The

GOOD NEWS GAZETTENovember 2019

‘Give Thanks to The Lord For He Is Good!’

From the Pastor's DeskWhat does Thanksgiving look like? For each of us Thanksgiving may have a different appearance. The meal, the traditions, The entertainment. Each family has its own way of doing things. Some families have turkey and all the trimmings, others enjoy a different meal. Some watch Football, others watch parades, still others go out and engage in some sort of activity. So again, I ask, “What does Thanksgiving look like? ”

We struggle with this question because we are trying to describe Thanksgiving by what we do instead of why. What we do is a reflection of why we do. When Jesus healed the 10 lepers one returned while the rest ran home. Does that mean the other 9 were not thankful? I suggest they were thankful yet, the impact of family reunions clouded their mind. The healing they received, the joy of being welcomed back home, the inclusion instead of exclusion would make anyone thankful. Such joy and the desire to see loved ones again became the most important thing as they ran. Their why, guided their what.

How do we do. No matter What we do, we are encouraged to keep the Why first. Are we thankful for family gatherings, opportunities to relax and watch a movie, enjoy a meal, run a marathon, serve at a soup kitchen? Are we planning all the Black Friday sales and our drawing a map of our plan of attack? All are an okay of What we do, as long as our Why, is solid.

Our Why begins with a God who put us first. His Why is you and me. His What shows that as He comes into our world to love us when we were unlovable. He takes our mess upon Himself and gives us His perfection. His Why of love becomes His What of giving us life forever with Him. In like fashion our Why of grateful love for all He has done, all He has given is then transformed into our What. What we do definitely displays our Why.

In these coming days, weeks, months, as we gather together in celebration, what will your Thanksgiving look like?

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Serving Christ with you. Pastor Bob Weidmayer

Preschool NewsLynda ScribnerEvery day is an adventure as we learn new skills and make new memories.Early in October, both classes went on pumpkin picking field trips. The 3's went to Chase Farms where they took a wagon ride, picked pumpkins right from the field and walked through a scary maze. The 4's/Multiage class went to Long Acre Farm and had lots of fun experiencing many Fall activities.

The 4's developed their culinary prowess by chopping vegetables to contribute to our delicious Stone Soup. Thanks to our parent volunteers for assisting us in preparing this special treat!

Both classes are hard at work learning new skills. 4's are tackling prereading skills such as letter recognition and sound/symbol relationships. 3's are consistently recognizing their colors and shapes. Cutting and coloring skills are improving daily.

Of course, Halloween has to be celebrated with festive costume parties. Thank you to Pastor Bob& his assistant Lance for carving Jack O'Lanterns for both classes.

As always, thank you for your continued support of our ministry to these children, their families and our community!

Don't forget to follow our adventures on Facebook.

Questions? Please contact Lynda Scribner (585)298-1547, Cheryl Power, or email preschool@pumpkinhook.org. We LOVE to talk about our program! If you want a "hands on" experience, contact Lynda to set up a personal tour. Thank you!

President’s Message

Howard G Barnes I was recently listening to a radio program that talks about when we live. Do we live in the past? Do we live in the present? Do we live in the future? The speaker's point was that our actions dictate how we live. The bottom line is there is no clear answer but there are advantages and challenges to each.

The past is what brought us to today. Every action, every situation, every relationship, every decision, puts us on a path to where we are today. We must take time to praise God for what he has done because without the past where would we

be?. One of the pitfalls of living in the past is if we always do what we've always done then we're going to get what we've always got. And while it makes the decision making process straightforward and easy, it's not always going to provide us the opportunity to grow and spread the Good News.

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Living in today's” living in the moment” is a very powerful concept. Living in the moment allows us not to stress about yesterday or tomorrow. But to truly focus and enjoy what is right in front of us the gifts that God has provided. It allows us to be truly present and to enjoy our surroundings and/or situation. The issue is that living in the moment doesn't allow us to reflect on how our past shapes our tomorrow. It doesn't allow us to plan beyond today.

Living in the future, focusing on the future, is a great way to build vision and goals of where we want to go and what we want to be. It's having the 10000' view of the World. It means we are focused on the big picture and sometimes not as much on the details. It is an opportunity to look at what God offers us into trying to build our organization our church into what God wants us to be.

So do living in the past, living in the present and living in the future all have concerns about what do we do?. We could take the opportunity to recognize and honor our past to remember and cherish it but not live in it. Think about how we used the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to guide us on what we should and could be. Allow it to set our vision and to prepare us for what we are to do. But we must be focused on the here and now to take care of the details at the work of what it is to be His church.

