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From Pastor Jurik This month’s pastoral letter includes some observations I made at the October Annual Meeting of the congregation. I include them in the italic print that folows: As I observe and participate in the work of ministry here, it seems clear to me that we have moved into a very different place than where we were when I first arrived 19 months ago. We seem to have a strong sense of purpose; we seem to be supportive of the varied ministries of St. Paul’s; members and friends have increased their offerings to the Lord, evidencing a growth in understanding the Biblical concept of stewardship. The committees of the congregation have grown stronger and become more active. We are in the beginning efforts of a renewed youth ministry effort. And at this meeting leaders will invite the congregation to approve an innovative capital campaign and establish a commemorative devotional garden…. Here is a brief summary to support these observations: + Wednesday afternoon and Saturday Bible studies both meet regularly, with 15 – 25 persons attending each session. With great interest we have studied Genesis, and now we are well into the book of Exodus. + Approximately thirty people participated in a “Boundary” workshop early in March; another fifteen attended October’s repeat workshop. + We have completed four Healthy Congregation workshops, attended by 21-30 persons each time. The most recent, “Leadership in Healthy Congregations,” was well received, and as a result we are planning one more, “The Spiritual Care of Healthy Congregations,” sometime in January. + Offerings are up nearly $15,000 compared to last year, an increase of 23%. The Spirit of God is at work among us. I invite you to read the rest of the articles in this month’s Viewpoint to learn more, including the article describing St. Paul’s Commemorative Garden, approved at last month’s congregational meeting. In Christ, John A. Jurik Interim Pastor, St. Paul’s
CONGREGATION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES COMMEMORATIVE GARDEN PROJECT Members of the congregation at the October Annual Meeting unanimously approved a recommendation to establish a Commemorative Garden on St. Paul’s property, in the area bounded by Vernon Valley Road, Agnes’ Attic and the church office wing of the building. The new garden will provide the opportunity for members and friends to purchase commemorative paving stones, which will be engraved to recognize any number of life’s important events: birth, death, marriage, baptism and confirmation, to mention just a few. Leaders expect to approve the cost of the paving stones at the November congregation council meeting, and then will make order forms available to the congregation. Some members of the congregation have generously given or pledged enough money in advance to fund the construction of the garden, approximately $37,000. Money raised by the sale of the paving stones will be used to meet a $100,000 goal, an amount to be raised over the next two years, just in time for the beginning of St. Paul’s 100th Anniversary, January, 2014! The $100,000 will be used to meet our commitments to pay back the Promissory Notes loaned to the church by members and friends and to become more current with outstanding bills. When this goal is met, St. Paul’s will be in a strong financial position to meet the needs of future ministry. With St. Paul’s 100th Anniversary celebration, we now have the opportunity to make a lasting first impression on St. Paul’s second century. We can beautify the grounds of the church, leave a legacy to future generations, give a gift of hope and peace, continue the church heritage and provide a blessing. We expect to break ground for the Commemorative Garden in the spring of 2012. Keep your eyes open for the brochure, available in approximately one month, which will provide information on how members and friends can purchase commemorative pavers. We give thanks for the support of the congregation and the positive way in which the decision was discussed and approved. The Spirit of God was and continues to be our guide. Members of the committee who continue to watch over this project are Carole Dituro, Rod Finzel, Dennis Gai, Don Henninger, Richard Klein, and Arthur Germain serves as a consultant. Thank you to these members for their continued guidance for this exciting venture.
Witnessing Stewardship By Richard Klein Our Stewardship Campaign was concluded with Commitment Sunday, October 23, 2011. Pastor Jurik shared a message of “the joy of God’s abundance and our commitment to greater service and generosity to Christ and his Church.”
During the service, members had an opportunity to place their pledge/commitment cards in the offering plates. Those who returned the cards indicated their desire to assist St. Paul’s and its ministries.
Speaking of ministries, weren’t those “mission moments “expressing thanks for the support of the Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry, Sunday School and the Visitation Committee inspiring? Paul Beebee, Kyle Flanagan and George Oberle deserve our thanks for sharing from their hearts how these specific ministries please our Lord and Savior.
