REDEEMER LUTHERAN CELEBRATING 112 YEARS OF MINISTRY

Redeemer Lutheran Church

The Rev. Richard A. Mathisen Interim Pastor

Hulmeville and Woodland Avenues

Penndel, PA 19047

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-1:00pm

215-757-2724

Email: redeemerlutheranchurchpenndel@verizon.net

Website: redeemerlutheranpenndel.org

Phone: 215-757-2724 Fax: 215-757-7199

Handicapped Accessible Via a Lift

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Pastor’s Page

Saying goodbye is always difficult. I know it's difficult for me. I've spent almost 10 months at Redeemer Lutheran. And now I'll be leaving, with September 25 as my last Sunday. I will miss you!

I want to thank all of you who accepted me into your homes during the more than 20 visits I made soon after I started. I want to thank the 44 persons who participated in the Visioning Process. I want to thank church council which has graciously accepted my recommendations and scheduled extra meetings for the Ministry Site Profile for the synod. I want to thank the Transition Team chaired by Pat Gallagher and its members. I want to thank the Call Committee. I want to thank the secre-tary, Holly Rogerson, who did so much for me and you. Above all, I want to thank all of the members and friends who have made my time at Re-deemer so rewarding.

But it is still very difficult to say goodbye. I have come to know and to love the people of Redeemer. I have been with you at baptisms and funerals. I have been with you in the hospital and in your homes. I have been with you on Sunday mornings and in all the committee meetings and groups and events.

I hope and pray that I have done what was in my power to help prepare Redeemer Lutheran Church for the future and its next permanent pastor. I have greatly enjoyed working with you for these past 10 months. I will continue to pray for Redeemer and its progress in the future.

May God bless and keep you in His grace!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Mathisen

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Della Christine King and her daughter McKayla Christine King were

baptized on 6/26/16.

Asher Jeremy Martin son of Patricia and Darrell Martin was baptized on

7/24/16.

Pastoral Acts (Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals)

COMING SOON!!!!

Wendy’s Fundraiser.

Watch for more

information!

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September Events

Events Coming in October

9/416: Worship 9:30am

9/6/16: Shared Meal 6pm

9/11/16: RALLY DAY: Worship 9:30am followed by “God’s Work Our

Hands” project

9/17/16: Blessing of the Pets 10am on the church grounds

9/18/16: Worship and Sunday School 9:30am

9/24/16: Stewardship Ziti Dinner 5:00pm

9/25/16: Worship and Sunday School 9:30am

SPECIAL NOTES:

Monday night Bible study resumes 9/12/16 7pm

Senior Bible study resumes 9/14/16 at 10am

Stitching Angels resumes 9/8/16 7pm

Council meetings resume 9/13/16 7pm

Evangelism meetings resume 9/12/16 6pm

WELCA meetings resume 9/20/16 7pm

Stewardship meeting on 9/18 following worship

Choir practice resumes on 9/11/16 Sunday mornings at 8:15am

Bell practice resumes 9/18/16 11am Redeemer Ringers

12:30am EZ Ringers

Men’s Dinner October 22, 2016 5pm

Youth Group Halloween Party October 29th 1-3

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Past Summer Events

Council Highlights

Shared Meal served 58 people on July 5, 2016. Volunteers

shopped, cooked and served a baked ziti meal. We fed 62 people

on 8/2/16.

Redeemer celebrated their 112th Anniversary on Sunday 7/10/16 followed by the annual Church picnic/potluck.

VBS Cave Quest program was held 7/18—7/22/16. 14 children attended along with countless helpers.

The Mission Festival was held on Sunday 8/28/16. Members made items and they were auctioned off to raise money for Doctor’s With-out Borders, and the ELCA Domestic Louisiana Flood Relief Fund. This event raised $1280.00! This amount when combined with the Thrivent match of 2-1 allows Redeemer to provide an additional level of support. (see photos on page 16)

Council held a special meeting August 3rd to review and approve the final draft of the Mission Site Profile (MSP). The completed MSP was submitted to the ELCA Synod Bishop on Friday, August 5th . After approval of the MSP by the Bishop's office, our ministry vacancy has been posted for any interested candidates to apply. (For those interested, enter: http://www.elca.org/Call-Process/Current-Openings as the browser address, and Search for Penndel, PA. Our 75 word summary should appear.) At this point, our Call Committee will need our prayers of support. Also, as candidates begin to apply, we will need to reimburse travel expenses to those selected for interviews. Please prayerfully consider contributing to this fund - no contribution is too small! Pastor Mathisen will be leaving September 25 since the Ministry Site Profile and all other paper work is submitted to synod and the interim pastor’s job is completed. We will be having supply pastors until a new pastor is called. We will say farewell to Pastor Mathisen during coffee hour on Sunday, September 25.