We have done well recording our past. Our recent photo directory serves as a sort of Church. The book not only shares who is in the congregation but what our congregation has done in the past. I know our boards and committees are all hard at work each and every week bringing us the experiences we come to expect at St. John'. We have the vision of being a caring congregation reaching out to all, in developing families in the faith. This is the vision that we have chosen and the direction that we have gone to fulfill God's purpose for us.

As we approach our annual Voters Meeting these are the things and philosophy that guide our decision-making process. I would encourage you to be with us at that moment as we make decisions for our future as we honor our past and celebrate our successes!

Notes from the Office Lance Eckler Pastoral Assistant

There is an upcoming community Thanksgiving dinner here at St. John’s on Sunday November 24th. Please see the ad with additional information right here in this gazette. What a great opportunity for fellowship and great food! As always, please contact the office if you need any assistance, blessings!  (315) 986-3045 Monday through Friday 8:30AM- 12:30PM 

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Don't forget to set your clocks back 1 hr. Sunday, November 3rd.focused on growing families in faith

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Church Attendance 

Month: October Church Attendance (Sunday/Wednesday)

Week of 1st 116/10 Week of 8 th 95/12Week of 15th 82/22Week of 22nd 91/18

TOTAL: services 384/62:446

 

Ladies Circle Claudia Poh

The ladies were very blessed to have Jan Plumb come and speak to us about recycling and the Alpco Company. Not only was it informative, but Jan made it very personal and truly enjoyable.

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 20th. All ladies of the congregation are invited. Hope to see you there!

Financial ReportSteve Torkelson

September 2019 General Operating

Giving = $15,538

Expenses = $14,082

$ 1,456

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YTD

Giving = $129,069

Expenses = $134,620

($ 5,551)

2019 Projected Giving (Based on current trend) $180,364

2019 Projected Expenses (Based on current trend) $182,402

2019 Approved Budget (Expenses) $184,832

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

We want to thank God for the Blessings he has bestowed on us through the members of St. John’s. We still need your continued financial support and prayers. We trust and pray that we are on the path He has set before us.

Keenagers Izzie Braun

Keenagers or other Seniors over 55 yrs. old, we are going out to dinner (again)?Where: McArdles Restaurent, 1355 Fairport Rd., Fairport, NY 14450, 585-377-5520When: Sunday Oct. 27th, 2019Time: After the 10:30 AM serviceCall Jean Heberle 585-397-8729

Board of Cristian EducationJackie WeidmayerPlumb Memorial Scholarship

Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 year.

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In 2001, at the request of Al Plumb, a committee was established to coordinate the distribution of monies from the Plumb Educational fund. This fund is in memory of William H. Plumb, better known as Buster or Billy, who was the 17-year-old son of Alton Sr. and Bertha Plumb. He lost his life in an automobile accident. The family established the fund as a perpetual memory to William. Since the establishment of the committee, 28 scholarships have been awarded.

The purpose of this fund is to help individuals pursuing careers in ministry, health services, or education. Eligibility for the scholarship includes:

Must be baptized, confirmed, active member of St. Johns Lutheran Church Must have successfully completed 2 full years of study in his/her chosen field and be

continuing on with their education A letter of recommendation is required

The scholarship amount is $500.00 and will be give out annually. Applications to be considered must be submitted by November 17, 2019 either by email, regular mail, or in person to the church office. Awards will be presented at a service in January 2020. Students may be awarded the scholarship two times for a maximum award of $1000.00. All applicants are reviewed by the Board of Christian Education.

Applications may be downloaded from www.pumpkinhook.org under the Christian Education tab, or a paper copy can be obtained from the church office or from a BCE member.

Board for Mission and MinistryCandy AldrichAngel Tree and Christmas Baskets

The Christmas season is coming up and with it the opportunity to share the joy of it with those in our community who are less fortunate. Every year we distribute letters to area families through the Victor and PalMac school districts, offering a basket of food and gifts for the children. When a family replies, they tell us ages and preferences of the children and we note that information on a paper angel for our “Angel Tree”. Also on the angel is a family number so that gifts can be grouped by family for easy distribution. This year the Angel Tree will go up the week before Thanksgiving so that members of the church can have sufficient time to shop for and wrap presents. Gifts must be returned to church by Sunday, December 15. Pick-up by families will happen Saturday, December 21.

