NEWSLETTER June 2018
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main
Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ~ Ephesus 6:13
From the Deacon’s Desk Grace, Mercy and Peace to you from God Our Father and Our lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen Ephesus 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. We often think of the church as a safe haven, a refuge. I’ve even heard it referred to as a M.A.S.H. (Mobile Army Surgical Unit) unit for Christians. A place where the disciples of Christ, who have faced the trials of the world during six days of the week, can return to find comfort. A place where soldiers of the cross can return to be refreshed and strengthened after facing the devil’s slings and arrows to return to fight the good fight for another week. An individual soldier doesn’t just enter the battlefield to passively present his/herself as target practice for the enemy. The soldier is part of a larger organization. They serve on the battlefield for a larger purpose and as part of an important mission. They have responsibilities to their fellow soldiers and to their country. It is the same with the church. We do not, as Christians, put on God’s armor so we can see just how much punishment we can take from the devil and the world we live in. We put on the armor of God so that by sharing God’s word with everyone we meet we can storm the very gates of Hell. That by the grace of God, through the all atoning work of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit by the faith created and sustained in our hearts we may be God’s tools to liberate others. Every one of us by God’s grace can be senders of the Holy Spirit to those who have never heard and to those who have heard a thousand times. The Church, therefore, is not only a M.A.S.H. unit. The church is a Headquarters from which we plan and carry out ministry that will benefit our community, show God’s love and build the kingdom but bringing people to Him. The Church is also a training ground where we learn the skills we need to change a world through sharing the Gospel in a loving manner. It is also a supply depot where we can find the resources we need to carry out the good fight. All these things and more combined with our unique gifts as individuals and as a congregation can be used to insure that Christ’s death on the cross to save all mankind was not made in vain. As we move forward together as a congregation, please consider what gifts, talents, and interests you can share with the congregation and our community. Keep those ideas for mini-ministries coming. During this time we want to be ready to achieve great things and seize the opportunities that God provides for us. Always clothed in the armor that He provides. Amen. In Jesus,
Deacon John Babbitts If you find yourself unable to attend worship on Sunday, head over to Facebook and during the readings and sermon portion of the service we will go LIVE on “God’s Peace at Parker and Main”Facebook page. Now you can stay connected to God’s word and and Pastor message each and every Sunday. Past Sundays are available now on the “Video” section of the page.
News of The Lutheran Academy! Working in partnership with God's people to raise up a new generation of faithful Christian men and women!
Academy Field Day
Awards Night and Graduation Ceremony Monday, June 11th 7:00 pm Lutheran Ministry Center
On Friday, May 25th the students, teachers, and many parent volunteers enjoyed a gorgeous day for Field Day. New this year, the students headed to Elm Street Park in Dickson City for a day of kickball, flag football, relay races, long jump, water games and the beloved final event - TUG OF WAR. Much to the surprise of the dads, the kids won the tug of war contest. We are thankful for these 28 students and their families and we ask you all to continue to pray for them as we finish the school year and send them off to summer break.
Awards and recognition for students and staff, as well as a graduation ceremony for Nora Betts as she leaves the Academy and heads to Holy Cross Hight School next year. All are invited and encouraged to attend and support our students and staff. Cake and punch to be served following the ceremony.
Tug of War
Flag Football
Long Jump Congratulations to Jonathan B. for winning the long jump with a record jump of 11 feet!!!
Relay Race
Pictured to the left is Ella as she comes through the final turn of the relay race for her team.
Look Ahead . . . Rummage Sale August 3 & 4 held at the Lutheran Ministry Center More info to come in July newsletter
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION Did you know . . . The Lutheran Academy has open enrollment? We are now taking applications for enrollment for the 2018-19 school year. We ask you to help spread the word about our school and ALL the positive ways we can impact a child’s academic and spiritual life.
Thank you for your support via the Box Top program. Over $260 was raised this year from this initiative. Please continue to collect them. Box Tops are found on almost 200+ items. Each Box Top when turned in earns the Academy 10 cents. As you can see, these Box Tops can really add up. A collection box is located in the back of the church. Please save your Box Tops. Spread the word and turn them in!
Visit and share the Academy website at anytime at www.thelutheranacademyscranton.org
Pray without ceasing - 1 Thes. 5:17 Remember to ask: "How can I pray for you?"
CHURCH NEWS AND NOTES: + SPECIAL PRAYERS For Frank Schulze who has now been in jail over 2 years without a trial. For Beverly Gedrimas recovering from surgery at Moses Taylor Hospital. For Bonnie Cornog who had surgery and is in recovery at the hospital in Philadelphia. For Ed Smith under treatment for his cancer and for healing from a detatched retina.
