 5-7th, Diane Rossi and some of our high school youth will be attending the senior high youth retreat at Harvey Cedars.
Confirmation
Sunday, January 10th is the date for our Confirmands Reunion. We invite all of our Confirmation alumni to come and share their confirmation memories while enjoying a delicious homemade dinner of hot dogs and chili. We’ll have a hot diggity dog time!
College Students Care Packages
Gift cards were mailed to our college students. We have received several notes/emails of thanks from some of the students. This tradition provides a welcome relief to the students who are often overwhelmed with work and studies at the end of the semester. Several of our college students have told us how much they appreciate their church family thinking of them during that time.
Worship Team
Submitted by Nancy Knecht, Worship team leader
The old year has passed and a new one has begun, Christmas has passed and we are moving on to the seasons of Epiphany and Lent.
I would like to thank all who contributed to beautiful and moving worship opportunities during Advent and Christmas.
As the new year begins please consider being a part of worship as lay assistant, communion assistant, choir member, usher or as an acolyte; adults may be acolytes too not just kids. Please see Aileen Donovan for the ushering, Diane Rossi for acolytes, Larry Polagye for lay assistant or communion assistant, or June Tarantino for choir. There is a sign-up sheet in the kitchen for coffee hosts. Honoring a loved one with fresh flowers for the altar is another way to enhance the worship experience.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10th with services at 10am or 8pm for imposition of ashes. Ecumenical Lenten services will be held every Wednesday at 8pm during lent. Please check the weekly announcements for locations each week.
Join us for Bible study every Wednesday at 10am or 7:30pm. During Lent, Bible study will only be held at 10am.
Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we do; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. -LBW
Sanctuary Decorations
Thank you to our Sunday school students for creating the hanging stars in our sanctuary this Christmas. They plan to create more decorations for us as we celebrate each liturgical season.
Altar Guild
The altar guild truly needs additional volunteers to help setting up and taking down the altar each Sunday. The training is easy and if more people would volunteer, the same people wouldn’t need to be doing it every week. Please seriously consider helping us and give your name to Nancy Knecht.
Sunday School
Submitted by Elaine Kuntz, Sunday school teacher
As we begin 2016, Sunday school is in full swing. Under the direction of Diane Rossi, the children are preparing a new song to be presented to the congregation at the 10:30 service. This is a monthly feature which every Sunday school class is represented and brings smiles and applause to the faces of those in attendance.
Our Sunday school Christmas play, held on December 20th at the 10:30am service went very well and was enjoyed by all. Thanks to all who helped in preparations and rehearsals for the play.
The Sunday school teachers would like to see more children attend our Sunday school classes which begin at 9:30am and end at 10:25am every Sunday. If you know of a family with children looking for a church, encourage them to visit our church and meet our wonderful, warm family at Holy Counselor.
Many thanks to our dedicated teachers, Emile Dupont, Tom McCann, Elaine Kuntz, Jeanette Emmerich and Denise Urbaniak and the many parents who assist in our projects, who all help to maintain the Sunday school program at Holy Counselor.
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OUTREACH GROUP REPORT
Submitted by: Liz Walker, Outreach Group Coordinator & the Church Office
Christmas Gifts and Food Baskets
We assisted 21 families in need with turkeys, gift cards and non-perishable foods to fill their holiday tables. Christmas gifts were also provided for the children in the families. Special thanks to all who donated gifts and food and to Pastor Chris, Debbie Morris and Sandy Chiappini for organizing this event.
Food Pantry
Aimee Nilsen, food pantry coordinator, reports that despite the heavy distribution of food during the month of December, we are still well stocked because of the successful food drives done by Max Ahrendt and by our church youth group this past fall. We are in need of canned chili, stews, canned fruit and applesauce. Please remember to check the expiration dates and thank you for your willingness to share. A total of 32 food bags were handed out during the months of November and December, and a total of 179 bags were given out during 2015. Thanks to all who continue to bring in donations.
WELCA
Join us on January 13th beginning at noon at Milano’s for the WELCA holiday luncheon, with a snow date of January 20th. If you would like to attend please let Marlene know to reserve a spot for you. The next meeting will be February 16th at 10am. WELCA would like to thank all those who helped make cookies and purchased them during the Cookie Sale on Dec. 20th. Big thanks to all who purchased Gertrude Hawk candy to support the scholarship fund.