Sharing God’s love through our time, talents and resources has an enduring impact when invested with an eye towards eternity. (Matt 6: 20) Whatever is done in Love for Christ Will one day have Heaven’s reward; Today let’s do what we can for him, Our Loving Savior and Lord! The Richest People on Earth are Those Who Invest Their Lives in Heaven “Our Daily Bread “– 10/19/2011
LADIES AID By Eleanore Aebisher
LADIES AID would like to remind everyone of our up-and -coming Bake and Broom Sale to be held on November 20th. Our baked and prepared items will add to your Thanksgiving table and make your life a little easier. All donations will be added to our next project, the Kitchen Re-do! We still need some funds for the new countertops. Hope to see you then! FYI: LADIES AID Brooms will now be available every Sunday! They are $12.00. Please see Marianne Tetreault, Ann Beckman or Joan Bibow at the 8:30 a.m. service and Eleanore Aebisher or Claire Englert at the 10:00 a.m. service.
GIVING A GIFT
There is joy and excitement in the opening of a gift. Our greatest gift is God’s love for each of us. Christmas is a time we focus on the gift of Jesus’ birth. For many years the members of St. Paul’s have reached out and touched the hearts of many in our community by giving gifts through our Christmas Tree Gift Tag program sponsored by the Ecumenical Lay Council. Once again a tree filled with tags will appear in the narthex. Share in the joy of giving by reaching out to put smiles and happiness throughout our neighborhood and in your heart. AGNES’ ATTIC By Carolyn P. Hyatt-Basche It’s hard to believe the Grand Opening of Agnes’ Attic was April 5, 2008. Over three years have passed with much happiness and some sadness. Our founder and special friend, Carolyn Diack, joined our Lord on June 5, 2011. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s who blessed us over the years with many amazing talents. One of her last accomplishments was making a Thrift Shop at St. Paul’s become a reality. We continue to work at this special achievement. Serving those in our community continues to be our motto. Sharing our profits continues to help our church and many local missions. Our marvelous volunteers are the backbone of this endeavor. Much work goes into making it all happen, and of course your continued support, donations, and patronage make it all come together. Thank you again. As seasons change, we donate our unsold items to St. Mary’s, the Helping Hand Mission, and starting this month the United Veterans Beacon House, which assists our veterans and their families. Throughout the year, Agnes’ Attic has made donations to the following: St. Paul’s General Operating Fund $2,000. St. Paul’s Capital Improvement Fund $1,500. Church Repairs – Repairing Stucco Wall, Painting Sanctuary, Repair steps rear of school, purchase new Back Pack Blower for a total of $3,599.99. Other monies were donated to: Ecumenical lay Council $1,000. Supporting LuDay Kids First Fund Raiser $125. And LILHS Haiti Meal Packing Event $100. Also clothing was donated to a Commack family after a fire destroyed their home. We pray for your continued support of our local mission. The next meeting of the volunteers will be on November 3rd at 1:45 in the Fellowship room. Regular Hours Tues & Sat 10:00am – 2:00pm Extended Pre-Christmas Hours Thursdays 10:00am – 2:00pm November to Mid-December Many beautiful Holiday Decorations, Gifts & Clothing
Church Offers AED and CPR Training Thursday, November 10, 6:30 – 9:30pm There will be a training session, conducted by members of the East Northport Fire Department, on the operation of the AED (commonly known as “defibrillator”) for all interested persons on a date yet to be determined in October. Cost will be $15 per person for the material and the 3-hour training session. Trainers will also provide basic CPR to those attending. St. Paul’s has obtained an AED, located in the narthex (entrance to the church), and is eager to have as many persons as possible trained in its use. Members and friends 16 years and older are eligible to be trained. A sign-up sheet is in the church narthex or call the church office. HELP THE SOLDIERS
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, together with the Lutheran Churches in Suffolk County, is partnering this year with the Jacob's Light Foundation to collect items to be sent to soldiers in need fighting abroad. We have been asked to collect 4 packs of AA batteries and stick deodorant to be sent in care packages to these soldiers. The batteries must be in 4 packs in order to fit in the boxes, and must be in original packaging for shipping reasons (ie: no buying bulk packages and breaking up into 4 packs - check the dollar store for these 4 packs). For deodorant they suggest Degree, but any stick deodorant will do (no sprays please).
