Transforming Lives by Connecting Communities St. Timothy ... · bands, featured local charities,...

Epistle from

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

July-August 2019

Volume 24, Issue 11

Transforming Lives by Connecting Communities

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.

Much has been “in the works” at St. Timothy. Here are a few bits of information to help you stay abreast of things. Please do not hesitate to speak with Sister Janet or a member of the Congregation Council if you desire more details or clarification on any of these items. Polling places for two precincts were housed in St. Timothy for the Primary Election on May 21st. St. Timothy provided a hospitality table (coffee, water, snacks, information on St. Timothy) staffed by cheerful greeters—a service received gratefully by poll workers and voters. St. Timothy’s Annual Yard Sale was held on June 1st with great success as usual, thanks to the generosity in giving and in effort by many of our members. As a result, $1,226.40 (representing the proceeds from the sale and some additional monies from a donation box that we provided at the sale) was sent to the Homeless Donation Fund which helps to provide needed supplies for the over 600 young people in the Allentown School District who presently are experiencing homelessness. Worship on Wednesday (WOW) are in full swing with a wonderful line-up of praise bands, featured local charities, and preachers. Music starts at 6:45 p.m. each Wednesday. Work is well underway for the new boiler system and gas hook-up in our building, so that we should be in good shape for the upcoming heating season. The “Turn Up the Heat” campaign to pay for the new boiler installation continues to move toward the goal of collecting $60,000.00 over three years. As of June 16, $24,895.77 has been contributed, and a total of $39.301.04 has been pledged. (Pledges will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous anonymous donor, as the pledges are fulfilled.) Please note that we are only a little over $5,000 in contributions away from our next “Pie & Coffee Fellowship,” which will celebrate reaching the half-way mark in needed contributions.

Continued on page 2—see UPDATE

St. Timothy Gracefully Moving Forward—A Few Updates

Moving? New Email?Change Your Phone No.?

We constantly struggle in this mobile society we live in to keep up with everyone’s current mailing and contact information. We are asking everyone to make sure the information we have is up-to-date by completing the form below and either mail it to the church secretary or drop it in the offering plate.Name

Address

City State Zip Code

Home Phone M include in DirectoryHome Phone M omit from DirectoryCell Phone (optional) M include in DirectoryHome Phone M omit from DirectoryWork Phone (optional) M include in DirectoryHome Phone M omit from DirectoryEmail M include in DirectoryHome Phone M omit from Directory

Please send my copy M Mail (Post Office)of the newsletter to me via: M Email

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

Epistle from St. Timothy July-August 2019

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

for information about our synod

ELCA WEB SITEwww.elca.org

for information about our national church

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

Find us on Facebook atfacebook.com/sttimothyallentownpa

Follow us on Twitter attwitter.com/StTimAPa

ST. TIMOTHY’s [email protected]

FIND MORE EMAIL ADDRESSES AT:www.sttimothylc.org

UPDATE (continued from page 1)

We continue to walk with Hope United Church of Christ and celebrate our relationship in Christ. Hope UCC worships in St. Timothy’s nave each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and provides a “building use” contribution in return. Also, there have been good partnership and planning by the Mission & Outreach Teams of the two congregations. The blessing of “gifting” continues as the gift of sanctuary chairs from Hope UCC is issuing in the ability of St. Timothy to gift pews to Habitat for Humanity in support of that important charity. In addition, St. Timothy is gaining the comfort of padded chairs and the benefit of flexibility in seating arrangement in our nave—attractive additions for a variety of age groups. We will give thanks formally for pews and chairs during our worship on June 30, as we anticipate seeing the transformation of seating

AS PASTORAL CARE NEEDS ARISE…Please help Sister Janet provide timely pastoral care by informing her if you or another member of the congregation goes into the hospital or if you have any other pastoral care needs (in-home visit, spiritual counsel, baptism, funeral, wedding). You can reach her mobile phone at 570-401-5251 (please leave a message and she will get back to you) or by calling the church office at 610-435-6512 Ext. 200 and leaving a message with Cheryl.

Tuesday Prayer for PeaceIs a weekly opportunity to gather with brothers and sisters in faith for thirty minutes of reflection and prayer for peace—in hearts, in neighborhoods, in the world.

Prayer begins at 7:00 A.M.We gather in St. Timothy Church lounge.

Please join us and invite others as well!

