Madison Ave. Church of The Brethren

Here is May’s Lamplighter

Question: How can you tell when it’s time for the Pastor to take a little time off? Answer: When he (she) starts telling silly stories instead of relaying spiritual meat and potatoes. Read on…
A church congregation decided to have four separate Worship services each Sunday. One service would be for those people who were new to the faith; another for members who preferred a more traditional worship service. A third would be for those who had lost their faith and were trying to get it back. And yet a separate service for those who had had some disagreement or unhappy experience with another church and/or some complaints about church in general. They decided to name their services … Finders, Keepers, Losers, and Weepers……………….read on!
It’s easy to lose sight of who we are and what we are called to do - and to be - in these high speed frenetic days of 2006. You can be sure you’re in need of some Psalm 46:10 (look it up!) if your life reflects more than 50% of the following distinguishing marks:
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave
2. You don’t even think about whiskers and pointy nose when someone says they saw a mouse
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three
4. You email the person who works at the desk next to you
5. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help carry in the groceries
6. Your reason for not staying in touch with someone is that he doesn’t have email
8. Every commercial on television has a website at the bottom of the screen
9. Leaving the house without your cell phone is cause for panic and a hasty return to get it
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee
11. You are too busy to notice there was no # 7 on this list
12. You actually scrolled back up the list to check that there was no # 7 on this list!
I’m not sure what all that has to do with ministry, but it seemed to break up my rather mundane day a while back. I thought perhaps you all needed a break from the stress and strain as well. Matthew 6:33
with thanks to Homiletics - Vol.18, # 3 - May, June 2006
Bible Challenge Questions
1. Complete: “For where your treasure is, there will your ___________ be also.”
2. The Apostle John said: “Those who obey Jesus’ commands live in Him and Jesus lives in them. Proof of that is ____”?
3. The king who followed David (in governing Israel) was ___________?

PERFECT ATTENDANCE
Ten people were recognized with a cake and balloons for perfect attendance at Sunday School for the fall or winter quarters. Fall quarter (Sept. to Nov.) Kim Gingerich, Barb Strawbridge, Ruth Duncan, Phyllis Morthland and Treva Gingerich. Winter quarter (Dec. to Feb.) Kim Gingerich, Dave Wolfe, Paul Ritchey, Portia Ritchey, Don Kauffman, Sr., Phil Kissinger, and Treva Gingerich. See their familiar faces on the website!
EGG HUNTING
Beautiful weather and an excited crowd of small children made for a successful Easter Egg hunt. Sponsorship came from the men’s breakfast group and the neighborhood association, as well as members of the congregation who donated eggs, candy and prizes. Hundreds of eggs, egg decorating, picture coloring, a story-game, healthy snacks and a very surprised door prize basket winner were all part of a great Easter Saturday morning.
GOLDEN AGE DINNER
By the time you read this, you should have already received your invitation to the Golden Age Dinner scheduled for Sunday, April 30th, following Worship - assuming that you are over 65 years of age and therefore eligible for inclusion in this momentous event ! However, if we missed you, please come to the dinner and enjoy a time of fun, food, and entertainment. The dinner will have a circus theme this year, so come and enjoy a Big Top Turkey dinner with all the fixin’s - and all the circus atmosphere besides. Be prepared for a surprise! or two. You never know about those ‘younger’ Deacons!

APRIL BOARD REPORT
The board met on Tuesday, April 11th. At the completion of the treasurer’s report it was suggested that Stewardship and Finance approve the second ¼ payment of the district assessment. The commission will report to the board next meeting if this payment was made. The commissions gave their reports and plans for the upcoming month.
Christian Education Commission reported that a few Sunday school teachers attended the Gather Round Workshop. This is a new age-appropriate curriculum offered by the Church of the Brethren. Ruth Duncan has expressed interest in using these lessons in her class.
Missions & Service Commission reported that now 5 people will be going on the mission trip to Florida.. Treva Gingerich will be going along as the assistant cook. The other members on the trip will be Carol and Don Kauffman, Sandy Hinkle, and Kim Gingerich.
The Deacons reported that 46 members attended Lovefeast on Palm Sunday, April 9th. Bread & Cup communion will be served on June 18th as well.
Kim Gingerich reported that her interview with the District Board went well. The District has approved her for ordination to set-apart Christian Ministry in the Church of the Brethren. Madison Avenue COB will be having a special council meeting on April 30th to affirm the District decision.
In His Service
Dave Wolfe and the General Board