A bin is in the narthex where you can deposit these items. If you would like more information on the Jacob’s Light foundation, you may visit their web site at www.jacobsprogram.org. Together we can show our soldiers we care and make a difference in their lives.
If you or your children would like to write a letter to the soldiers please feel free to do so. They love hearing from someone back home and many of them have no one here. If you do decide to write a letter, please do not include any opinions or views about politics or the war.
Music and Worship By Debbie Peltz Thanks giving in our Thanksgiving As we approach the start of the festive holiday season, let us remember more than the pilgrims that settled and sat down for that first great meal, but recall the larger picture of a Thanksgiving itself. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are grateful for, a time to spend with family, a time to be generous to those without. We can give thanks to God for all he has given us and all our blessings. We can look around at the plentitude of food we have, the wonderful natural resources given to grow our vegetables and the abundance of land for animals. We can rejoice in the technology God has helped us discover, the understanding of sciences, the brilliant minds of inventors, writers, and philosophers. We can look around us and see so many gifts within each other; gifts of talents, intelligence, understanding, time, humility, acceptance, life. We can find God’s promise to us all around us, all the time. However, if we change our “cans” to “wills”, suddenly we are open to receiving God’s grace more fully and we are able to give thanks more abundantly. Even God practices this, as it is the “Will of God” and not the “Can of God”. (Something to think about). Below are a few quotes from the bible regarding Thanksgiving. Psalm 100:4 - Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Phil. 4:6 - We tell God our problems, making our requests known to Him with thanksgiving. Thessalonians 5:18 - In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God. Numbers 6:24-26 - The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.
Happy Thanksgiving, may your cans turn to wills in your thanks giving. PREPARING FOR ALL SAINTS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6th Did you know that Martin Luther chose the eve of All Saints Day, October 31, to post his Ninety-five Theses on the Wittenberg church door, because he knew many people would come to church that next day and would see his posting? Many churches and communities in Europe, though possibly more secular than their North American counterparts, still make a trip to cemeteries on All Saints Eve to place candles, votives, and flowers at the graveside. Some church graveyards are so lit by these candles on the eve of All Saints that they glow. Talk about a great cloud of witnesses! This year we have had our share of funerals. All Saints Sunday is an opportunity to commemorate those who have died and offer support to those who grieve. We will read the names of those who have died in the Lord this year, and also the names of departed loved ones submitted by members and friends of the church. All Saints has a dual focus. We commemorate those who have died. But we remember them not for themselves and in themselves, but because of what God has done through them. Be sure to join us November 6 at either 8:30 or 10 AM. PARISH ED
Join us for the Sunday School Open House on November 6, 2011 from 9:45-11:15. Come see your child in their class and see what we are all about!
Confirmation Kids: Look for an upcoming e-mail regarding our first retreat in November!
BLOOD DRIVE November 23
A blood donation truly is a “gift of life” that a healthy individual can give to others in their community who are sick or injured. In one hour’s time, a person can donate one unit of blood that can be separated into four individual components that could help save multiple lives. Please consider donating at St Paul’s Blood Drive November 23, 2011 Tuesday from 2:45 pm until 8:45 pm. For more info contact Marlene McCann 262-9692. You will see sign up sheets in the Narthex over the next few weeks.