(replacing pews with chairs) over the weeks to come. Praise be to God for these graceful movements in our life as a congregation! Let us pray daily that we may continue to work and dance with the Spirit of Christ for the sake of God’s creative, uniting intentions in church and world!

http://godslove.org

http://nepsynod.org

http://www.elca.org

http://facebook.com/sttimothyallentownpa

http://twitter.com/StTimAPa

mailto:office%40sttimothylc.org?subject=NEWSLETTER

http://www.sttimothylc.org

DEADLINEfor the

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER…AUGUST 15!

July-August 2019

Date Day Special Events Readings

July 3 Wednesday WOW Service Calvary Moravian Praise Team, 7:00 p.m. Land of Promise Calvary Moravian Church, Allentown, PA

July 7 Sunday Pentecost 4 Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-9; 10:30 a.m. Galatians 6:1-16; Luke 10:1-11,16-20

July 10 Wednesday WOW Service 10:10, 7:00 p.m. Land of Promise First Presbyterian Church, Allentown, PA

July 14 Sunday Pentecost 5 Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10; 10:30 a.m. Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37

July 17 Wednesday WOW Service Glorious Day Praise Band, 7:00 p.m. Land of Promise St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Allentown, PA

July 21 Sunday Pentecost 6 Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; 10:30 a.m. Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42

July 24 Wednesday WOW Service Imagine, 7:00 p.m. Land of Promise Hope United Church of Christ, Allentown, PA

July 28 Sunday Pentecost 7 Genesis 18: 20-32; Psalm 138; 10:30 a.m. Colossians 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13

July 31 Wednesday WOW Service The Blend, 7:00 p.m. Land of Promise The Barn Faith Community, Allentown, PA

August 4 Sunday Pentecost 8 Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23; Psalm 49:1-12; 10:30 a.m. Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

August 7 Wednesday WOW Service Saturday Night Live, 7:00 p.m. Land of Promise Steel City Mennonite Church, Hellertown, PA

August 11 Sunday Pentecost 9 Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; 10:30 a.m. Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40

August 14 Wednesday WOW Service Grace Notes Big Band, 7:00 p.m. Land of Promise Allentown, PA

August 18 Sunday Pentecost 10 Jeremiah 23:23-29; Psalm 82; 10:30 a.m. Hebrews 11:29–12:2; Luke 12:49-56

August 25 Sunday Pentecost 11 Isaiah 58:9b-14; Psalm 103:1-8; 10:30 a.m. Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17

July-August Worship CalendarSunday School and Adult Forum will resume in September

Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 a.m.


Environmental Effects on Our Lungs Ah!!! The good old summer time; more time to spend outdoors in fresh air. Both indoor and outdoor air contain invisible fine-particulate matter that pollutes the air. The EPA monitors six measures of air pollution: ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. There are different air quality standards for each type of pollution. Harmful levels of ozone and particulate matter are more threatening to people who live in cities and urban areas. Those living in rural areas are more likely to be bothered by burning of woodstoves, wildfire activity, and the use of pesticides by farmers and agriculture workers. Unhealthy air can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and pain when breathing. Over a period of time, breathing polluted air can lead to asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and cancer. Children can be more prone to lung conditions than adults, even to the point of slow lung development. Studies have shown that between 2000 and 2013, levels of fine particulate matter decreased nationwide because of regulations that restrict emissions from motor vehicles and industry. However, levels of ozone pollution had significantly increased according to the American Lung Association. Climate change has an effect on health. As the atmosphere gets warmer, ground level ozone can increase, resulting in reducing lung function and contributing to worsening asthma symptoms. On hotter days, the increased use of air conditioning causes greater particulate matter pollution. As the weather produces drier conditions, the risk of forest fires increases. The smoke produces a toxic cloud that leads to respiratory concerns. On the other side of the coin, droughts and periods of heavy rain lead to additional problems. Droughts lead to higher levels of dust particles in the air which harbor toxins. Unusually wet conditions lead to increased levels of mold, fungus, and pollens

which contribute to asthma and allergies. Indoor air can also cause problems. Our homes have become more airtight in order to improve heating and cooling efficiency, which prohibits the release of emissions. New carpeting, for example, may have a pleasant odor but that smell is emitting gases and invisible particles. These emissions can lead to a runny nose, congestion, headache, dizziness, and nausea. The chemical products being emitted are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can be found in numerous items: furniture padding, foam mattresses, candles, incense, paint, cleaning products, and building materials. Radon, a gas that forms naturally in the ground resulting from the break-up of uranium, is an identified carcinogen. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Has your home been tested for radon?

