NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER...

8
Resurrection Life November 2015 PASTOR Here in the United States of America, November is the month of Thanksgiving. As I pondered on the theme of Thanksgiving to Almighty God, as a fairly recent immigrant to this great nation, I wanted reflect on how a National Thanksgiving celebration all started. In my research, I found the following article entitled, “What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving?” I found this article very helpful. It is well written and points us to very powerful scripture passages. I share this article in its entirety with you and encourage you not only to read it but also to look up the biblical references. Pastor James Gajadhar. the celebration. Three days were spent in feasting and prayer. From that time forward, Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a day to give thanks to God for His gracious and sufficient provision. President Abraham Lincoln officially set aside the last Thursday of November, in 1863, “as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father.” In 1941, Congress ruled that after 1941, the fourth Thursday of November be observed as Thanksgiving Day and be a legal holiday. Scripturally, we find things related to the issue of thanksgiving nearly from cover to cover. Individuals offered up sacrifices out of gratitude in the book of Genesis. The Israelites sang a song of thanksgiving as they were delivered from Pharaoh's army after the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 15 ). Later, the Mosaic Law set aside three times each year when the Israelites were to gather together. All three of these times [Unleavened Bread (also called the Feast of the Passover) (Exodus 12:15-20 ), Harvest or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-21 ), and the Feast of Ingathering or Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-36 )] involved remembering God’s provision and grace. Harvest and Tabernacles took place specifically in relation to God’s provision in the harvest of various fruit trees and crops. The book of Psalms is packed full of songs of thanksgiving, both for God’s grace to the Israelite people as a whole through His mighty deeds, as well as for His individual graces to each of us. In the New Testament, there are repeated admonitions to give thanks to God. Thanksgiving is to always be a part of our prayers. Some of the most remembered passages on the giving of thanks are the following: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ). "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6 ). (Pastor’s article is continued on Page 3) 1 “What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? The original thanksgiving celebration was held by the Pilgrim settlers in Massachusetts during their second winter in America in December, 1621. The first winter had killed 44 of the original 102 colonists. At one point their daily food ration was down to five kernels of corn apiece, but then an unexpected trading vessel arrived, swapping them beaver pelts for corn, providing for their severe need. The next summer’s crop brought hope, and Governor William Bradford decreed that December 13, 1621, be set aside as a day of feasting and prayer to show the gratitude of the colonists that they were still alive. These Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom and opportunity in America, gave thanks to God for His provision for them in helping them find 20 acres of cleared land, for the fact that there were no hostile Indians in that area, for their newfound religious freedom, and for God’s provision of an interpreter to the Indians in Squanto. Along with the feasting and games involving the colonists and more than 80 friendly Indians (who added to the feast by bringing wild turkeys and venison), prayers, sermons, and songs of praise were important in

Transcript of NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER...

Page 1: NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert. A family

Resurrection LifeNovember 2015

PASTOR

Here in the United States of America, November is the month of Thanksgiving. As Ipondered on the theme of Thanksgiving to Almighty God, as a fairly recent immigrant tothis great nation, I wanted reflect on how a National Thanksgiving celebration all started.In my research, I found the following article entitled, “What should be the focus ofChristians on Thanksgiving?” I found this article very helpful. It is well written and pointsus to very powerful scripture passages. I share this article in its entirety with you andencourage you not only to read it but also to look up the biblical references.

Pastor James Gajadhar.

the celebration. Three days were spent in feasting and prayer.

From that time forward, Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a day to give thanks to Godfor His gracious and sufficient provision. President Abraham Lincoln officially set asidethe last Thursday of November, in 1863, “as a day of thanksgiving and praise to ourbeneficent Father.” In 1941, Congress ruled that after 1941, the fourth Thursday ofNovember be observed as Thanksgiving Day and be a legal holiday.

Scripturally, we find things related to the issue of thanksgiving nearly from cover to cover.Individuals offered up sacrifices out of gratitude in the book of Genesis. The Israelitessang a song of thanksgiving as they were delivered from Pharaoh's army after the crossingof the Red Sea (Exodus 15). Later, the Mosaic Law set aside three times each year whenthe Israelites were to gather together. All three of these times [Unleavened Bread (alsocalled the Feast of the Passover) (Exodus 12:15-20), Harvest or Pentecost(Leviticus 23:15-21), and the Feast of Ingathering or Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-36)]involved remembering God’s provision and grace. Harvest and Tabernacles took placespecifically in relation to God’s provision in the harvest of various fruit trees and crops.The book of Psalms is packed full of songs of thanksgiving, both for God’s grace to theIsraelite people as a whole through His mighty deeds, as well as for His individual gracesto each of us.

