|
|
|
|
Wings & Feathers Newsletter for
Nov/Dec 2018
Important information about what's going on around
Holy Counselor Lutheran Church
|
|
|
Holy Counselor Staff
| |
Pastor |
Rev. Christopher Bruesehoff |
| |
Director of Music |
June Tarantino |
| |
Office Administrator |
Debbie Morris |
| |
Bookkeeper |
Larry Polagye |
| |
Custodian |
Harvey Kunnemann |
Congregational Council
| |
President |
Matthew Moller |
| |
Vice President |
Steven Ahrendt |
| |
Secretary |
Denise Urbaniak |
| |
Treasurer |
Mark Rossi |
| |
Financial Secretary |
Sandra Wardell |
| |
Outreach Group |
Emilie Dupont |
| |
(Parish Activities Team, Membership & Social Ministry Teams) |
| |
Nurture Group |
Karen Duryea |
| |
(Worship Team,Education Team, Youth Team) |
|
| |
Administration Group |
Roy Wherry |
| |
(Property Team, Information & Technology Team) |
|
|
|
|
Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." - Acts 2:38-39
In a recent sermon my friend and fellow pastor, Rev. Chris Halverson said:
In the face of human violence
Do not be afraid, for the Lord says:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
It’s incomprehensible this week there were attempted assassinations of two former presidents, a former secretary of state and a former vice president, and three members of congress (including two who may run for president)—along with some activists and national security officials. We were a hairs breath away from 2018 becoming 1968—the assassination of modern day MLKs and RFKs close at hand.
If that wasn’t enough, on Wednesday there was the man in Kentucky who tried to do a repeat of the shooting at Emmanuel AME—but when he couldn’t get into the church, he settled on shooting two grandparents to death in a supermarket, because they were black. And if that still wasn’t enough, yesterday, out in Pittsburgh, a man attacked Tree of Life synagogue and killed 11 worshipers…
In a world going nowhere fast
Do not be afraid, for the Lord says:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Can you believe it was just over a year ago that a man tried to gun down the entire Republican Congressional Baseball Team—it was the biggest attempted political assassination in the history of the country (until this week)—yet it probably took you a second to remember what I was even talking about—these days, a year ago is so very long ago…
Into this world the Christian church now turns to celebrate the birth of a baby – the Christ child. Every year we celebrate this birth for innumerable reasons, but this year I am reminded that because of Christ’s coming we have been changed. Changed into a part of the kingdom of God, the only kind of kingdom that can stand against the violence and be the people we are meant to be, baptized children of God in the world: We are a people who learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace. The same promises made at every baptism.
When we celebrate the coming of the Christ child we tend to focus on the cute little baby, but the Christ child grew to experience the breadth and depth of human experience. In a world that knew violence, oppression, intolerance, and cruelty better than most of us ever will, Christ came to usher in a new kind of kingdom. All of the pain, joy, suffering, loss and happiness that make humanity what it is are important to the God who created us, loves us and sent Jesus to us.
No matter what the future brings we will take heart in the promises of baptism made to us: that through water and the Holy Spirit God gives God’s children new birth, cleanses them from sin, and raises them to eternal life.
-Pastor Chris
|
|
|
TREASURER REPORT
Submitted by Mark Rossi, Treasurer
|
|
Please see the thermometer in the narthex. Thanks to your initial response to the Bold and Beautiful fall giving challenge and the Auction of the Gifts, instead of $12,000, we now are approx. $8,000 behind where our income needs to be in our spending plan. This is even with additional donations from building use from outside organizations. Our giving is simply not keeping pace with the committed expenses approved at this year's congregational meeting.
Our third giving challenge, Bold and Beautiful, is to make an extra donation and a green leaf on the tree on the narthex bulletin board will be replaced with a bright autumn leaf. As the tree changes from green to fall colors, it provides a nice visual way to see our progress.
We are getting to the time we also need to compile our 2019 spending plan. Some tough decisions are in front of us. Please think about your family’s 2019 budget and consider a new or renewed giving level, with hopeful increase in your giving, to Holy Counselor.
Please also remember to share the Advent season with friends and neighbors. Invite people to our events, for instance the Cantata, worship, etc. In this way, more people will witness God’s work and hopefully join us in same.