What can you do to decrease the risk of pollution threats? When indoors, the following will be helpful: • minimize the amount of time that scented

candles and incense are burned • have wood burning stoves checked for leaks of

gas/particulate matter • open doors and windows for a few minutes

each day throughout the year • install a HEPA (high efficiency particulate) air

filter on your heating and air conditioning system.

When outdoors, it’s a bit more difficult to reduce your exposure to pollutants. Many health experts say the best way to lower your outdoor risk is to support public health initiatives and government regulations that reduce outdoor air pollution. Health experts also believe that reducing the burning of fossil fuels will lead to cleaner and greener sources of energy which, in turn, will provide better lung health.

Adapted from Time Health winter 2018

July-August 2019

Summer Sun Risk and Sunscreen Every season is sunscreen season. It is important to protect your skin from the sun throughout the year, not just during the summer months. Exposure to the sun is responsible for a myriad of health problems: sunburn, skin spots, wrinkles, leathery skin, skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and it is on the increase in the United States. Well over 80,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma of the skin in one year and approximately 4.3 million are diagnosed and treated for basal and squamous cell cancer every year in the United States. Damage to the skin caused by the sun is a result of invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sun burn is a type of damage resulting from the sun. Tanning is a sign of the skin reacting to damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides the skin with some protection against sunburn, but not nearly enough. Spending time in the sun, which most individuals do during the summer months more so than during the remainder of the year, increases one’s risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. The color of one’s skin is not a factor in the risk for skin damage; fair, medium, dark skin, all are at risk for sun damage.

The following initiatives will reduce your risk: • Limit your time in the sun, especially between

10 am and 2 pm. During these hours the sun’s rays are most intense.

• Cover exposed skin as much as possible. • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (offers

protection against both UVA and UVB sun rays). Both are types of ultra violet radiation.

• Be sure that the sunscreen products have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

• Read the product label to ensure that you are are using the product correctly.

• Apply the sunscreen liberally to all uncovered skin surfaces. Reapply at least every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming.

• Use about one ounce of sun screen ( the amount needed to fill a shot glass) to cover the areas of the body exposed to the sun. If you have a bald head or thinning hair, apply sunscreen to the scalp or wear a hat.

• Apply the sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outside.

• Follow the same practices for children. Check with a health care provider for children under 6 months.

Enjoy the outdoors while at the same time exercising caution to protect your skin.

We pray weekly for our members at home. Every month we highlight a portion our list of homebound members so that you can send cards, and perhaps visit! Here is this month’s list (birthday in italics): Sharon Clark, Good Shepherd Home, Raker #, 543 St. John St., Allentown, PA 18103 (February 5)

Barbara Fletcher, Lehigh Commons, Rm. 212, 1680 Spring Creek Rd., Macungie, PA 18062 (December 22) Birthdays: Virginia (Ginny) Stetz, Woodland Terrace at the Oaks, 1263 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Apt. 310, Allentown, PA 18103 (July 23)


Highlights of the May 14 Council Meeting

Turn Up the Heat Campaign—Pledges (as of 5/8)–$ 27, 278.04 Donations (as of 5/8)–$ 20,494.77 (includes paid pledges) A motion was made and passed to have the Outreach Committee form a task force to investigate how we can become a host church or support church for the Family Promise Program. A motion was made and passed to contribute the proceeds from the yard sale to the homeless fund of the Allentown School District.

Boiler Conversion Update The agreement with the UGI was signed and the fee paid. The line, which will cross the Land of Promise, will be installed in 6-8 weeks. Burkholder’s will remove the old oil boiler and install two new gas boilers in the next couple of weeks. Reichenbach has stopped delivering oil. JMT will remove the tank after the unused oil is removed.

GraduationSarah Bobeck Sarah graduated on June 4th from Salisbury High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and was honored with finishing as one of the top ten students academically in her 2019 class. Sarah was a member of the soccer team her senior year and also was a District Champion in seven events over her swimming career at Salisbury. Also, she participated at the state level in every freestyle event. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and playing guitar. Sarah will be attending Gettysburg College to pursue a biology/health degree so she can further her education in Dentistry. Sarah is also excited to swim for the Gettysburg Swim Team.