+ SOFTBALL TEAM?!? Needed a minimum of nine to take on all challengers from sister congregations in softball! In addition to signing up yourself feel free to ask any unchurched friends, family, or co-workers who would like to play! We need players, organizers and lots and lots of support when we play. Wink Wink. See Deacon John or Amy Betts if interested. When we have enough to move forward, we will work on practice and game schedule. It would be nice to get maybe four or five games between June and October.
Congratulations to Tim Hackenberg for receiving the MVP Award from Marywood University’s Men’s Outdoor Track and Field team.
Eastern District Convention On June 15-16, Council President Chuck Mercer will represent Peace Lutheran Church at the Eastern District Convention to be held at Daemen College in Amherst, NY
Lutheran Ministry Center Needs
+ 37th Annual LWML Eastern District Convention,
There has become a need for a second refrigerator for the kitchen in the LMC. If you have one to donate, please call the office to arrange pickup. If you have a spare Gallon of interior paint (new or good condition) we would appreciate it as we would like to paint the bathrooms this summer.
Niagara Falls, NY June 1-3
+ BAPTISM We rejoice in the celebration of Baptism of Klayce Aiden James, son of Crystal and Dennis, grandson of Gus & Tina Bernardi held on Sunday, May 27th.
Pictured here is the Peace ladies heading to the convention early on Friday morning. Susan Crosbie and Aurora Pajuelo chaperoning Nora Betts, Alexandra Pajuelo, Sarah Bjornstad, Grace Babbitts, and Isabelle Kramer.
Looking Ahead . . . Church clean up day is scheduled for Saturday, June 9th from 8:00-noon. All hands on deck to get Peace all spruced up for the summer. We will have teams to help both inside and outside.
Farewell to Pastor Bjornstad and his family
Congregational Voter’s Meeting - Sunday, June 10th after the 11am service. This will be the meeting to cast your vote for the use of the parsonage after Pastor moves.
Sunday, June 10th 2:00-4:00pm A mix and mingle event is planned for Sunday, June 10th from 2:00-4:00pm in the fellowship hall of the Lutheran Ministry Center 1546 Monsey Ave. Light refreshements will be served. A free will donation will be collected that day to cover any event costs, with the remaining given as gift cards to Pastor and his family as a blessing as they make the move to Minnesota. Deacon Babbitts has an official church email: deacon.babbitts@yourpeace.org Feel free to email him here with any church business.
Church website: www.yourpeace.org
Tender Lutheran Caregivers (TLC) group will be meeting after worship on Sunday, July 1st for a time of food and fellowship as they move forward with plans to reach the needs of our congregation. If you have already expressed interest, or now feel the call to be part of this crucial ministry of Peace (many hands make light work after all), please plan to attend on July 1st. If you are unable to attend, let Deacon John or Amy Betts know so they can speak to you about how you would best like to be part of the team.
email: pastor@yourpeace.org, amybetts@yourpeace.org
LMC: 570-703-0607
Confirmation 2018
Meet Pastor Triplett Pastor Glen Triplett began his term as our vacany Pastor on June 1st. Pastor received a degree in Theological Studies from Cinncinati Christian University while working full time. He served as a combat controller in the US Air Force, and spent some years as a truck driver. More recently, Pastor graduated with his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Fort Wayne, IN. Pastor Triplett was ordained and installed at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Dickson City in July 2016.
Pastor Bjornstad with confirmands Ryan Spies, Zachary Wilson, Alexis Cherney and Elizabeth Kramer.
Why I want to be a Christian . . . By Zach Wilson: Being a Christian is the most important aspect of my life. There are several reasons why being a Christian matters to me so much. One reason is I want to know the truth of how I was created. I want to know how everything was really made, and I don’t want to be told lies about the creation of the universe and life. In my opinion, it’s much more believable that a begotten being created the world in six days rather than the universe exploded into existence and we evolved from primates. I also want to have everlasting life and be able to live with my family in heaven. Because of our sins, death was an unavoidable end that everyone dreaded. Jesus came down from heaven, was made man, and saved us from our sins and death by dying on the cross. It’s comforting to know that after this life, I can look forward to being with my God and creator in heaven and with my friends and family. The last and most important reason why I want to be a Christian is I want to be forgiven of my sins. When Adam and Eve committed the original sin, their children and every generation after that were condemned to sin and death. It’s wonderful to know that with belief in Jesus and his word, I can be relieved from sin’s terrible burden and be reborn every day. These are the most important reasons why I love being a Christian. By Ryan Spies: The reason I want to be a Christian is because I was Baptized and raised Christian. My family is Christian. Being Christian is what I know, it’s my faith. I believe I am a Sinner and Jesus is my savior. I believe it’s a good way to live my life.
