September Lamplighter
From the Pastor’s Desk
Ever watched a water bug? You know, those little bugs that skate across the top of the water? They are truly amazing. They have long legs that splay out, supporting the weight of the insect’s long skinny body. The bugs never get wet; they simply skate back and forth, constantly searching for whatever it is that they’re looking for! Water bugs don’t live in the water; they live on it. Their world is the shimmering, glassy surface. Beneath them are the depths – of which they likely have absolutely no awareness.
In the helter-skelter of our lives we are much like water bugs. We race to and fro, busy with one thing, then another – oblivious much of the time to the deeper dimensions of life around us. We spend so much of our time gliding along the surface. Seldom do we plumb the depths.
The vacation times of summer are basically behind us, and we look forward to another busy fall season of Worship and study. We want to make every opportunity available to everyone for plumbing those depths of life, love and a growing relationship with God as we move into this season. As the body of Christ in this place, we want to grow in our love for God, our love for each other, and live that love out by serving others.
One of the best ways we can do that is to be a part of a study group, exploring the comfort and assurance of Biblical wisdom, prayer, and fellowship. Many small groups are currently in place and more are being added even as you read this newsletter. There is no better way to grow in all those relationships – with God, with each other, and with those outside our fellowship – than to invite others to be a part of a small group with you. Please check out the many offerings we have available for study and prayer and join a small group. It may – no, it quite likely will – change your perspective on what is truly important in this life.
The following seven core values are essential for us as a vibrant congregation:
Servant Leadership – having groups and programs and leaders in place to meet the needs of people needing and/or seeking a relationship with God.
Reproduce Yourself – the need for intentional mentoring, teaching, training of younger folks into leadership
Doing life together – the vitality of small groups for spiritual formation and growth (personal and Church)
Bridges and lights – the need for us to be culturally relevant in our ministries to attract and keep young folks
Maximum freedom – realizing that true freedom is found only when we submit to the authority of the Bible
True intimacy – to have a relationship with God means more than just believing in him; we have to truly get to know him and spend time with him
Relational evangelism – the best way to attract people to Church is through personal relationship with them
When we begin to apply these seven Biblical principles to all that we do here as a body of Christ, we will indeed be a vibrant, relevant, growing Church. The best place for each one of us to start is to be a part of an ongoing small group, studying God’s Word with brothers and sisters. How many groups are you a part of?
Bible Challenge Questions
1. Who told Jesus that even puppies are allowed to eat crumbs from under the table?
2. After the disciples were unable to cast a demon out of a boy, they had an argument as they walked along the road to Capernaum. What was the topic of their argument?
3. Who said, “Whoever is not against us is for us”?
District Conference
The weekend of September 18 & 19 (Friday & Saturday) will see District Conference convene at the Bunkertown Church of the Brethren, beginning with registration from 8:30 to 9:30 AM Friday morning. The theme of this year’s Conference is “Woe is me for I am undone…,” taken from Isaiah 6:1 - 8. In Isaiah’s day many of the people of Israel had fallen away from loyalty and worshipping God. God gave Isaiah a vision of God’s holiness and Isaiah, in response to being in the presence of Holy God, uttered those familiar words. What would it be like for us to gain a vision of the holiness of God – in totality, in person? What might our response be? Interestingly enough, in Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the Bible we know as the Message, this phrase is translated as “It’s Doomsday! I’m as good as dead!” Hmmm. I wonder how we might react if we were in Isaiah’s place.
Registration begins at 8:30 Friday morning and the business sessions begin at 9:30 AM and conclude at 5:30 PM. Opportunity to attend one of six interesting insight sessions is a part of the Friday afternoon activities (and again Saturday morning). The evening Worship service begins at 7 PM with a special musical introduction, with Worship beginning at 7:20; Tom Zuercher, former District Executive and current Pastor from northern Ohio, will be the Worship speaker. The licensing of ministers - a part of each District Conference - will be a part of the evening Worship time. And….there will be a pie and ice cream social after Worship! Is that Brethren or what?
The Conference continues Saturday morning with registration beginning at 8:00, and the opening business sessions will begin at 9:00. Elections, more insight sessions, and reports of the different mission works of our District will fill the day with information and numerous worship times. The meeting is scheduled to close about 3:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to attend and be a part of the opportunities for Worship, information, and Spiritual formation. Conference is an excellent time to actually hear and see the various and vital ministries that your District monies support. See brochures on the table in the Fellowship Hall (or check with the Pastor) for more information on registration and time schedule, etc.
The question is often asked, Where does the money we give to “the District” go, and what is it used for? Attending District Conference is an excellent way to get that question answered. When you see all of the vital, life-changing ministries you are a part of because of your financial support of District work, you will gain a new understanding of the vital nature of our fair-share support of District ministries. Come and worship; be enlightened and challenged anew.
PS – This weekend happens to coincide with a Penn State home football game, so lodging is at a premium for Friday night. You are encouraged to sign up to stay overnight with members of the Bunkertown Church. It’s a great way to make and meet new friends and learn about other congregations. Information is available from the Pastor or on the information table. Please register early for this exciting event.
Choir Rehearsals to Resume on Thursday, 9/10/09
Our summer break has gone by quickly and it’s time to return to our regular weekly schedule for rehearsals. We are looking forward to another great season of singing and fellowship. If you have a talent and/or desire to sing, we encourage you to join us and share your talents. We’ve lots of new songs to learn and share in Worship. Everyone is welcome, and we are especially looking for some new voices and a great time of sharing God’s gift of music in Worship. The Bell Choir will practice at 6:00 PM each Thursday, and the Adult Choir will practice at 7:00 PM. New bell ringers are also encouraged to join us and try out that unique style of music.