When you choose an angel from the tree please find the family number on the sign-up sheets and put your name and contact information next to the child(ren) you have chosen. This is so important as it will ensure that there is a gift for each child. Then purchase and wrap your gifts and leave them near the tree no later than Sunday, December 15.

Food will also be collected during this time. We combine contributions from the congregation with the food collected by our scouts. It will all be sorted and bagged one evening during the week of December 15. The exact day will be announced in church when the time gets closer to it. We welcome you to join us for this activity. Last year we had great helpers and it went very smoothly and

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quickly.

The true angels in this activity are you, members of St. John’s, who are always generous and thoughtful in your giving. The families who receive these gifts are always overwhelmed and very grateful to you. One cannot miss seeing God’s love in action here! Thank you!

Blood Drive

!!TODAY IS THE DAY!!The annual Veterans Day

blood drive is coming right up!

Please check the table in the entryway to the family room

for volunteer

opportunity sign-up sheets.

Please consider signing up to work at the

registration or canteen table for an hour.

To make an appointment to donate blood

go to www.redcrossblood.org

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use the sponsor keyword:

stjohnslutheranchurchfarmington

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 2019 IS COMING…You will be receiving a notice in the next few weeks about our schedule and need for volunteers. Positions will include costumes, props, assisting groups to learn lines and music. If there is someone who would like to take pictures and video tape the performance, please let me know. Help will be needed on the day of the pageant to help our children get into their costumes. Thank You!

 

Holiday ServiceThanksgiving Eve Wednesday, November 20th- 7PM Worship Service

Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 21st- NO SERVICE

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 Board of Worship, Music & the ArtsLinda ArmstrongPlease Help! Servant Leaders Needed

The Board for Worship, Music and the Arts recently resumed the task of scheduling of our servant leaders for each worship service. As I tried to fill all the positions, it became clear to me that we are in need of more volunteers. It was impossible to fill the positions without having some volunteers serve in more than one position and often more than once in the same position. The bottom line is we need people to volunteer to serve as readers, ushers, communion assistants, acolytes, and as Altar Guild members. Please prayerfully consider whether you are willing to serve in one of these roles, and then give me a call or send a text or send an email or speak to me in person to say, “Yes, I can help!”Yours in Christ,Linda Armstronglindabany@gmail.com or 585-414-7379

Sunday School NewsDebbie Biederbecke

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We are well underway with our Sunday School studies this Fall. The children know the routine now and eagerly go to their classrooms when dismissed from the opening.

In a few short weeks we will begin working on our Annual Christmas Pageant. We can always use volunteers to help out. If you would like to help or think you might like to help, please contact me (585 943 9583) or the church office to let us know.

The children will be choosing between two mission projects for the Fall/Christmas this year: 1) The Green Angels, an organization that serves Wayne County and 2) Lutheran World Relief, a global relief organization of the Lutheran Church. The Green Angels accepts donations of toys, books, etc. for their holiday “store.” LWR distributes several different types of relief kits (e.g. school, baby, personal care) in areas of need throughout the world. Once we have chosen which organization to support, we will narrow the focus of our Sunday School participation. Additional information will be sent home. You can also find information about The Green Angels and Lutheran World Relief online.

Thank you to the faithful parents, grandparents, and others who bring their children to Sunday School.

We meet in the Sanctuary each Sunday morning at 9:30 for our opening of announcements, singing, and prayer. There is always room for more. Visitors and guests are always welcome to join us!

Long Term Prayer List November 2019:Bill Heltzel (Nancy Wints’ brother) Nadine Printup (friend of Meades’)D. Kuehnert (Don’s brother)Allen Hammerick (Laura’s son) Shirley Netzband (Jeff’s mother) Don Nugent (father of Chuck Thomas)Amy Gaesser (Laura Hammerick’s sister) Mildred O’Neil (Charlene Musfeldts’ sister)Noelle Henning (Roger’s daughter-in-law)Jackie Dippert (friend of Laura Hammerick)Kenneth Soscia (friend of Buckingham’s & Jenkins)Jane Barmaster,Autumn, & Emily ( Martha’s family)

Gail Knowlton (Friend of Mary Ballou)Will Schneeberger (Mary Ballous’s Nephew)Richard Almekinder (Karen Netzband’s father)