Ultimately, let us pray for others to enter into the worshipful active HCLC family!
|
|
|
ADMINISTRATION GROUP REPORT
Submitted by the Church Office
|
|
Outside lighting was added to the back parking lot in late October. This lighting helps our guests that use the church during the week for girl scouts, choir and Weight Watchers.
Our sign was recently stained by Matt Moller to help preserve it from the weather. A new church logo has also been installed on the sign.
During the heavy rains we have been experiencing these past months, our roof by the kitchen has been leaking. We will try and patch the leak ourselves or contact a contractor to repair that section.
|
|
|
NURTURE GROUP REPORT
Submitted by Karen Duryea,
Nurture Group Coordinator and the church office
YOUTH GROUP
Nov. 11th (Sunday): Hike the Appalachian boardwalk after 10:30 service (bring bag lunch).
Nov. 16th - 18th (Fri. - Sun): Among the Wolves Middle School Retreat.
Nov. 25th (Sunday): Begin Christmas Extravaganza rehearsal during Sunday School 9:30 - 10:15am.
Nov. 30th (Friday): Scary movie night and Lock-in beginning at 7:30 pm until Saturday 10 am.
Dec. 1st (Sat): Help with hanging of the greens 9 - 11 am.
Dec. 16th (Sunday): Christmas Extravaganza during 10:30 service, be there at 9:30 for dress rehearsal.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday school is lively and fun filled every Sunday. Please come and join us! Christmas Extravaganza practice will begin on November 25, during Sunday school and will continue each Sunday until December 16, the day of the Extravaganza. Please arrive by 9:30am on the 16 for a dress rehearsal. The Christmas Extravaganza will take place during the 10:30 worship service.
Max Ahrendt’s Food Drive
Max Ahrendt has a food drive underway for our food pantry. Shopping bags are still available in the narthex. Please fill with non-perishable foods for the pantry. Check all expiration dates on all donated food.
Hanging of the Greens
Hanging of the greens will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9am. Bagels and coffee will be provided for all helpers. Come help spend an hour and decorate our church for the Christmas season. Busy hands are happy hands!
Worship
Advent Holden Evening Prayer
Please join us on Thursday evenings, December 6, 13, and 20 at 7:30pm, for a special Advent evening prayer service using the Holden Evening Prayer. This is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the Christmas season in worship and prayer. Those who attended last year can attest to the calming effect that these services provide during this hectic season. It is good to take a break and reflect upon the true reason we are celebrating.
Holiday Happenings and Worship Schedule
November 20 Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service at 8pm at HCLC. Please bring a refreshment to share after the service.
December 1 Hanging of the Greens at 9am.
December 6 Advent Evening Prayer service at 7:30pm.
December 13 Advent Evening Prayer service at 7:30pm.
December 16 Sunday School Christmas Extravaganza at the 10:30 service.
December 20 Advent Evening Prayer service at 7:30pm.
December 22 Christmas Cantata at 2pm.
December 24 Christmas Eve services at 4:00, 7:30 and 9:30pm; all are Communion services with candlelight
December 30 Single service at 10am. Lessons and Carols.
From the Music Director
Submitted by June Tarantino
Save the date!! Our annual Christmas Cantata Concert is scheduled for Saturday, December 22, at 2:00pm. Invite your friends and plan to stay afterward for some refreshments! Choir will start preparing for the cantata in November. If you're interested in joining the choir for this event, please see June Tarantino.
Another save the date! Jordan Fusco (Tarantino) will be performing with the Vramensco String Quartet at Holy Counselor on Sunday, January 20, at 1pm. If you have attended any of their previous concerts, you know this event is not to be missed!
Stars & Angels and Poinsettias
Please find copies of order forms for Stars & Angels and Poinsettias in your weekly bulletin beginning Nov. 4. Poinsettia order forms are due by Dec.2, and Stars & Angel forms are due by Dec.16. Help beautify our church and Christmas tree by purchasing by the due dates.