ST. PAUL’S YOUTH GROUP St. Paul’s youth are looking forward to a year of growth and continued service to our Lord. Young people at St. Paul’s have made a difference in our community and in the lives of those less fortunate as they traveled to work camp over the summer. Students in grades 7-12 and adults please be a part of our continued mission for the Youth here at St. Paul’s as we experience some exciting changes. Join us on alternating Sundays from 6:30-8:00pm starting October 23rd. We will share dinner, some fun and most importantly time to thank and Praise our Lord. Every three years senior high youth have the opportunity to join 36,000 of their “closest” Lutheran friends for five days of fun, fellowship, faith building and service at the ELCA National Youth Gathering. The 2012 Youth Gathering will take place from July 18-22 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event is open to any teen that will be entering 9th -12th grade by the fall of 2012. A great deal of planning and fundraising are necessary to make the trip safe, successful and fun. If you or anyone you know is interested in attending, as a student or chaperone, please e-mail Barbara Gai at dgai@optonline.net. Or call her at 631-271-2868
CALLING ALL KIDS – JOIN THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR (Age starting @4 yrs) REQUIREMENTS: must enjoy laughing, love making people happy, really want to have fun, and really want to sing! WE NEED YOU! We rehearse from 11:15 till 11:45 every Sunday after Sunday School. Parents join us too! Jan Sharlun Dear Friends, We have launched our new Confirmation curriculum, named Re:form, which the kids seem to enjoy. It makes good use of animation and humor to get the message out. This year we are studying the Ten Commandments, The Creeds and the Lord’s Prayer. Thank you to Dr. Martin Luther for writing the Small Catechism, which makes my job a lot easier. Saturday night worship is booming lately. We seem to be attracting a lot of “new” worshippers on Saturday night, which is always a joy. It is truly an inter-generational worship that, although it may be called “non-traditional”, it is unmistakably Lutheran. We follow the same lectionary as our Sunday worshippers hear and try to use the same hymns as well. The Eucharist is always celebrated whenever we gather. If you are looking for something a little different or if you are unable to worship on Sundays, we invite you to join us in our Chapel for Saturday night worship at 5:00PM. Crying children are also cordially invited. Did you know that every three years the ELCA holds a National Youth Gathering? In 2012 the gathering will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana. I attended the 2009 gathering (also in New Orleans) and it was incredible as 38,000 Lutheran youth from around the country attended the gathering. St. Paul’s is making plans to send youth from our congregation to next year’s gathering. The gathering is open for boys and girls that are currently in 8th – 12th grade this year. The approximate cost of the trip will be $1,000 per participant, and we plan to have fundraisers to defer some the costs. Christ Lutheran, East Northport, and Abiding Presence, Fort Salonga, are joining us. Barbara Gai, our new parish Youth Coordinator will be the contact person for the trip, along with Bob Mittel. I am confident that you will receive more information from them. Time is short as registration opened on October 9th. If you have a child who is interested in attending the gathering, please speak with Barbara as soon as possible. Also if you wish to provide any financial support towards scholarships, that too would be greatly appreciated. I hope you will support this wonderful opportunity for our youth and pray for them as they embark on this life-changing experience. In Christ, Pastor Bob REQUEST FOR CHURCH MEMBER WITH ACCOUNTING BACKGROUND TO HELP OUR AUDIT COMMITTEE
If you have an accounting or auditing background, the newly formed Audit Committee of St. Paul's would like to ask for your help. The Committee is looking for a willing individual to consult with them in their task of reviewing the financial statements of St. Paul's. This should only be a time commitment of a few hours over the next few months. If interested, please contact Wayne Anstey @ 631-757-0864 or the church office at 631-754-4422, leave your contact information and a representative of the Audit Committee will be in touch. Thank you.
“Youth Sports – St. Paul’s Basketball Program” Program Goal: Create an environment which keeps St Paul’s as a communal focal point for our youth participants as they remain engaged at St Paul’s throughout their Christian development and beyond. Invite children, parents, family, members and neighbors of St Paul’s Church to commune together, learn the sport, develop skills and participate in the game of basketball in a positive, healthy Christian environment while having fun, getting exercise over the cold winter months and make new friends while cheering for our teams. The program introduces participants to other Long Island Lutheran Churches by traveling to and visiting church teams as the others visit St Paul’s, see our facilities, meet our members and compete with our teams.