Dear Nancy, the yard sale team, and all of St. Timothy congregation, Thank you so much for once again thinking of Green Drop and the Purple Heart Organization. Over 80 bags and boxes of charitable donations were collected after your church yard sale last week that will all benefit the Purple Heart/Veterans and their families! That is wonderful!! Please do reach out again when Green Drop can be of service. Have a wonderful summer! Thanks, again! Sincerely, Janine Carruthers, Community Relations Coordinator

July-August 2019 Epistle from St. Timothy

Seen Around…

Making pizza to serve following the Children’s Day service.


Seen Around…

The children performed a skit for the Children’s Day service.

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

1OFFICE CLOSED7 pm–Boy Scouts [F]

27 am–Prayer for Peace [L]9 am-12 pm–Quilters [L]12-3 pm–Office Open

312-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–WOW Worship w/Calvary Moravian Praise Team [LP]7 pm–Allentown Hik-ing Club [F]

4 INDEPENDENCE DAY 12-3 pm–Office Open6:30-8:30 pm–Glorious Day Rehearsal [L]

512-3 pm–Office Open6:30-11 pm–Chess Club [L]

69 am–Outreach Com-mittee [L]

7 Pentecost 48:30-10 am–Hope UCC Worship [NV]10:30 am–St. Timothy Worship [NV]~11:30 am–Blood Pressure Screening [L]

8OFFICE CLOSED9 am–Property Com-mittee [L]7 pm–Boy Scouts [F]

97 am–Prayer for Peace [L]12-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–Congregation Council Meeting [L]

1012-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–WOW Worship w/10:10 First Presby-terian Church Praise Band [LP]Operation Sunshine in Parking LotAARP in Parking Lot

1112-3 pm–Office Open2 pm–Daybreak Mis-sion Team6 pm–Scout Commis-sioners Meeting [F]

1212-3 pm–Office Open6:30-11pm–Chess Club [L]

13

14 Pentecost 58:30-10 am–Hope UCC Worship [NV]10:30 am–St. Timothy Worship [NV]

15OFFICE CLOSED7 pm–Mental Health Support Group [L]7 pm–Boy Scouts [F]

167 am–Prayer for Peace [L]9 am-12 pm–Quilters [L]12-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–Hope UCC Con-sistory Meeting [L]

1712-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–WOW Worship w/Glorious Day and West Side Collabora-tive Choirs [LP]

1812-3 pm–Office Open


20

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY



237 am–Prayer for Peace [L]12-3 pm–Office Open

2412-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–WOW Worship w/Imagine Praise Team (Hope UCC) [LP] 7 pm–AA [L]



2710 am-5 pm–Cub Pack 5 Cub Olympics [F]


29OFFICE CLOSED7 pm–Boy Scouts [F}


3112-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–WOW Worship w/The Blend (The Barn) [LP]

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


212-3 pm–Office Open6:30-11 pm–Chess Club [L]

39 am–Outreach Com-mittee [L]

4 Pentecost 88:30-10 am–Hope UCC Worship [NV]10:30 am–St. Timothy Worship [NV]~11:30 am–Blood Pressure Screening [L]



712-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–WOW Worship w/Saturday Night Alive (Steel City Mennonite Church [LP]7 pm–Allentown Hik-ing Club [F]

812-3 pm–Office Open2 pm–Daybreak Mis-sion Team6-9 pm–Scout Leader-ship Meeting [F+LP]


10


12OFFICE CLOSED9 am–Property Com-mittee [L]7 pm–Boy Scouts [F]


1412-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–WOW Worship w/Grace Notes Big Band [LP]


DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER

NEWSLETTER


17

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

18 Pentecost 108:30-10 am–Hope UCC Worship [NV]10:30 am–St. Timothy Worship [NV]Bakers may pick up peaches following worship [F]

19OFFICE CLOSED7 pm–Mental Health Support Group [L]7 pm–Boy Scouts [F]

207 am–Prayer for Peace [L]9 am-12 pm–Quilters [L]12-3 pm–Office Open 3 pm–Worship Com-mittee [L]7 pm–Hope UCC Con-sistory Meeting [L]

2112-3 pm–Office Open6-7:30 pm–Peach Fes-tival [Front of Church]

2212-3 pm–Office OpenOperation Sunshine in Parking Lot


24


26OFFICE CLOSED


2812-3 pm–Office Open7 pm–AA Meeting [F]



31

Saturday Evening at Zion, Tamaqua One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to worship styles. Five years ago Zion, Tamaqua developed a Saturday evening service to • provide an alternative time of worship for people who cannot get to a Sunday service, and • provide an alternative style of worship for people who do not relate to the typical traditional high liturgy.