MOTHER & DAUGHTER BANQUET - MAY 16TH
The Mother & Daughter Banquet this year will be a carry-in meal, with serving and clean-up being handled by the men. Entertainment will be provided by “Two of a Kind.” In addition to the carry-in foods, meat and beverage will be provided - and served - by the men. Be sure to reserve this night for a good time of food, fellowship, and fun.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School is an important outreach to the children of the congregation and the community. You can help with VBS in lots of ways. Teachers, helpers and small group leaders are needed June 19th to 23rd, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Please prayerfully consider volunteering. If that is “not your cup of tea” we are looking for any tropical island or treasure chest type props or decorations to complement our theme “Treasure Cove”. Also, some specific items that will be used to give clues to finding the treasure each day are large purple bath towels, a beach ball, a toy boat, and large fishing net. A large refrigerator box would be helpful as well as blue tarps. We will do our best to return your items in the condition you loan them, but it would probably be best not to risk any valuable heirlooms. Thanks for helping the treasure seekers at VBS find the greatest treasure–the love of Jesus.
Becky Rishel
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME/CONCERT
On June 24th the youth and young adults are looking forward to sponsoring a trip to attend a Harrisburg Senators baseball game that will begin and end with a Christian music concert. Speak to Ralph Miller if you would like to join this group.

PARENTING YOUR TEENAGER
The first “Parenting Your Teenager” class will meet May 14. Lesson One is on helping your teen develop his or her unique identity. Contact Becky Rishel or the church office to sign up for this series of video
and discussion lessons on a Christian approach to raising teenagers.

SCATTERED ABOUT….
Pastor Godfrey will be on vacation from Monday, May 15th through Wednesday, May 24th. He and his wife are planning on backpacking a portion of the Appalachian Trail beginning in Harper’s Ferry, WV and heading south into the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. Ten days, good weather, an absence of broken limbs, and God’s grace, should get them 100 miles or so into Virginia along the Skyline Drive somewhere in the northern area .
At the same time a group of hard-working individuals is headed to Florida for the Disaster Response clean-up work of repairing storm-damaged homes in the Pensacola area. Don, Carol Kauffman, Kim, Treva Gingerich, and Sandy Hinkle are giving their time and energy into this great humanitarian effort of rebuilding damaged homes and lives. These folks will be leaving about Saturday, May 13th and returning about Monday, May 22nd.
During that time period, in the absence of both staff pastors, requests for pastoral care should be left on the answering machine at the Church office, or you may call directly to Ralph Miller (Deacon and Licensed Minister), Dick Rishel (Stewards ), or Denny Strawbridge (Ministry Chair). Ralph Miller will be bringing the morning message for Worship on Sunday, May 21st.

MINISTRY COMMISSION
Ministry Commission is happy to announce that we have completed a job description for the position of Minister of Youth and Young Adults. Depending on the outcome of the special Council Meeting on April 30th, we can begin the process of filling that position.
We are also pleased to announce the approval of Pastor Kim by the District Board for ordination. The special Council meeting on 4/30 will also address that item and we certainly look forward to the Council’s affirmation of the District’s evaluation and recommendation. A special Ordination service will be planned for a later date upon Council approval.
Arrangements have been made for filling the pulpit during the Pastor’s times of vacation and travel (Annual Conference, Camp Eder, etc.) as well as covering for pastoral needs whenever he is away. We are blessed to have such depth of leadership and staff to handle such needs in the absence of the Pastor.
We continue to seek your input/ comments/suggestions/ critiques of the Commission’s work, the staff, and the Worship services. The recent increase in Worship attendance says a lot in itself, and we continue to try to provide varied, energetic, and meaningful Worship experiences for all.

MISSIONS AND SERVICE NEWS

• CAS is sponsoring a dinner at Nicarry Meeting House on May 19th in honor of the 92nd year of service. Dinner is at 6:30 PM and tickets are $20.00 for Adults and $7.00 for Children under 12. Tickets must be purchased by May 12th. If interested, see Treva Gingerich.

• The congregation is invited to attend Cross-Cultural Workshop Services May 4th – 7th at Lancaster COB. See the flyer on the bulletin board for more information.