Respectfully, Don Solt

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"No recompense is too great for a pious and diligent schoolmaster or teacher or any one whomsoever who raises and teaches boys in

kindness and truth. He is beyond any price. "

by Martin Luther

With the Reformation 500 fast approaching, Redeemer is planning a Book Store. You will have an opportunity to shop for engaging books on the Reformation for readers of all ages and interests at discounted prices and no shipping cost. Please watch for more information in the October newsletter and in the Sunday bulletins.

Reformation 500 News and Notes

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OCTOBER IS LUTHERAN CHARITIES MONTH!

We Can’t Do it Without YOU! When you are involved with Lutheran

Charities you are a part of something bigger than yourself – part of

something greater than you can even imagine. Every life touched,

every child given a future, every family given hope…it’s all because of

YOU!!! With YOUR help, all of these amazing things happen. And

without your help, they won’t. Whether you have been a faithful

supporter of Lutheran Charities for years, or are considering donating

for the first time – know that YOU are the heroes of this work. Without

faithful Lutherans like you and all those who believe in this sacred

mission these people’s lives will be very different. This work, serving

100,000 people in our area – made possible by you – is a bold living

witness to the Body of Christ, of our strength as God’s people to

change the world.

This is our legacy as Lutherans. This is our story.

“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.”

Martin Luther

You can support us by going to www.lutherancharities.org and making an online gift, or sending back a self-addressed envelope. Call us with questions at 855-323-HOPE. Thank you!

Social Ministry

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Members: Marian Hemphill, Sharon Degen, Marty Ditcher, Dee Grover, Ruth Samuels, Alice Skinner.

Relatives and Friends of our Members: Dennis Green, Catherine Kelly, Marie Gruppioni.

Relatives and Friends of our Members Serving in the Military: Ron Skoczylas, Chad Durban, Bryan Oser, Joseph Piel, Derrick Stone, Mason Burgess.

Prayer Concerns

Remember in Your Prayers Pastor and staff of Redeemer, and our

Nations Leaders:

Pres. Barack Obama, Our U.S. Senators, The Supreme Court, and the House

of Representatives.

Prayer Initiative for September

On September 11th we will pray for:

Deborah & Donald Farnham, Tom Farnham, David & Sandra Feldbauer, David Feldbauer, Tracy Feldbauer, Winnie Ferguson, Linda Mecutchen, Myles Mecutchen, Tyler Mecutchen, Patricia & Tom Finn, Patricia & Tom Gallagher, Denise Goccia and Jessica Piel.

On September 25th we will pray for:

Marsha Goodwin, Lois Gradel, Dee Anna Grover, Trey Grover, Marian & Thomas Hemphill, Michelle & Garnett Morris, Nicholas, Lauren and Lindsay Morris, Michael & Cathy Hemphill, Ciera Cooke, Toni Carra, Michaela Hemphill, Philip Herrington and Lois Hershberger.

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WELCA

WELCA Newsletter “Tea” September 20, 2016

This summer WELCA met to make crafts toward our bazaar in November. Thanks to everyone who attended. We especially thank the women who came up with, purchased, and presented crafts for us to make. They are Edna Schwenk, Marty Ditcher, and Cindy Oser.

Our kick-off WELCA meeting will be Tuesday, September 20 at 7:00

PM in the parish hall. This fall we are switching up the schedule to make our kick-off more special and celebrating our “Tea” in September.

It’s a party!!! You’re Invited!!!

Financial Condition for the period ending 31-Jul-16

Current Fund Income $ 63,616

Donations/Reimbursements $ 9,738

Expenses $ 80,947

Net Income (Loss) $ (7,593)

Summer months are always challenging to keep ahead of the

expenses. Maybe you have missed a few Sundays during the lazy

days of summer. Please consider making a contribution to Redeemer.