In the New Testament, there are repeated admonitions to give thanks to God. Thanksgivingis to always be a part of our prayers. Some of the most remembered passages on the givingof thanks are the following:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will ofGod in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

(Pastor’s article is continued on Page 3) 1

“What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving?The original thanksgiving celebration was held by the Pilgrim settlers in Massachusettsduring their second winter in America in December, 1621. The first winter had killed 44 ofthe original 102 colonists. At one point their daily food ration was down to five kernels ofcorn apiece, but then an unexpected trading vessel arrived, swapping them beaver pelts forcorn, providing for their severe need. The next summer’s crop brought hope, and GovernorWilliam Bradford decreed that December 13, 1621, be set aside as a day of feasting andprayer to show the gratitude of the colonists that they were still alive.

These Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom and opportunity in America, gave thanks to Godfor His provision for them in helping them find 20 acres of cleared land, for the fact thatthere were no hostile Indians in that area, for their newfound religious freedom, and forGod’s provision of an interpreter to the Indians in Squanto. Along with the feasting andgames involving the colonists and more than 80 friendly Indians (who added to the feast bybringing wild turkeys and venison), prayers, sermons, and songs of praise were important in

Page 2: NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert. A family

CHURCH STAFF:Pastor: Rev. James T. GajadharElder: VACANTChurch Office: (718) 463-4292Church Secretary: Eleanor Johnson and Karen CarellaMinister of Music and Adult Choir Director: Walter HartmanMusicians: Flautist - Heather Valente; Percussionist - Ralph ValenteMinisters: All the Members

2015 CHURCH COUNCIL: President: Gary Carella, Vice President: VacantSecretary: Anita Reinert, Financial Secretary: Vacant, Treasurer: Eleanor Johnson,Deacons: Walter Hartman, Deanna Bardolf, Ida Myers, Henry TroueTrustee: Gary Carella, Deanna Bardolf,

NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert.

A family altar will alter a family.

FOR november 2015

The most powerful position on Earth iskneeling before the Lord of the universe.

BIBLE TRIVIAOctober 2015 Trivia Question

ANSWER: Jeroboam - 1 KINGS 12:32-33

OFFERINGS TO IDOLS:What idol, associated with Moses, was offered sacrifices by later generations?

November 2015 Trivia Question

OFFERINGS TO IDOLS:What king of Israel offered sacrifices to the two golden calves he had made?

HINT: LOOK IN THE BOOK OF - 2 KINGS

Ladies Guild November 2015Offering Thanks

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sometimes, life-here-on-earth can be complicated, demanding, and frustrating. Whenthe demands of life leave us rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment tospare, we may fail to pause and thank our Creater for His gifts. But, whenever weneglect to give proper thanks to the Father we suffer because of our misplacedpriorities.

Today, begin making a list of your blessings. You most certainly will not be able tomake a complete list, but take a few moments and jot down as many blessings as youcan. Then, give thanks to the Giver of all good things: God. His love for you iseternal, as are His gifts. And it’s never too soon -- or too late -- to offer Him thanksand praise.

Grace is an outrageous blessing bestowed freely on a totally undeserving recipient.

May the good things in life be yours inabundance not only at Thanksgiving but

throughout the coming year!

Our next meeting will be on Tues. November 17th @ 7:00pm

In Christ,

President Ladies Guild

Remember your Mite Boxes . . .

We will have PIZZA so don’t eat dinner.

QUEENS ZONE FALL RALLY ... Saturday, November 14, 2015St. John’s College Point

Mark your Calendars

123-07 22nd Avenue, College Point, NY 11356

Bring a lunch for yourself; salad, sandwich, etc. - Dessert will be provided.

10:00am

AND

2

Page 3: NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert. A family

-Our Members who are who are HOME-BOUND: Eleanor & Joe Dunlop; in NURSINGHOMES: Rosemarie Armstrong; Harriet Rose  and  those  with OTHER CONCERNS:Marie Cappello, Kathy, Tim, Lynn, Connie, Karen Carella, Diana Green, Brett Gurnee,Pastor Sam, Marilyn Lang, Danielle Valente, Juliette Valente, Ronnie SowaGrace Serro, Antony Gajadhar, and Douglas Gonzalez (Grandson).

Dear Heavenly Father, You know all about the “impossibles” in our lives. Help us to turn themover to You, knowing with faith-filled certainty that You can and will turn them into “possibles.”When we are weakened, help us cling tightly to Your promises. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Shared Faith Ministries - Dear Heavenly Father, Direct and guide us as the two churcheswork together in your name spreading the good news of your beloved son Jesus Christ, Amen.

our Mid-Week BIBLE Study - Dear Heavenly Father, God, you have made the heavensand the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we arenow about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understandingmore about you and your love for us. Amen

-our ESL Classes, We pray Heavenly Father to send those in need of learning the Englishlanguage to our doors and we thank all of our volunteers who help in this unique ministry.