Current Status: Our St. Paul’s Basketball Program, in conjunction with the Long Island Lutheran Basketball League (LILBL), has experienced tremendous growth. We’ve grown from three teams last season (Pee Wee, Bantam Girls & Jr. Boys) to now six teams including: Pee Wee (1st thru 3rd Grade); Bantam Girls (4th – 6th Grade); Bantam Boys (4th – 6th Grade); Junior Girls (7th – 9th Grade); Senior Boys (10th – 12th Grade); Men’s Masters Division (Age 40 +). All teams are now at roster capacity.
The season commences on Sunday November 6th and runs through mid March culminating with post season playoffs (Bantam up) hosted at LuHi in Brookville. Pastor Jurik has invited the players and coaches to join the 10 am service on Sunday, November 6th (All Saints Day) for a special blessing of the program participants. The games are played on Sunday afternoons here at St. Paul’s and other participating Long Island Lutheran Churches.
Costs: In an effort to keep the program affordable, and to encourage our youth participation, we operate at a break even cost model. Registration fees are collected to cover the cost of uniforms and referee fees.
*** Request for fund raising to subsidize a new wall clock for the gym*** The old large display, wall mounted game clock became inoperable many years ago. It could not be repaired and was removed last year. A generous donation was provided which funded a portable table top game clock which is presently in use. The unit is functional, but difficult for spectators, coaches and game officials to see simultaneously. A wall mounted game clock is needed to replace the removed unit. With the volume of players and guests anticipated to visit the gym each week, the request to open a concession stand during game time to raise funds was submitted to the Congregation Council for review at the November meeting. The initial request is to sell water bottles, soda cans, and other non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and food items. The proceeds would be put toward funding of the wall mounted game clock. Free will donations will also be graciously welcomed.
Thank You to the Buildings and Grounds Committee! - The gym upgrades are greatly appreciated. The fresh paint, new radiator covers and new backboards are beautiful. A generous donation has been received along with matching funds from LuDay which will provide new safety padding along the perimeter of the gym to absorb impact of players falling in to the wall. This is a tremendous, welcomed upgrade and a true blessing to the participants. Thank You! “Youth Activities – St Paul’s Boy Scouts Troop 474” Submitted by James Flynn, Assistant Scout Master
Program Goal: Create a positive role model based environment for boys ages 11- 18 by learning outdoor activity skills including camping, cooking, independence, safety and respect for nature. The program enforces near and long range goal setting through established principles in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America program.
Our Leadership Team: Our committee members and trained uniformed leaders come from St Paul’s Church and surrounding community. They include: Scout Master; Tom Makin, Assistant Scout Masters, Rod Finzel, Bob Jaissle, James Flynn, Dave Mallon & Mike Kossman. Our Committee includes Chairperson; Jenni Garone, Treasurer; Amy Grandy, Secretary; Eve Kossman, St. Paul’s Charter Representative; Nancy Jaissle. Committee Members; Denise Kraska, Andy Pinals, Rob Thall and Russel Allen. Our St. Paul’s Boy Scout Troop 474 is unique in that we are a small, high quality program operated out of the Youth Building (Gym). The Scouts meet weekly on Monday evenings from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. The Scouts participate in approximately one outing per month. Activities include camping, hiking, white water rafting, skiing, conservation and other activities culminated by a week long summer camp at the beautiful lake front historical Camp Yawgoog in Rhode Island. St. Paul’s has enjoyed the benefits of a number of Eagle Projects throughout the property over the years.
Future activities will include our annual Thanksgiving feast held on Saturday, November 12th as an overnight campout into Sunday, November 13th, winter camping events, a Scout Family Ski trip, a food drive to support our local Northport Food Pantry and Scout Sunday Observance on February 5, 2012.
Parent Involvement: One of the great benefits of our size troop is the opportunity for parents to participate in scouting activities and outings with their sons. Parents are welcomed to become committee members and have an influence on activity planning.