The service includes all the parts of a traditional service but in a more relaxed, informal style. Within a short period of time, we installed a digital projector and purchased the ProPresenter program to organize our worship and to allow us to add purchased music and subject matter videos to our service.

Because of it’s flexibility, the Saturday service has been adapted to include a special service for cancer survivors, our annual blessing of the animals, a vow renewal service around Valentine’s Day, and a Christmas in July service complete with a full holiday dinner following the service. All the Saturday services begin with Godsightings, when people are encouraged to share where they have seen God at work in their lives during the past week.

In December 2017 we began live-streaming our Saturday and Sunday services through Boxcast. As of March 30, we have webcast 107 services. On our website we’ve reached 379 unique viewers who watched 1,491 times. We began posting on Facebook in March 2018. Since then we’ve had 2,522 viewers of Saturday services and 2,830 viewers of Sunday services. Services are archived for several weeks.

Volume 27, Issue 6 June 2019

SYNOD NEWS Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA

Correction: In the last edition of Synod News Pastor Carl Shankweiler was reported as having retired. Although Pr. Shankweiler has stepped down from synod staff, he is still the called pastor at Zion, Frackville and also working under contract with Trinity (Chapel), Buck Run.

Pr. Cindy White offers blessings to three companions at a Saturday service

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

View the full color edition online at http://nepasynod.org.

Community Breakfast at St. John, Easton

A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in historic downtown Easton came to the Outreach Committee meeting and said, “Let’s have a community breakfast.” No agenda, no cost, just something to get people together. The committee mulled it over and said, “Let’s do it!”

Breakfast had already become a speciality for Roger Ruggles. On Sunday mornings he cooked pancakes, French toast, and bacon/sausage; and he served them with fruit for any in the Sunday school before the 9:00 start time.

Roger decided to extend what he already knew; so he recruited some others to help cook: Mayor Sal Panto,and Roger’s brother-in-law Dennis Greenleaf. And Roger also invited Bishop Zeizer, who was kind enough to attend and help fix the plates.

At the free meal firefighters, police officers, community leaders, Lafayette students, neighbors, some homeless, and parishioners gathered together to eat. Another church even sent volunteers to help serve. The volunteers served over a hundred people, and comments from the diners were very positive.

A simple breakfast became an example of hospitality in downtown Easton at its best!

mailto:[email protected]

http://nepasynod.org



Highlights from Assembly 2019 Festival Worship On Saturday, June 1, approximately 500 delegates and visitors gathered at Genetti Ballrooms Inn & Suites in Hazleton for Assembly 2019. The day began with a Festival Worship Service led by Bishop Zeiser and synod Vice-President Kristen Edelman-Weiner. Service music was provided by Deacon Michael Krentz and a volunteer choir. An offering of $3,600 was collected for World Hunger.

In his sermon, Bishop Zeiser spoke of a “stirring” within us when we recognize the active presence of God in our life. Driven by faith, we become convinced that we “are onto something”; and we then are compelled to see it through. The result is ministry, ministry built on the generations of

Christians who likewise were convinced that they were onto something. However, the past, no matter how great, is sometimes unhelpful for this time. Our theme “Freed in Christ for a New Day” reminds us that it is indeed a new time; and it further reminds us of who it is that got us here, and who will come again.

ELCA Churchwide Representative The Rev. Ronald T. Glusenkamp, Director for “Always Being made new: The Campaign for the ELCA,” was this year’s ELCA Churchwide representative. Pastor Glusenkamp described the ELCA Churchwide ministry and mission in 2018. This included major efforts in advocacy, candidacy, congregational vitality, Fund for Leaders, World Hunger, global mission, and the Youth Gathering. He shared a video report highlighting these efforts (video link: https://vimeo.com/332095341) and also a video greeting from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton (video link: https://youtu.be/TMVrRrKF2sg). Following Pastor

Glusenkamp’s presentation, an offering of over $3,300 was collected for The Campaign for the ELCA.