• Five members from our congregation will be going to Pensacola, Florida May 14th – 20th to help rebuild and clean after Katrina. They are Don and Carol Kauffman, Kim and Treva (cook) Gingerich, and Sandy Hinkle.

• Again, we will be accepting donations through September to purchase a heifer for the Disaster Relief Auction. Your help with donations will be greatly appreciated.

May is Messenger month. Please see Frances Dellinger to renew your subscription or to begin subscribing to our denominational magazine. This magazine is well worth the price! It enables us to keep up with all the ‘happenings’ of our denomination and its work worldwide, as well as provide us with many challenging, uplifting, and thought-provoking articles written by our brothers and sisters. Please consider making an investment in the Messenger - the “return” will far exceed the “expense.”

Answers to Bible Challenge Questions
1.heart (Matt 6:21) 2. The Spirit within us (1st John 3:24) 3. Solomon (1st Kings 2:1, 12)

A NEW ADDITION: A CHILDREN’S STORY
No matter the age – young or old – everyone seems to enjoy hearing a story. It’s part of the human experience - listening and sharing.
Likewise, children are a part of the church body, and learning about Worship is a vital facet of a child’s growing in faith and understanding. With this in mind, the last Worship service of each month will include a children’s story. All children are invited to come to the front and participate in the fun. Bring your children or grandchildren for a story grounded in the principles of growing and understanding our relationships with our church family and our Heavenly Father.
“A Godly Man”
You sent a ‘Godly man’ to us - We will be ever thankful -
Who came just out of the blue; As we fulfill His plan;
Someone who would be our pastor - That He has sent to us -
For we didn’t have a clue. A compassionate Godly man.
And we are surely certain - May You be with him, Lord -
He’s an answer to our prayers; As he seeks to do Your will;
As it was in Your plans - Serving in this holy place -
While we were unaware. His commitment to fulfill.
God provides our every need -
If we but keep the faith;
Look to Him for guidance -
And accept His saving grace.

Written 1/11/97 by the Lord and Angel

for Pastor Godfrey and published again for his birthday - May 29th

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP NEWS
May 2 - Meeting / Prayer group - 9 AM
May 6 - Reservations due for Women’s Camp (June 5,6)
May 15 - Work Day / Set-up for Mother/Daughter Banquet 9 AM
May 16 - Mother/Daughter Banquet - 6 PM
June 5, 6 - Women’s Camp at Camp Eder
Eleven ladies traveled to Bunkertown for a refreshing morning and lunch at the District Spring Luncheon. Terrific!!!
Our annual Mother/Daughter Banquet will be held Tuesday, May 16th at 6 PM. It will be a covered dish meal with meat furnished. Our guests will be “Two of a Kind” - Tony and Karen Heath. Come, enjoy, and bring a plant for the plant table.
The 58th annual Women’s Camp is June 5, 6 with a theme of “A Life of Faith.” Our retreat leader is Becky Rhodes, who is minister of Music at The First Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, VA. Our ladies will have opening devotions on Monday, June 5th. Reservations need to be in by May 5th. See Phyllis for more info.
Remember the “Health Kits”!)

MAY WORSHIP CALENDAR & SERMON SCHEDULE
4/30 Noon Golden Age Dinner
5/4 6:30 PM Handbell Choir practice (every Thurs.)
7:30 PM Senior Choir practice (every Thurs.)
5/7 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “The heart of Worship” Matthew 6:21
5/9 7:30 PM Church Board meeting (Commissions at 6:30)
5/14 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “Outta’ the box” 1st John 3:16 - 24
5/16 6:00 PM Mother and Daughter Banquet
5/20 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
5/21 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Ralph Miller speaking “True Love” Ephesians 5:1 - 21
(Lamplighter articles due)
5/28 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Life’s Indy 500” 1st Kings 2:1 - 11

MAY BIRTHDAYS
May 2 Jay Keeny
May 3 Daniel Knause
May 6 Tina Veverka
May 7 Russ Chronister
May 9 Linda Knause
May 10 Mark Baugher, Jr.
May 11 Tim Ritchey
May 16 Catherine Craig
May 21 Guy Kintzel, Jr.
May 23 Harriet Nevin
May 25 Merrilea Ritchey
May 26 Carolyn Berkheimer
May 29 Richard Godfrey

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