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Roger Carpenter Jeff & Peggy Coons & children (Pat Coons family)Gordon Hill Karen CareyDoug Snyder Charlene & Katie(Barmaster friends)Don Arnold Jack TalbotGlenn Bastian Mia HowieJon Santmyer (Preschool Dad) Wayne Grewe( brother of Sharon Jenkins)Kailee (Friend of Jean Heberle) Pastor Lou Jasper ( Redeemer, Newark) David Reamer( Jackie’s step-brother) Linda Wade (Mary Ballou’s friend) The Cole Family (Vicky Payne)Ashley Chand (Brian Maier’s fiancé) Karen ScofieldJohn Paul Braun (Izzie’s grandson) Betty Davis (D.Torkelson’s Mom)Military and their Families: Diane Lucey (Friend of Meyers)   LCpl Bryan Podgorski (Carpenters Grandson) ET3 Adam Hopseeker (Friend of Barnes)

A1C Brian Heckman (Heckman family)

LT Paul Kuehnert (Don’s nephew) AE Rebekah Thorpe (Barnes Family)  

For additions or changes please call: Jean Heberle (585)397-8279OR the church office (315)986-3045.Thank You.

November 2019 Servant List

8:15 10:30

Altar Guild Alice Daskiewich, Luann Holtz Alice Daskiewich, Luann Holtz

November 3Greeter Kevin and Jen Delehanty Cindy HotchkissReader Al Plumb Linda ArmstrongUshers Kim and Brian Baxter Tamsyn and Don KuehnertComm. Asst. Jackie Weidmayer, Don Dulmage Kathy Carpenter, Al SchoenknectAcolyte Danny Kirsch Payton Walters

November 10Greeter Kevin and Jen Delehanty Cindy HotchkissReader Kevin Delehanty Lynda ScribnerUshers Dale and Cheryl Power Lynda and Gary ScribnerComm. Asst. Jackie Weidmayer, Jen Barnes Sue Habberfield, Lauree MeehanAcolyte Haylee Walters Laura Smith

November 17Greeter Connie and Gary White Cindy HotchkissReader Nicky Kirsch Deb Savage

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Ushers Nicky and Jake Kirsch Gerald Case, Al SchoenknectComm. Asst. Dale and Cheryl Power Lisa Maier, Tamsyn KuehnertAcolyte Mikey Kirsch Payton Walters

November 24Greeter Connie and Gary White Cindy HotchkissReader Linda Braun Phoebe EcklerUshers Ed and Steve Holtz Linda Armstrong, Claudia PohComm. Asst. Jen Barnes, Cindy Trullo Sue Habberfield, Lauree MeehanAcolyte Danny Kirsch Laura Smith

December 2019 Servant List

8:15 10:30

Altar Guild TBA TBA

December 1Greeter Jack and Joyce Paterson Jean HeberleReader Jen Barnes Claudia PohUshers Dale and Cheryl Power Gerald Case, Al SchoenknectComm. Asst. Jen Barnes, Cindy Trullo Kathy Carpenter, Tamsyn KuehnertAcolyte Mikey Kirsch Payton Walters

December 8Greeter Jack and Joyce Paterson Jean HeberleReader Barb Case Tamsyn KuehnertUshers Jen and Howie Barnes Debbie and Phil BeiderbeckeComm. Asst. Kim and Brian Baxter Sue Habberfield, Jackie WeidmayerAcolyte Danny Kirsch Laura Smith

December 15 (Christmas Pageant)Greeter Kirsch Family Alice DaskiewichReader Steve Holtz Laura SmithUshers Don Musfeldt, Don Dulmage Trevor Jacobs, Mikey KirschComm. Asst. Howie Barnes, Kiel Hansen Lauree Meehan, Al SchoenknectAcolyte Mikey Kirsch Payton Walters

December 22Greeter Kirsch Family Alice DaskiewichReader Kevin Delehanty Linda ArmstrongUshers Luann and Ed Holtz Linda Armstrong, Claudia PohComm. Asst. Jen Barnes, Cheryl Power Lisa Maier, Sue HabberfieldAcolyte Danny Kirsch Laura Smith

December 29Greeter Candy Aldrich Linda Hill

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Reader Linda Braun Phil BeiderbeckeUshers Kim and Brian Baxter Don and Tamsyn KuehnertComm. Asst. Ed and Luann Holtz Kathy Carpenter, Jackie WeidmayerAcolyte Mikey Kirsch Payton Walters________________________________________________________________________________

ST. JOHN’S COMMUNITY

THANKSGIVING DINNER&

SING-ALONGSUNDAY NOVEMER 24th

11:45 – 1pm Hors D’oeuvre & Sing-Along

1pm Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

Bring a friend, a dish, and your singing voice for a sing-along featuring classic folk and patriotic tunes. Following the sing-along will be a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Bring a dish to share and enjoy all the trimmings. Dinner is open to and free to the public (so bring a friend!) but monetary and food donations are gladly accepted to benefit holiday food baskets for local families in need.