PS: The Praise Team continues to practice at 8 PM on Thursdays. Newcomers welcome here, too.
To Think About
It’s not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians. Frances Bacon
Leadership Team Report
The new Leadership Team met on 7/28/09. Ministry Team filled us in on our new Youth Director, Tim Rutkowski, who will be starting officially in September and will be meeting with our Youth on several occasions prior to that time. Questions were raised regarding special offerings, our Child Protection policy, and the Annual Conference report on August 9th.
Properties Team reported on progress and future prevention of the ceiling stains in the Sanctuary and the imminent installation of the new heating system. Nurture Team expressed concerns for a baby room for infants and nursing mothers, a follow-up with our VBS program and attendees, and persons for future leadership. The Small-group Team reported good attendance for our in-house small group workshop, a national workshop in October, and ongoing small groups Bible studies currently in progress. A concerted push for small group participation will take place soon with multiple options for study.
Information on the upcoming Church picnic was discussed, as was a 75th anniversary celebration for next year, Deacon visitation (in addition to Pastoral visitation), a Disaster Relief trip for September of 2010, and a sermon presentation and content, especially in relation to attendance.
A Gifts Discernment survey will be distributed soon to help that team in their work for 2010. General discussion followed regarding the nature and mechanics of the new Leadership Team working together to be sure the “work” of the Church is accomplished and things do not ‘fall through the cracks.’ Concern was raised for the practice of not providing snacks following Worship during the summer months. A working document was distributed to help begin the process of preparing a budget for 2010, which was followed by discussion on the reality or fallacy of what our budget actually reflects. This will be a major item of business for the next meeting, which was set for 9/08/09.
Nurture Team News
The new Fall quarter of Sunday School lessons starts September 6th. The International Lessons class will be studying a series of lessons titled The New Testament Community, focusing on the core values of the Christian community, the work and ministry of the community, and the struggles (which probably haven’t changed much) the early Church experienced in being the Community of faith. The Discussion class continues its examination and discussion of the popular Christian fiction book The Shack. There is a class for elementary students. The Junior High and Youth classes are combining for the fall quarter, and the Young Adult class continues to meet in the Library under the leadership of Ralph Miller.
There are also numerous Bible study options available for everyone: There are groups for women, day time groups, evening groups, some that concentrate more on prayer, and all study different Biblical topics and books. New ideas are always welcomed for a new study or fellowship group, so please speak to Ralph Miller – Small Groups Leader - if you have a desire to form a new small group.
Don’t forget….
September 25, 26 - Disaster Relief Auction – Lebanon Fairgrounds
October 17th - Camp Eder’s Fall Festival (8AM - 4PM)
Answers to Bible Challenge
1. Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:28) 2. Who was the greatest among them (Mark 9:34) 3. Jesus (Mark 9:40)
Women’s Fellowship News
September 1 Meeting Day/Prayer Group 9 AM
September 15 Picnic at Pinchot Park 11 AM
September 28 Brethren Home Volunteer Day 9 AM
• Our annual picnic at Pinchot Park is on September 15th at 11 AM. The Bermudian Ladies are hosting this year.
• We hope to have a Chicken Corn Soup Sale in October. However, the date is not yet chosen.
Answer the Call
A lot of service - The Lord may come –
Can bring you joy; At most any time;
Hope beyond compare – Of this we can be sure-
A world of incredible need, I pray we are found,
We are made so aware. Cleansed in His blood so pure.
Calls come most any time – No greater joy or peace –
Of heartbreak or some need; To serve our precious Lord;
It’s up to us to answer - Settle for nothing less -
With prayers to intercede. For less we can ill afford.
Written by the Lord & Angel on 10/6/96
Church Activity Schedule for September 2009
9/6 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “Help! I’m desperate” Mark 7:24 – 30
9/8 7:00 PM Leadership Team meeting
9/10 6:00 PM Bell Choir practice (weekly)
7:00 PM Senior Choir practice (weekly)
8:00 PM Praise Team practice (weekly)
9/13 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “God has a plan?” Mark 9:30 - 37
9/18, 19 District Conference - Bunkertown Church of the Brethren
9/19 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer breakfast
9/20 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “Insiders & outsiders” Mark 9:38 - 50
Lamplighter Articles due today
1:00 PM Deacon Meeting
9/25 - 26 Brethren Disaster Relief Auction at Lebanon Area Fairgrounds
9/27 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “No wrangling” Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2
September Birthdays
2 Phyllis Linebaugh 17 Jerry Reynold 27 Portia Ritchey
6 Karen Timpona Alannah Lentz Lynn Pettit
7 Bryon Koskela 23 Wendy Decker 28 Kelly Spangler
9 Phil Kissinger 24 Layne Keeny
11 Cathy Berger 26 Melissa Miller
Nicole Doellinger
Don’t forget the Annual Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry Fall Banquet
New Fairview Church of the Brethren
October 3, 2009
Including…
Silent Auction from 4 – 5:30 PM
Full-Course Beef Dinner 5:30 PM
See Treva Gingerich for tickets…only $12 for adults & $6 for children
Featuring The Marini Family
Harpists & harpmakers
Eco-Corner
Are you using bottled water for its convenience? If so, you may want to reconsider this practice. Consider the following information regarding their use:
1. Statistics vary, but the “bottom line” is that bottled water is much more expensive than your everyday tap water and…
2. Often, the bottled water is just tap water nicely packaged!
3. The packaging of bottled water uses valuable resources that could be saved. In addition, transportation costs, the cost of disposal and more add up to make it a poor choice.
4. Re-using a plastic bottle is dangerous because it leaches chemicals!
So… what should you do to be a better steward of the environment?
Purchase a re-usable container that is BPA free and use your tap water.
A simple solution to a huge environmental problem!
Go green! J