Success Stories: Our small, high quality program focuses on personal development, goal setting and achievement while having fun. Recent St. Paul’s Troop 474 Eagle Scouts have graduated and moved on to continue their personal development journey. Max Jaissle (son of Nancy and Robert Jaissle) was appointed to the Merchant Marine Academy; Matthew DiFazio is attending Notre Dame University and Mathew Flynn (Bob & Nancy Rohrssen’s grandson) is attending Clemson University. Many other success stories fill our archives of boys who became men.
Please join us: If your son or grandson of ages 11-18 is curious about Boy Scouts, please bring them to a meeting on Monday evenings. We welcome them and will explain how the program works. Any questions, please feel free to contact me at jflynn1963@gmail.com or 516-857-5968. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
The Lord is using the ministry of Operation Christmas Child to bring children and families to God all around the world. We pray that you will be involved in this exciting Samaritan’s Purse ministry. Please share the love of Jesus with the precious children around the world who are in need. You can make a difference in the life of a child thousands of miles away whom you will never meet. Help add some happiness to their Christmas.
Please fill an empty shoe box with a variety of gifts. Label your box boy or girl and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. You can review gift ideas on their website at www.samaritanspurse.org and click on Pack a Shoe Box. You may also wrap your gift (lid separately). Please donate $7.00 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping. If you are unable to pack a box, consider donating items for boxes. (i.e. maybe a dentist could donate toothbrushes, etc). You may drop off your box in the narthex or church office. The deadline is Friday, November 18th in order to have sufficient time to mail the boxes. Any questions, feel free to contact Linda Burns at 631-239-5923. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP The St. Paul’s congregation will gather on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 24th at 7:30 pm to thank God for all good things. We have been blessed beyond measure. It is good and salutary to offer praise and thanksgiving to our generous God. Join us at 6:30 pm in the narthex for cider, pie and fellowship, where we can literally “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Bring a canned good or nonperishable item for the ecumenical lay council food pantry to be brought up front during the service to help our neighbors in need.
HOMEBOUND VISITATION A few thoughts about Visitation to the Homebound here at St. Paul’s. This is a ministry of presence and remembrance. We may take for granted that we gather here Sunday after Sunday to celebrate Christ’s love and sacrifice for us. To gather around the table with family and friends to receive words of comfort and assurance. To know that Christ is for us. Some may find that they are unable to share this fellowship either by age, sickness or accident. Confined at home, some with family, some alone. Confined in a nursing Home or assisted living. Relieved to be safe in a very new environment. Or in need of Rehabilitation due to sickness or accident A ministry of presence, to know they are not forgotten, to share news of the community, to know they are remembered in our thoughts and prayers, to listen to their hopes and fears. A ministry of remembrance, to hear again the familiar words of the Eucharist, given and shed for you, do this for the remembrance of me. May the body and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and preserve you unto eternal life. Now a moment to thank all those quiet disciples known and unknown who also serve in this ministry – those who bring warm soup, biscuits, and flowers, send greeting cards, notes of encouragement and so many little things that mean so much to those separated from us. Thank you and God Bless. Thank you St Paul’s for being the caring community that you are. We are depending on you to keep us informed if any member finds themselves separated from us. Please call the office. ADVENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 27 Advent returns with each year so that every generation may hear it afresh and accept it, every individual be reminded of it as of his or her own birthday (Ernst Kasemann, sermon preached December 1, 1985, first Sunday in Advent, Sexsau, Germany). Here we are, entering another year of the church life. This church year is not calculated by ancestry, looking backward, but based upon the continuation of what Martin Luther called Mundhaus, or “mouth-house” – Luther’s clever term for preaching, liturgy, music and more. We will observe the four Sundays of Advent, beginning November 27, and worship mid-week, Wednesdays, at noon and 7:30 PM. Plan now to add your voice to the “mouth-house” of God in East Northport.
Grace isn’t a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It is a way to live. (attributed to Jacqueline Winspear) A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. (Cicero)
THANK YOUS
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Lutheran African peace activist
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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church |
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120 Vernon Valley Road East Northport, New York 11731 631.754.4422 |