Signup sheets are located in the family room for attendance, dish to pass, and volunteers.

NOVEMBER 2019

The Family Circus is multi-generational approach to programming and ministry. With the support of staff, caring volunteers, and parents, we strive to provide intentional relational opportunities for youth to experience God's love and grace in today's world and to equip adults to share their faith with young people.

Rake & Run Contact

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Sunday, November 3rd Noon - 3 PM

The leaves are falling and air is crisp, which means it’s time for our annual Rake N’ Run we’ll go out into our community looking to help some of our home bound members! Bring a rake, some gloves, and warm clothes.

Howie Barnes

Sign up Required

Friday, November 15th

7 – 9 PM

Euchre Night It seems that us Euchre lovers can’t get enough!! … and we have a ton of players at church. Bring a deck a cards and a partner and let play

ContactHowie Barnes

Sunday, November 3rd Noon - 3 PM

Church Family ThanksgivingThanksgiving is a chance for families to gather together, to feast and to enjoy being with one another. But the day can also be a meaningful time to reflect on our blessings and remember how God has been faithful in our lives.Bring a game, A dish to Pass & Movies will be provided

ContactKim Baxter

Sign up Required

Sunday, December

15th

Christmas PageantThe annual Christmas pageant has been a tradition here for about 30 years and our Sunday school children celebrate the birth of Christ

SummerYouthEvent

Youth Eventnational gathering of Youth at the Summit Bechtel Reserve – an experience unlike any other before – is coming your way again from June 28 to July 3!This six-day high-adventure festival invites participants to explore the best the SBR has to offer. We’re talking rock climbing, skateboarding, BMX biking, water sports, shooting sports, zip lines, challenge courses, and so much more!

We will be organizing fundraising events to defer costs, the more you help the more funding you earn

EldersJen Barnes

September's minutes were approved. From Finance: giving was over expenses for September. Projected deficit for the year is $2,000. The Newton family dedication is scheduled for November 3. All church boards need to submit 2020 budgets and reports by October 21. An endowment committee is being formed, including the treasurer, financial secretary, chair of the board of stewardship, and appointed positions. Voter's meeting will be held November 10. The Board of Christian Ed. is working on the Christmas pageant which is December 15. Trunk or Treat is October 27 at 4 with a movie to follow. The Board of Music & Ministry is working on Christmas baskets (26-28). The Christmas tree will be put up the weekend before Thanksgiving. From Property & Maintenance--the security system has been installed; the building now has active security cameras set up in various locations. Board of Worship, Music & the Arts is working on the music schedule and the scheduling of servant leaders. December 20 there will be a virtual Thrivent meeting. (see Jen B. for info). The church is looking into new garbage and phone contracts. More information to come.

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Voter’s Meeting 2019

A reminder that our annual voter meeting is November 10 at 9:30 am, between services. The 4 documents that will be used and approved can be found here:

 https://pumpkinhook.wordpress.com/our-documents/.

We will not have boards report out, instead, their reports are included for your review. Hard copies are posted on the bulletin board and copies are available in the church office.

By-law amendments, and a review of the 2020 budget

Will be available for review in the family room/bulletin boards. Thank you!

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153 Church AvenueHamlet of Pumpkin Hook Farmington, NY 14425

St. John’s Lutheran Church The Good News Gazette—November 2019

‘Focused On Growing Families In Faith’

‘Give Thanks to The Lord For He Is Good!’ 

focused on growing families in faith

315 ◦ 986 ◦3045 Office M-F 8:30-12:30pmwww.PumpkinHook.org

WORSHIPSundays

8:15 am & 10:30am(Noon-Newark) Wednesdays

7pm 

Come as you are

Pastor Robert Weidmayer

pastor@pumpkinhook.org

Pastoral Assistant Lance EcklerStjohns@

pumpkinhook.org

Council President Howie Barnes

President@pumpkinhook.orgChoir Director Linda Braun fraubraun@rochester.rr.com

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Macedon, NYPermit # 13

193746