Our missionary groups right here in Flushing, the Chinese Ministry, the KoreanMinistry and the Indo Pak Ministry, and Glory Lutheran that God will continue to blessall of these Ministries and help them to grow.

- for all of our troops "Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them aThey protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform forus in our time of need. Amen.”

“Pray without ceasing ... Do not put out the Spirit’s fire”1Thessalonians 5: 17, 19

- for all of us at Resurrection that we may all have a heart for those who don't knowJesus, to help everyone come to know the love of God, and become part of God's churchfamily, into an even closer relationship with God, and come to eternal life.

Almighty Father, You are lavish in bestowing all your gifts, and we giveyou thanks for the favor you have given to us. In your goodness you

have favored us and kept us safe in the past. We ask that youcontinue to protect us and to shelter us in the shadow of your wings.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

3

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving ofthanks be made for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1).

Of all of God’s gifts, the greatest one He has given is the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Onthe cross of Calvary, Jesus paid our sin debt, so a holy and just Judge could forgive us oursins and give us eternal life as a free gift. This gift is available to those who will call onChrist to save them from their sin in simple but sincere faith (John 3:16; Romans 3:19-26;Romans 6:23; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8-10). For this gift of His Son, the gift whichmeets our greatest need, the Apostle Paul says, "Thanks be to God for His indescribablegift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

We, like the Pilgrims, have a choice. In life there will always be those things that we cancomplain about (the Pilgrims had lost many loved ones), but there will also be much to bethankful for. As our society becomes increasingly secular, the actual “giving of thanks toGod” during our annual Thanksgiving holiday is being overlooked, leaving only thefeasting. May God grant that He may find us grateful every day for all of His gifts, spiritualand material. God is good, and every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17). For thosewho know Christ, God also works everything together for good, even events we wouldnot necessarily consider good (Romans 8:28-30). May He find us to be His gratefulchildren.

(Continuation of Pastor’s article from page 1)

William Patrick Ciminelli infant son of Janet and Billy Ciminelli (grandsonof Karen & Gary Carella) will be baptized at Resurrection Lutheran Churchon Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 11:30am. The Godmother will beJackie McGrath and the Godfather will be Brian Kavanagh. Thecongregation is invited to attend the baptism.

Page 4: NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert. A family

Birthday’sNovember

November 4November 7November 11November 13

Janet CiminelliDeanna BardolfIda MyersMarilyn Leipold

God’s Blessings on your birthday...God’s Blessings on your birthday...

For more information regarding Resurrection’s “Operation Chirstmas Child”please call Liane Runco (718) 357-4681

Touch the heart of a needy child this Christmas with a Gift-filledShoe Box and the Good News of Jesus Christ!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2014SHOE BOXES: Standard size adult cardboard shoe boxes work great. Wrap thelid and box separately with colorful Christmas wrap or plain paper and decoratewith crayons, markers, stickers, etc. (Boot boxes, while they hold more, areawkward to pack in the shipping cartons). If you prefer to use clear plastic shoeboxes, please, do not use any larger than 6-qt. size.

Labels and instructions for wrapping will be found in your mail box. A donationof $7.00 is requested for each box to cover shipping and project costs. Rememberto pray for this project and the children who receive these gifts. 2 Corinthians 9:7 -

Each one must give as he hasdecided in his heart, not

reluctantly or under compulsion,for God loves a cheerful give

Because we realize that some of our church family will not be able to join us onLoyalty Sunday, please use one of the following ways to make your pledge.

There are 3 options:Put your pledge card in an envelope and mail it to Resurrection Lutheran Church,44-10 192nd Street, Flushing, NY 11358

Send an email to Eleanor Johnson: [email protected] whowill record your pledge and send you a confirmation email in return.

Complete the yellow Stewardship form found in your STEWARDSHIP Packetand return it in person on LOYALTY SUNDAY, November 15.

All pledges are confidential. In addition, all pledges received before LoyaltySunday will be placed before the altar with those presented on the day itself.Hopefully, these alternative methods of making your pledge are convenient foryou. They assist us in that the more pledges we receive by Loyalty Sunday, theless follow-up is required.

Loyalty Sunday November 15th

Stewardship is a Way of Life! - It's about offering up our gratefulhearts to God.  May we see that Stewardship is a "Way of Life" and thatyou will think about how to use your gifts of TIME, TALENT andTREASURE- to the glory of God.