Why did you become a Pastor? Ministry was always there in my mind. I felt like from a young child I should be in the church. I left the Catholic Church in my teens. I tried many other denominations and in the process got to know the scripture rather well. I tried running away from ministry but the call was too stong, and thankfully here I am. What drives you in your ministry? Reaching the lost is my driving force. I wish I had more time to that in my daily schedule/routine. What do you look forward to in your role as vacancy pastor at Peace? Serving the pastoral needs of Peace. What are your thoughts on your role as Pastor and head of religious studies at the Academy? I look forward to continuing the tradition of The Lutheran Academy that has been forged by my predecessor, Pastor Bjornstad. I would also like to expand the school’s outreach into the community with service projects done by the students for our immediate and surrounding community. Pastor Triplett has been married 28 years to his wife Tami Gentil and they have a son Aaron (20). He also has a daughter, Amber (31), from a previous marriage. She, her husband, and 3 children live in Cinncinati. Please be sure to say hello, introduce yourself, and most importantly come to worship and get to know Pastor as he fills in on Communion Sundays (1st and 3rd) at Peace.
SELF-PACED BIBLE STUDY OPTION Does your busy schedule keep you from bible study? Wish you could work at your own pace? Deacon John will be leading a Overview of the Bible - Bible study from the Lifelight series via e-mail. Read and respond at the pace that suits your schedule. All you have to do is give us your e-mail and your all set. You’ll receive your first e-mail shortly thereafter. So don’t let that crazy rat race get in the way, join us now! Email Deacon John at deacon.babbitts@yourpeace.org
+ YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS VITAL TO OUR CHURCH AND SCHOOL! Intentional Giving - May the Lord lead your giving this year. May you make and keep a financial goal for your tithing for 2018. May you feel encouraged and blessed by the work of the church through your offerings. May the world know Peace Lutheran is alive and working to share God’s love and gospel to all who will hear.
Generational Generosity Stewardship Workshop th Thursday, June 7 at Our Savior, Mount Pocono Sadly it appears that fewer and fewer people in our communities are rejoicing in Christ and His Cross & Resurrection victory over sin, death and the devil. If so, why is this? What’s going on? Where are all the Christians? For many of our congregations, why are their fewer and fewer people in our pews on Sunday? To help us answer these questions and many more. And to provide us with encouragement, insight, and guidance in our outreach efforts to reach the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Rev. Heath Curtis, a dual parish pastor from our Southern Illinois District, and contracted by our LCMS as Stewardship Coordinator, has agreed to visit us and conduct a Generational Generosity Stewardship Workshop. This workshop is open to clergy AND members of area congregations. We pray that you can join us for what should be an engaging, informative, and uplifting time of fellowship, sharing, food, praying, teaching, and yes…a little singing before we depart. Here’s a basic outline of the evenings activities: 4 pm – Arrive for Fellowship, Sharing & Refreshments 5 pm – Dinner 6 pm – Workshop conducted by Rev. Heath Curtis 8:30 pm – Q & A Closing Prayer & Hymn Please RSVP to 570-839-1428, or richertp@yahoo.com. Thank you and thank you all for your participation in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Rickert, Our Savior in Mount Pocono
MINI MINISTRY- SODA TABS I (Deaon John) have three nieces that were adopted from China. The youngest came over with a number of health challenges. Since my niece's adoption my sister and brother-in-law and their family have made numerous, unexpected, and at times long visits to the hospital, some spending weeks. They are just one family of many that has benefited from the Ronald McDonald House. Mark Koenig has brought to us a mini-ministry to collect tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. We will continue the collection for the month of June. We are asking that you save all your tabs from beverage, soup and other aluminum cans and bring them to church so that we can donate them to the Ronald McDonald House! And keep those mini-ministries coming! SUMMER HOURS Beginning June 3rd, we will have one worship service at 11:00am. No Sunday School over the summer. We will return to two services and Sunday School after Labor Day
Veteran-led Bible Study FOR Veterans Over the summer the meeting/ study session will be held at Peace in the fellowship hall Saturday, June 2nd, July 7th and August 4th at 9:00am. Light breakfast food will be served and study will be led by Army Veteran Ky Betts (pictured while serving in Baghdad, Iraq). Share this information with veterans you may know and encourage them to attend.