All of your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,

Kim Overbagh, Treasurer

Finance

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Stewardship

Stewardship Meeting: September 18th after church worship

Stewardship Ziti Dinner: Saturday, September 24, 2016

5:00-7:00pm

Cost: $10, children under 10 free

Please join us the 1st Monday of each month at 6pm in the Church office for our Evangelism Committee. Our committee is responsible for writing the Legacy Stories, creating the Welcome Bags for visitors, sending packages to college/trade school students for Halloween and Valentine's Day, organize the gifts for Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day. In December we will be going caroling, January we will have a cook-off and July we help organize the Church Anni-versary picnic.

Due to Labor Day falling on the 1st Monday of the month we will be meeting September 12th at 6:00 pm.

If you want more information, please contact one of our committee members, they are:

Gail Blinstrub Edna Schwenk

Linda Winters Karen Kondrk

John Schwenk John Slaughter

Please prayerfully consider joining the Evangelism Committee.

Respectfully submitted

Sandy Weasner, Evangelism Chair

Evangelism

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Wow, it’s hard to believe the summer has come to an end and prepara-

tions for school are in full swing once again! Our Redeemer Christian

Education team has been very busy with Vacation bible school and

preparing our classroom and programs for the 2016-2017 school year.

This year’s focus in the elementary classes will be on God keeps his

promises.

Mark your calendar for RALLY DAY, September 11 at 9:30 am when

we join together in worship and celebration with our annual power point

presentation, the installation of Sunday school teachers for all age levels

(including adult bible study and confirmation), and the blessing of the

school bags or back packs! SO everyone planning to attend a class

……….. Remember to bring your bags!!!

We will also participate in the service project for “God’s Work, Our

Hands” following the service. Sunday school will focus on God’s

Global Barnyard this year as well as school supplies for the Bucks

County Housing Group who distributes 100’s of school bags to kids in

need k-12th grade.

Lots of exciting opportunities to strengthen your faith through bible study

for all ages -----

Elementary and preschool classes beginning Rally Day,

September 11 at 9:30 am

Monday evening bible study at 7 pm led by Diane Anderson and

begins on Monday 9/12/16 at 7pm

2nd

and 4th

Wednesday’s, senior bible study at 10 am led by Ilene

Kersten beginning September 14, 2016

First year confirmation for those who qualify and desire

instruction led by Mrs. Lynda Jones will meet with Pastor and

Mrs. Jones prior to the start of class. Letters will be sent with

more information.

If you are moved by the Holy Spirit to attend one of these programs

please contact the lead person directly or Denise Robinson.

Christian Education

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DATES TO REMEMBER for SEPTEMBER---

6th

-shared meal - 7 pm

11th

RALLY DAY- worship- 9:30 am, PP presentation, blessing the

backpacks, installation of SCS teachers,

God’s Work our hands service project after worship

17th

– blessing of the animals on the church grounds 10 am

18th

-Entering the Promised Land; crossing the Jordan; -- walls of

Jericho, Joshua 1 and 2

25th

-Entering the Promised Land; crossing the Jordan; -- walls of

Jericho, Joshua 1 and 2

CAVE QUEST VBS ---

July 18-22, fourteen spelunkers enjoyed the week of fellowship

learning that Jesus is the light of the world.

There was lots of fun at Bible Quest stories led by Wayne Degen,

Spelunker games with Alex Northrup, Chris Ryan, Mike Parker and

Mathew Hawthorne, Imagination Station led by Trish Ryan, and Cavern

Café, led by Gail Blinstrub and Kim Overbagh. The preschoolers had

their own room this year which was a great success thanks to Jessica

Peil. Also thank you to Michelle Brownlee, Nick Hotalen, Georgia

Woodford and Natalie who worked with the spelunkers as they rotated

through the stations. And thanks to Denise Goccia who keeps everyone

on schedule and takes pictures!

I want to thank these wonderful people and to all those who

donated to our program. Without this group, we would never be able to

create this wonderful experience for the community and our Redeemer

kids!