Bishop Zeiser’s Report to the Synod Bishop Zeiser reviewed some of the mission and ministry of our Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod during the past year. He then talked about challenges that the next bishop (to be elected at Assembly 2020) will face. He emphasized that many congregations will be facing challenging situations; and that it is critically important for both congregations and rostered ministers to commit to building a collegial relationship with the new bishop and his or her staff as together they face the immense challenges to come.

Volume 27, Issue 7 July-August 2019

SYNOD NEWS Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA

https://vimeo.com/332095341

https://youtu.be/TMVrRrKF2sg

https://vimeo.com/332095341

https://youtu.be/TMVrRrKF2sg

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

View the full color edition online at http://nepasynod.org.

More Highlights from Assembly 2019

Luncheon After the morning session, the delegates and visitors adjourned for a luncheon in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Synod receiving its charter. They enjoyed their meal under a large tent on a beautiful spring afternoon.

Elections Several individuals were elected to offices in the synod: Synod Vice President: Kristen Edelman-Weiner Synod Secretary: The Rev. Carl Shankweiler Synod Council-Clergy: The Rev. Cheryl Meinschein Synod Council-Lay Female: Ruth Major Synod Council-Lay Male: Thomas Engle

Reports from Synod Officers

Resolutions The Assembly adopted two resolutions. The first was a major revision of “Continuing Resolutions” offered by Synod Council to bring them up to date with current practice. The second was a resolution that the Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry Team address the need for synodical youth leadership; and that this Team work with the Transition Team that will report to the new bishop in 2020.

The 2020 compensation guidelines for pastors and deacons were also adopted.

Kristen Edelman-Weiner Rev. Carl Shankweiler

The Assembly heard reports from the synod officers: Vice President Kristen Edelman-Weiner; Secretary The Rev. Carl Shankweiler; and Treasurer Donald Dillman. The 2020 Spending Plan was adopted with a total budget for next year of $1,984,400, of which $869,500 is sent to the ELCA for Mission Support; and $148,000 is given to various church related institutions such as Bear Creek Camp, United Lutheran Seminary, Muhlenberg College, PA Conference of Churches, and LAMPa.

Assembly 2020, June 4-6 Kalahari Resort & Convention Center

Pocono Manor, PA Plan now to attend. If you are a delegate, you will help to elect a new bishop.

And both delegates and visitors can enjoy the indoor and outdoor waterparks of this exciting resort.





July/August2019 LMD website: www.lehighlutherans.com Volume 24, No. 6

The Rev. Nelson Quinones, Dean 610-653-5858 Elizabeth Leibenguth, Mission District Chair 484-550-0057 The Rev. Kurt E. Garbe, Assoc. of the Bishop 610-266-5101 Mrs. Linda Smith, Newsletter Editor 610-437-9927

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

September 2019 LMD NL news will be due August 19, 2019. E-Mail any information to me at [email protected]. *NEW - Please check out our Mission District website: www.lehighlutherans.com - and send any changes or additions to Pastor Samantha Drennan, [email protected] *NEW - During the months of July and August, the Center for Spiritual Awakening at Christ Lutheran Church Allentown will continue to hold Centering Prayer on the first Friday of the month and will also be available for Individual Spiritual Direction. New and resuming programs will begin in September. 2019 Vacation Bible School - Join us at St. John’s Lutheran Church (1028 Church Street, Fogelsville) for our 2019 Vacation Bible School program: “To Mars and Beyond”. It will be held jointly with the congregation of St. John’s UCC, across the street, and everyone is welcome to join us! VBS will be held July 8-12, 9 AM-12 PM daily. “Glory to God who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us!” - Ephesians 3:20 Blast off and explore where God’s power can take you! Classes for nursery through 5th grade. Registration is going on NOW, forms may be found on our website: www.stjohns-fogelsville.org. Call the office with any questions at 610-395-5535. *NEW – Paint & Sip Party – July 13th, 4:00–7:00pm - Zion Lehigh Lutheran Church of Alburtis is having a Paint & Sip Party for a fundraiser for church repairs. Food available for sale and BYOB. Lehigh Lodge #326, 2120 Rt. 100 South, Macungie, PA. Cost is $35.00 and tickets need to be purchased by July 7th. Contact church office for information or tickets. 610-395-1215. Basket raffle also. Flyer attached *NEW – St Luke’s very own custom made VBS “PEACE”- Monday through Friday - July 29, 30, 31, August 1, 2. Light supper at 5:30 pm - ages 6-12. Bible Stories, Songs, Crafts and Activities Volunteers needed! Call 610-434-3943. *NEW – Rummage Sale – Sat., June 29th, 10-4:00pm. St Luke’s Lutheran Church, 417 N 7th St, Allentown. Kitchen will be open. For questions call 610-434-3943. Flyer attached *NEW - The Invitational Christian, by Dave Daubert - Sun., Sept 22nd from 2 to 5:00 PM at the Lutheran Center you are invited to attend the book discussion on The Invitational Christian by Dave Daubert. If you would like a free copy of Daubert’s book please contact Pastor Nelson Quiñones, LMD Dean, at 610-653-5858.