Holy Counselor Cantata
Our annual event, held on Dec 19th at 2pm, was well attended by our congregants and community at large. It was a beautiful and uplifting experience for all who attended. In addition to our church choir members, there were guest singers, including our own Jon and Faith Hartlage, and visiting musicians both professional and students who gave of their time to participate. Afterward there was a reception of wonderful treats, including a special custom cake made by Kelly Chiarchiaro, which was donated for this occasion through the Sugar family. Special thanks to our musical director, June Tarantino for her dedication of time, talent and love of bringing inspirational music into our Christmas holiday.
Joan McCarthy
Joan was a longtime member of our church, who sadly passed on December 12th. Our church hosted a memorial service on Sunday December 21st. Joan was an active and loving member of our church nearly since its inception, and throughout her illness. We will never forget her. She gave herself totally to Jesus, and let him decide when to take her. She now lives everlasting in his kingdom. Thank you Joan for everything you have done for our church.
Sisters in Prayer
The Sisters in Prayer group meets on the first Saturday of every month at 8:30am for 1 hour. All women of Holy Counselor are welcome to attend this women’s prayer group to pray, read from the Bible, and listen for God’s word in our lives. For more information, please contact Pam Kucks or Liz Walker.
Flower chart
The new 2016 flower chart is now available on the bulletin board in the hallway. Arrangements are $13 each. Please consider placing an arrangement on our altar in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special occasion.
Coffee Hour
We are in need of volunteers for coffee hour goodies. A sign–up sheet is posted in the kitchen.
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Music Report
Submitted by June Tarantino, Music Director
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I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who was involved in the Christmas Cantata! Choir members increased their usual commitment to rehearsals by attending extra rehearsals the week of the cantata. We had several guests in our choir, helping to boost the vocal portion of the performance, with two of our own members, Mark & Diane Rossi, joining us as narrators. Our two resident professional soloists, Jon & Faith Hartlage contributed their amazing voices to the program. Their performances were astounding and emotionally powerful. A special thanks to Sarah White, who rounded up several of her college music buddies to play for us, adding to our local musicians to create a full and amazing orchestra. Thrivent contributed money to help us purchase refreshments and music scores. Thank you to Margaret Kranz and Neil & Aimee Nilsen for applying for those funds for us. Part of the money donated by the audience was given to the Vernon Clergy Fund to help needy people in our area. The church was filled with musicians and audience members, all of whom took a short break from the Christmas rush to enjoy the concert, replenishing their spirits and celebrating the birth of our Lord through music. We made a joyful noise that day!
Christmas Eve arrived only a few days after the cantata. The choir sang at the 7:30pm & 9:30pm services that evening. I appreciate the dedication of the choir and musicians who serve us through music. It is not easy for all of them to arrange their schedules to be with us on Christmas Eve, but they honor their commitment to our music ministry by making every effort to sing and play for both of those services. A special thanks to Kathy Baumann. She not only sang with the choir at the two later services, but played guitar with her son, TJ, at the 4:00 service. She also sang with other family members at the later services. Our efforts at both the cantata and Christmas Eve services were supported by our congregation through silent auction bids at the Auction of the Gifts. It is always nice to feel appreciated!
With Easter coming on the early side this year, March 27th, the choir will soon be preparing for our Lenten and Holy Week services, including Good Friday's Tenebrae service and Easter Sunday services. Taking time from our busy lives to replenish our spiritual lives through worship is a valuable endeavor. I encourage you to take advantage of our worship opportunities during Lent, including our Holy Week services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
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There will be an informal discussion of specifics in the proposed 2016 budget on Jan. 10th at 9:30am in the room next to the kitchen. This is your best opportunity to make suggestions and ask questions. All are encouraged to attend.
The annual congregational meeting will take place on Jan. 17th. There will be only one service at 10am and a shortened Sunday school session beginning at its regular time. All are encouraged to attend; members in good standing are invited to participate with voice and vote.
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink and find enjoyment, for these are from the hand of God.
(Ecclesiastes 2:24)
Come enjoy a Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner on Tuesday, February 9th, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Holy Counselor Lutheran Church. Breakfast pancakes and potato pancakes and other good things will be prepared to satisfy the hungriest appetite. The cost for the meal is a free will donation.
The origin of Shrove Tuesday comes from the idea of - the night before Lent begins - consuming everything in the household from which one planned to abstain during Lent. We serve pancakes to connect us to the customs of a time when flour, eggs, milk, butter and other food items were all on the Lenten abstinence list. These days we celebrate the evening before Ash Wednesday more as a foretaste of the feast to come at Easter.
So come and savor with us the beginnings of anticipation to be heightened during our Lenten time of preparation. Enjoy the meal, learn more about the tradition of Shrove Tuesday and take home some ideas to help make Lent meaningful in your home.
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