Denise Robinson

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Cave Quest VBS Pictures

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News and Notes and Thank You’s and Community Info

Dear Holly and Redeemer Members, and Pastor Mathisen,

Just a little note to say “Thank You” for all your kind wishes and phone

calls. I am especially grateful for the prayer pillow. It is all the well

wishes and prayers that have made for a speedy recovery. Oh, I can’t

forget Pastor Mathisen’s call from Las Vegas—It was a lucky one!

God Bless one and all,

Dolores Danielson

Winnie Ferguson

290 E. Winchester Ave.

Apt. 210W

Langhorne, PA 19047

Phone Number: 215-337-5993

Dear Redeemer friends and Pastor Mathisen,

Thank you so much for your kind words, prayers and cards regarding

the death of Katie Shoener, my son-in-law’s sister. She suffered from

bi-polar disease and struggled on a daily basis. BUT what a wonderful

kind, funny, beautiful person she was. My daughter and son-in-law and

Katie's brothers and mother and father still struggle, but trust in God

and know that Katie is with our Father and finally at peace.

Holly Rogerson

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Dear Rita, Ruth, Kay, Edna, Dorothy, Marty

Thank you so much for all the beautiful knitted and crocheted hats and blankets. We gave the items to babies at discharge. The parents were very touched at the generosity of your group. The care and love of each handmade item is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Linda Ducaz, Capital Health &

March of Dimes NICU Family Support

Congratulations to Della and McKayla King, who were baptized on

June 25, 2016 and Asher Martin who was baptized on July 24, 2016.

News and Notes and Thank You’s and Community Info

Save the Date!

Fundraiser for Sharon Degen

Friday 11/18/16

Newportville Fire Company .6:30PM—10:30PM

Sharon Degen, was diagnosed with recurrent uterine cancer and has

been undergoing chemotherapy since May 2016. Please show your

support by attending this beef and beer. Tickets are $35/person and all

money raised will go towards medical expenses and other expenses so

Sharon can focus on getting well.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to donate money or a raffle

basket contact Jackie (Sharon’s daughter-in-law) at 267-273-3701

If you would like to purchase tickets contact Jackie at 267-273-3701

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Mission Festival Pictures

Great Job!

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Sharing God’s Bounty

September

© Copyright Parish Publishing, LLC l May not be copied without permission. l www.parishpublishing.org

Why We Struggle in Giving

Jesus gave us all … his one and only Son (John 3:16). Just as Jesus gave, we are enabled by God’s grace to be giving people. For Christians, giving is not an option. We are to give our firstfruits generously and joyfully out of gratitude for who God is and what he has done and continues to do for us. So why don’t Christians give as they should?

The following are some reasons people don’t give more:

1. Spiritual problems. People act as owners of their things rather than stewards. They readily acknowledge God as the owner with their lips but not with their hearts and actions. Those lacking an intimate relationship with Jesus do not make giving a priority.

2. Financial problems. The average credit card debt per household is approxi-mately $8,000. Many don’t manage their money wisely. Until we spend less mon-ey than we make, we will find that money is tight and unavailable for giving gener-ously.

3. Compartmentalization. We compartmentalize when we divide our lives into competing parts. If we disconnect God from the managing of our money, he is not in control, and we are prone to hoard money rather than give it.

4. Limited vision. We are apt to give less than we are capable if we do not un-derstand all that our church or other Christian organizations are doing. If we un-derstand and relate to the vision and mission of the church or organizations seek-ing our contributions, we will give generously.

Limited relationships. People give more when they are connected to the church or Christian organization through relationships. If good relationships exist with the pastor or church leaders or even other members, people tend to be more gener-ous.

If we are struggling in our giving, we need to seek God’s strength to grow in our faith and trust in him. It is only by God’s grace that we can be empowered to grow in the grace of giving.

May God help us all grow in his love and grace so we become the generous givers he wants us to be.

We own nothing. We are simply stewards of our lives, our goods, and our relationships. A basic understanding of Christian stewardship is that we are set in this world as caretakers, as stewards, not as possessors. To be wise, is, in one sense, to be a good steward. The gospel story of the tal­ents constitutes a plea for us to use what has been entrusted to us, but it is grounded in the truth that we own nothing, not even our lives.

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Legacy Story - Alice Skinner

Alice Ruth Skinner was born at Frankford Hospital in Philadelphia on

December 19, 1949. Alice was just 2 years old when the family

moved to Walker Avenue in Penndel. The family joined Redeemer

that same year. They could walk to church so that’s how they

became Lutherans. Alice participated in the church choirs ever since

she was in 3rd grade.