Come Away To A Quiet Place – Centering Prayer is a particular form of quiet, receptive prayer as taught by Father Thomas Keating and Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault. A portion of each one-hour gathering will include some discussion about centering prayer. So, whether you never heard of centering prayer, are a beginner, or an experienced pray-er, all are welcome. First Fri., of each month 10:30 - 11:30 AM. Led by Rev. Maritza Dolich and Rev. Dr. Tom Lichner. Center for Spiritual Awakening at Christ Lutheran Church, 1245 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102. Parking in Lot across Hamilton St. from Church. Enter on 13th Street, look for the sign “Schantz House/Ruhe Annex”. Please let us know if you will be joining us. Inquiries to Rev. Dr. Tom Lichner, Director Center for Spiritual Awakening [email protected] / 610-533-9362. Can you provide an hour or two per week to help someone who wants to change their life? St Luke’s at 417 N 7th St, Allentown still has an ongoing need for volunteers to assist as tutors or substitutes for our growing multi-level ELL Program for individuals who desperately want to learn English. No foreign language needed. ELL days and hours are, Monday and Thursday 9:30-11:30 a.m. this part of the program is in JEOPARDY due to insufficient volunteers. Wednesdays from 5:00-7:00 p.m. We always need help. We are especially looking for people who a comfortable around computers. Contact Leslie Talago or Pastor Lamb at 610-434-3943 or [email protected]

Support Our Neighbors in Need: Please Save These Dates!

Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk: Sun., Oct 13th, 1:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 1:00 p.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran

Church, 140 S. Ott St., Allentown, PA 18104

CROP Recruiters’ Pizza Party/Kick-off: Sun., Aug. 25th, 1:30-2:30p.m., (to receive materials, ideas, and inspiration for yourself and

your congregation), at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 140 S. Ott St., Allentown, PA 18104

Thank you for your support of our neighbors in need locally and

around the globe! For more information, go to www.crophungerwalk.org

http://www.lehighlutherans.com/


http://www.lehighlutherans.com/


http://www.stjohns-fogelsville.org/

tel:610/653-5858

https://maps.google.com/?q=1245+W.+Hamilton+Street%0D+Allentown,+PA+18102&entry=gmail&source=g