Meaning & Symbolism of Poinsettias
What is the meaning of poinsettias? Also known as the Christmas Star and Christmas Flower, it’s said that poinsettias’ association with Christmas comes from a Mexican legend. The story goes that a child, with no means for a grander gift, gathered humble weeds from the side of the road to place at the church alter on Christmas Eve. As the congregation witnessed a Christmas miracle, the weeds turned into brilliant red and green flowers. Named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, first United States ambassador to Mexico and the amateur botanist who introduced the plant to the U.S. in 1825, the poinsettia is also known as Mexican Flame Leaf, Winter Rose, Noche Buena and, in Turkey, Atakurk’s Flower, because it was the favorite flower of Atakurk, the founder of modern Turkey. While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today’s language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.
|
|
|
OUTREACH GROUP REPORT
Submitted by Emilie Dupont, Outreach Group Coordinator, & the church office
Food Pantry
Our food pantry gave out 33 bags of food in September and October to help the needy in our area. Max Ahrendt has another food drive underway which will fill out shelves for the next month. We are still in need of canned proteins like tuna fish, canned stew, and baked beans. We can always use more toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste/brushes and liquid laundry detergent. Also needed are items for kid’s school lunches, such as granola bars, juice boxes, cookies, crackers, etc. Please be generous and make a note of these items on your next shopping list.
WELCA
WELCA will not meet in the month of November. They will be holding a Cookie Sale at our Cantata on Dec. 22 and after services on Dec. 23. Cookie baking will take place on Dec. 20, and packing of the cookies on Dec. 21. If you would like to bake or donate cookies, please see Marlene Clements. The holiday luncheon will be held at Milano’s in January. Please watch the weekly announcements for the exact day and time.
Outreach to the Homebound
Do you know a member of HCLC who cannot make it to church anymore? Please let Sandy Wardell know who would benefit from a friendly visit and a CD of our recent church service. Sandy can be reached at (973) 362-8590.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Do you know someone who would like a hand-knit or hand-crocheted prayer shawl or lap robe? There are many to choose from and all have been blessed by Pastor Chris. Please talk to Adele Huttner if you would like to know how to make one and to add to the collection, or if you know someone who would love this warm gift as the weather gets colder.
Sisters in Prayer Ministry
Sisters in Prayer will resume meeting for Advent. Kerri Yezuita will lead the group now that Liz Walker has left Vernon for the winter. We will be meeting during the four Saturdays in Advent at 9:30am starting on Dec. 1.
UPDATES ON PAST EVENTS
God’s Work, Our Hands Volunteer Day
On Sunday, September 9, three adults and three children went to Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center and repainted half of the camp’s bath house. This was part of a world-wide ELCA volunteer day and a new tradition at HCLC. Every year on the second Sunday in September we will take part in a volunteer project that helps our church, one of our ministries, or our community. Please join us next year and suggest a project we can do to make part of our world a better place.
The Paint and Sip Party
On Saturday, September 29 more than thirty people painted pictures, ate refreshments, and drank wine at our first Paint and Sip. Everyone had a wonderful time with both the painting and the gift basket auction, and the party brought in $1058 for our general fund. The event was so much fun that Ginny Schotter and Marlene Clements have agreed to hold it as an annual event in the spring with the help of “The Painting Trowel”. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped!
Trash Pickup Fundraiser
On Sunday, October 7, eight brave members of HCLC picked up trash for several miles along Sand Hill and McPeek roads. The Vernon Dept. of Public Works will give our church a grant of between $300- $500 for our five hours of effort and 13 bags of trash and 14 bags of recycling. The roads we drive to church look a lot better too! Thank you to everyone who helped!
Oktoberfest/ Auction of the Gifts
On Saturday, October 20, we held our sixth annual Oktoberfest and Auction of the Gifts. Fifty-seven people attended the event and ate tasty German sausages, potato pancakes, hot pretzels, salads and desserts. The auction raised over $3600 for our general fund. Everyone had a great time, and felt good about donating to all the gifts provided by our church members. Thank you to everyone who helped with this event, and everyone who donated items or activities that we auctioned off!
|
|
|
|
|
Jim & Karen Stoeckel
Fred & Lori Schoenagel
Jim & Joanne Woodruff
|
|
|
|
Mike & Lisa Murphy
John & Janet Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