"How shall I be a good steward for the Lord, for all the good thingsGod has done for me?"

is a Way of Lifeis a Way of Life

4

Page 5: NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert. A family

10:00AMAltar Guild Meeting

@ Resurrection

Page 6: NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert. A family

SUNDAY'S - Immanuel Lutheran Churh - Bible Study - 9:30am Pastor Sam uses church 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Glory Lutheran Church 4:00pm - 5:30pm

WEDNESDAY'S - Resurrection Lutheran Church - Bible Study - 10:00am Choir Practice @ 7:30pm

Immanuel Chinese Bible Study 7:30pm -8:30pm

TUESDAY'S - ESL Classes @ 7:30pm

FRIDAYS - Immanuel Chinese Bible Study 7:45pm - 9:00pm

THURSDAYS - Glory Lutheran Bible Study 7:30pm - 9:00pm

NOVEMBER 2015

November 20, 2015If you have a computer and would like to e-mail yourarticles you may do so to: [email protected]

November 8, 2015

Reader: Eleanor Johnson

Usher: TBD

Greeter: Ida Myers

Altar Care: Debbie Sichler Ada Gavora

November 15, 2015

Reader: George Fisher

Usher: Deanna Bardolf Dee Bardolf

Greeter: Deanna Bardolf

Altar Care: Ada Gavora Debbie Sichler

November 22, 2015

Reader: Joanne Gajadhar

Usher: Stephen Gavora

Greeter: Sonja Munzenmaier

Altar Care: Ida Myers Cynthia Myers

November 25, 2015

THANKSGIVING EVE

Usher: TBD

Altar Care: Cynthia MyersIda Myers

Won’t you please help to fill the cart with non-perishable foods!

Your HELP is NEEDED during Fall and Winter months for the food

pantry at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Corona which serves the hungry in

this community. Non-perishable foods can be brought to the food cart

located in the Narthex of Resurrection for future distributions at Emanuel,

usually the first Satuday of the month. For further information call

(718) 359-3289.

November 1, 2015

Reader: Walter Hartman

Usher: TBD

Greeter: Ada Gavora

Altar Care: Eleanor Johnson Jenny Gajadhar

November 29, 2015

Reader: Debbie Sichler

Usher: TBD

Greeter: Jenny Gajadhar

Altar Care: Sonja Munzenmaier Christel Schnackenberg

WORSHIP SERVICE

COMMUNITYMonday, November 23rd

7:30pm

The ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY SERVICEthis year will be hosted by The Church on the Hill located at167-07 35th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11358 (718) 359-0417

6

Page 7: NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert. A family

7

Christ Woodside Evangelical Lutheran Church

33-57 58th Street, Woodside, NY 11377

An enthusiastic Mission Board has plans to use Emanuel Lutheran Church,Corona as a Community Outreach Center which will be called EmanuelCorona’s OUTREACH CENTER. Programs for teenagers, increasingthe Food Pantry to twice a month, prayer services open to the communityand ESL are planned for the immediate future.

Although the church building is in good condition, there are always somerepairs or renovations that are needed. The goal is to re-open the doorsof the church as a congregation in time to come.

Please join this endeavor by donating or attending the dinner onFriday, November 13th. See flyer above

Page 8: NOVEMBER 2015 RLC NEWSLETTERrlcflushing.homestead.com/Newsletter/2015/NOVEMBER_2015...NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert. A family

8

Rev.

Jam

es T

. Gaj

adha

r, P

asto

r Ce

ll: (

917)

753

-1514

44

-10 19

2nd

Stre

et, F

lush

ing,

New

Yor

k 113

58Ph

one:

(71

8) 4

63-4

292

FAX:

(71

8) 4

63-4

677

Web

site

: rlc

flush

ing.

hom

este

ad.c

omSu

nday

Wor

ship

9:15

am*

(Pre

-Wor

ship

Sin

ging

beg

ins

at 9

:05a

m)

Imm

anue

l Lut

hera

n Se

rvic

e 11:

15am

Indo

Pak

Ser

vice

2:00

pm -

3:30

pmGl

ory

Luth

eran

Chu

rch

4:00

pm -

5:30

pm

May th

e God o

f our Lo

rd Jesus

Christ

be upo

nYO

U

Resu

rrec

tion

Luth

eran

Chu

rch

As disciples of Jesus and in obedience to God's word,the mission of Resurrection Lutheran Church is:

Growing in the knowledge and love of Christ,ministering to one another and to those in the

community, sharing the Gospel with unbelieversso that the Holy Spirit draws them into a faith

relationship with Jesus.

Our Mission Statement

Nov

embe

r 1,

2015