tel:(610)%20533-9362

tel:(610)%20434-3943


http://www.crophungerwalk.org/

MEET OUR NEW LEADER

Dean Nelson Quiñones

From a very early age living in Puerto Rico, I can remember the church being an important part of my life. Then, when we moved from Puerto Rico to the United States I rebelled against the church. I didn’t want anything to do with the church. I was a teenager. What teenager wants to move and leave friends behind? There were no gadgets like cell phones to face time with my friends. I was upset and carried the faces of mis amigos in my head to remember them. Soon enough I acclimated to my new surroundings and found myself back in the arms of the church. It was kind of like being mad at someone -- you didn’t remember why and then you started talking again. I had fun being in the church. Since my childhood I can remember that I wanted to be a pastor. I was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. I lived in Allentown most of my life. I attended Harrison-Morton Jr. High School in Allentown. I graduated from Louis E. Dieruff High School. I am an Eastsider with Husky Pride. Right out of high school I enlisted in the U.S. Navy where I held the rank of Petty Officer Third Class as an Electronic Technician. I had the opportunity to be under the command of Chaplain Richard Stough in the U. S. Naval Reserves. While in the U.S. Navy Reserves, I graduated from United Wesleyan College, Allentown with a Bachelor of Science in English Bible & Theology degree. I worked at Lehigh County Prison as a Translator/Correctional Counselor. I left LCP to pursue graduate work at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia where I graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. I was installed and ordained at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Allentown. I was honored to have my pastor and professor The Rev. Dr. Walter W. Wagner place the stole on my shoulders at my ordination service. I am a son of the congregation at Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown. I served as Asst Pastor at St. John's with my mentor and supervisor The Rev. Lyn Langkamer. Then went on to serve Christ Lutheran Church, Easton and San Martin de Porres Lutheran Church. I assisted in the ecumenical endeavor of the Iglesia La Hermosa in Easton. I am currently serving and celebrating 6 years as pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church, Fogelsville. My beautiful wife, Jessica, is an elementary teacher in the Northampton Area School District. We have a handsome son, Nicolas Victor, who is a high school student going onto his junior year and an awesome runner and hurdler. We live in Northampton. It was on the Sunday of Cinco de Mayo at the Lutheran Center that I was elected to serve as your Dean in the Lehigh Mission District. In the opening days of June, I along with other newly elected Deans was installed by Bishop Samuel Zeiser at the Synod Assembly held at Hazelton, Pennsylvania. I believe the church is an integral part of our lives. Together, as God’s Church, it is my hope and prayer to serve you with the sacred privilege and responsibility that you have bestowed and entrusted to me in the office of Dean. In faithful assurance, The Rev. Nelson Quiñones, Lehigh Mission District Dean

OPERATION SUNSHINE 1933 Hanover Ave.

Allentown, PA 18109 Phone: 610-435-9155

Open: Mon. 11-3 and Wed. 11-3 E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.LMDopsunshine.com Paula & Dick Skelly Co-Trip Coordinators

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.

****************************************************************** September 17 (Tues) – Hunterdon Hills Playhouse – BAREFOOT IN THE PARK – BAREFOOT IN THE PARK - Neil Simon manages to take the silly squabbles of a young married couple and make them absolutely hilarious! Corie, the young bride, sees their tiny new apartment as cozy and romantic. Paul, the groom, only see five flights of stairs, a gaping hole in the skylight, and heat that doesn't work. Add oddball neighbor, Victor Velasco, and Corie's well-meaning mother into the mix, and it's a recipe for non-marital bliss! Enjoy a wonderful lunch followed by the famous Hunterdon Hills Dessert Room! Bus leaves St. Timothy’s at 10:00 AM Cost $92 Payment Deadline: Thurs, Aug. 26 October 16 to 18 (Wed. to Fri.) - WINE AND DINE IN SCENERY DIVINE! – FINGER LAKES, NY – Call the Operation Sunshine office for a flyer and pricing. November 20 (Wed.) – Bucks County Playhouse – ONCE - The Tony Award winning romantic musical isn’t your typical boy meets girl love story. It is an eccentric musical based on the award winning 2006 film. “Once” features a cast of actor-musicians who unveil a deeply moving folk-rock score full of laughter and tears. A heartbroken Dublin musician meets a Czech immigrant with a complicated past and a broken vacuum cleaner. When an opportunity arises in America for Guy, will Girl let him know how she truly feels? We will be having lunch at the new restaurant on site where you will choose your entrée from the following choices: Grilled Boneless Chicken Breast, Pan Seared Icelandic Cod or Braised Boneless Short Ribs. Make your choice at the restaurant. Bus leaves St. Timothy’s at 10:00 AM Cost $108 Payment Deadline: Thurs., Oct. 17 December 12 (Thurs.) – American Music Theatre – JOY TO THE WORLD – An American Music Theatre original. The ringing of church bells in a quaint town square set the scene for Joy to the World, AMT’s newest holiday spectacular. Evoking the revered holiday nostalgia of hometowns all across the US, our stage will transform into a small-town winter carnival brimming with family and friends. Featuring scenes filled with entertaining elves, dramatic dancing, sensational singing, and grand moments galore. The incredible AMT Singers, Dancers, and Orchestra will perform Christmas favorites. Lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord. Bus leaves St. Timothy’s at 10:30 Cost $100 Payment Deadline: Thurs., Nov. 7

Transforming Lives by Connecting Communities St. Timothy ... · bands, featured local charities,...

Documents

Transcript of Transforming Lives by Connecting Communities St. Timothy ... · bands, featured local charities,...