Alice attended Penndel Elementary School where they walked home

for lunch and watched “The Price is Right”. She graduated from

Neshaminy High School in 1967. During her time in high school she

sang in the concert choir that performed at the World’s Fair in NY in

1965, under the direction of Ted Kloos.

Alice worked at the Woods School before earning her Associate

Degree in Education from Bucks County Community College, West

Chester for her Bachelors Degree in Education and Trenton State

College for her Masters in Special Education. She started teaching at

Neshaminy, Pearl S. Buck in 1971. She taught Special Education in

reading, math, social studies, science and the resource room.

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Each year started the same with, “Hi, I am your teacher Miss Skinner

and I am beautiful”. Each child then responded with their name, the

teachers name, and “I am beautiful”. She also taught at Albert Schweit-

zer and Herbert Hoover schools before retiring in 2008 at the age of 58.

Alice loves to teach and loves the Lord. She taught Sunday School,

Vacation Bible School and has been on the church council.

Alice lived in Middletown Trace Apartments for 13 years and a town-

house in Bensalem for 11 years before remodeling her mother’s

house on Walker Avenue and moving there in 2000.

Alice loves to read. She loves Science Fiction and likes Star Trek and

Dr. Who. Her favorite cartoon is Marvin the Martian. Her favorite actor

is James Drury from “The Virginian”.

Over the years Alice has rescued 6 cats. Her last cat is Adam.

Alice’s passion for life is unending.

Submitted by

Marsie McMullen

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Server Schedule September

September 2016 9:30am Worship Note

9/4/2016 Setting 3 Communion Labor Day Weekend

Acolyte/Crucifer Patti Finn

Lay Assistant Lori Meola

Altar Guild Lori Meola, Cindy Oser, Bunny Elinich

Counters Arlene Shecter, Jean Lippincott

9/11/2016 Service of the Word Rally Day, God's Work

Our Hands

Acolyte/Crucifer Billy Clark

Lay Assistant Gail Blinstrub

Altar Guild Kim & Gary Overbagh

Counters Arlene Shecter, Jean Lippincott

9/18/2016 Setting 10 Communion

Acolyte/Crucifer Scott Ditcher

Lay Assistant Andy Martinsen

Altar Guild Kim & Gary Overbagh

Counters Kim Overbagh, Marge Einenkel

9/25/2016 Service of the Word

Acolyte/Crucifer Patrick O'Connell

Lay Assistant Deb Farnham

Altar Guild Rita Solt, Linda Winter

Counters Kim Overbagh, Marge Einenkel

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Kid’s Pages—September

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September Birthday’s and Anniversaries

September Birthdays

1st Donna Kistner

Pearl Ward

4th Michelle Brownlee

5th Edna Schwenk

7th Dolores Hoppe

10th David Feldbauer

11th Michelle Seyferhelt

14th Charlene Williams

15th Jean Lippincott

Ilene Kersten

18th Ruth Samuels

Shelley Solt

Cindy Oser

19th Marian Hemphill

Felicia Kieser

Brian Woodford

24th Michael Parker

27th Lynda Jones

28th Arlene Shecter

Tyler Mecutchen

29th Amy Meola

Tony Yepello

September Wedding Anniversaries

9/3/94 Michelle & Garnett Morris 9/20/58 Katherine & Lawrence Patelunas, Sr.

9/25/76 Scott and Marty Ditcher

9/29/79 Dave and Cindy Short

9/29/09 Gary and Kim Overbagh

9/30/72 Joan & Mike Dunn

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Visitors and Neighbors:

Welcome to Redeemer Lutheran

Church!

Our door is open to you!

We would be happy to have you join

us as a Partner in prayer, in song, and

in the hearing of God’s word.

Redeemer Lutheran Church is a caring

community of baptized believers, confessing

Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior. As a

forgiven community, we gather in faith around

God’s table to hear God’s word and participate

in the life giving sacraments, which God has

instituted through His Son Jesus Christ.

Responding in faith we are called to joyfully

proclaim the Gospel of our Lord in word and

deed in the wider community.

MISSION STATEMENT