NEWSLETTER February 2016
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main Elsie Schweitzer, Called to Glory As the Schweitzer family and her church family here at Peace Lutheran Church said good bye to Elsie, there were many tears shed, hugs given, songs of worship sung and memories revisited.There were many stories shared over the course of planning and holding the funeral for Elsie Schweitzer. Some had stories to make you chuckle, some brought tears to the eye, and yet all carried a tone of love and respect for both Elsie and the Lord she served faithfully and boldly. Marilyn (Wright) Sellers shares a few words about our beloved Elsie: “Wishing I could be at Elsie's "Homegoing Ceremony" , as they call it in Inagua, Bahamas. I certainly was VERY blessed by her friendship, which began soon after I became a member at Peace Lutheran. One of the fun things I'll remember is our discussion about penmanship. Elsie had BEAUTIFUL penmanship. Among the many things I just LOVED and will miss is seeing that wonderful script with my name on an envelope, filled with church bulletins, newsletters, and personal letters from Elsie when I missed church. She also brought me some flowers when I became a shut in instead of a galavanting senior. There are so many beautiful ways, some may even call it tough ways, she exemplified Christian love through her faith and service. I call it blessing.”
From the pastor’s heart: Psalm 99:9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy! THE INTERRUPTIONS OF GOD Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, There used to be a soap opera TV show called “As the World Turns.” At our congregational retreat January 16th, Pastor Buchmann referred to the affairs of this world as re-run episodes of “As the World Churns.” In his devotions he showed us how Jesus dealt with the churning world around him - a world that continually interrupted his ministry. He would be on his way somewhere, thinking he would get there… but invariably he was interrupted by the needs of the people. Amazingly he did not get frustrated or put out. He took the time to minister and bless. He saw these interruptions as his true calling and ministry. Pastor led us to understand that even as we attempt to plan for our lives individually - and as a congregation - we ought to be always ready for interruptions - seeing them as God’s ministry. But it sure is fun to turn this idea on its head a bit and see it from a different angle. Ultimately we as Christians are all about how the on-going drudgery of the ugly churn of the world has been rudely interrupted by the call of Christ to repent and know the Kingdom of
God that is upon us. The life of Our Savior, the true King of the Jews, is being lived out in and through our lives. Individually and corporately, the members of Peace Lutheran Church are the powerful agents of God interrupting the evil churn of the world. “We interrupt the regular programing of the world now with the Good News of true peace with God, true healing of the heart, beautiful forgiveness, and eternal life.” As we conclude the season of Epiphany and enter into Lent, let us together thrill in the blessed ministry of interrupting the evil around us with God’s grace and Kingdom come. Our Godly devotions, worship, and everyday life - filled with kindnesses both small and large - are God’s beautiful serendipity and grace for the world in chaos and sin. To God be all the glory! In Jesus,
Pastor Bjornstad
The Immanuel Preschool and the Lutheran Academy! Working in partnership with God's people to raise up a new generation of faithful Christian men and women!
*NEW* Hot Lunch at the Academy The Academy is blessed to have a parent interested in organizing a hot lunch program at the school. She will be cooking and serving a hot lunch 2-3 days per week and we hope to add a cold lunch option on alternating days. In order to make the kitchen ready for this program, there are a few items needed to stock the supply cupboard. If you would like to donate any of the following, please talk to Amy Betts in the church office. Cheese Grater Hand held Can Opener Cast Iron Skillet Toaster (for bagels) Sheet Cake Pan Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil Dishwasher Detergent
Mixer with dough hook Roasting Pan Extra Wide Pizza Trays
PLUS We Need: Refrigerator Small Chest Freezer Of course, monetary donations are always welcome. You can designate if you want those funds to help stock the pantry or to sponsor a student who needs assistance paying for the hot lunch program.
SUPPORT THE ACADEMY!
Pastor Bjornstad showed the Academy students what it was like to be baptized in the Jordan River. The old baptistry in the LMC was a perfect place to illustrate the lesson. Their imaginations are wonderful so they really enjoyed this!
Q is for quilt! Students at the preschool created a colorful quilt and learned the value of teamwork.
We were so blessed to have Mrs. Leslie as our teacher for a week, while Miss. L was helping her cancer stricken uncle in North Carolina. Praise the Lord for Mrs Leslie's calm and sure teaching! School websites: www.thelutheranacademyscranton.org
and
www.leccs.org
Pray without ceasing - 1 Thes. 5:17 Remember to ask: "How can I pray for you?"
HAPPY NEWS AND NOTES: + AROUND THE CONGREGATION * Sam Ebenezer has returned from his ministry trip to India. * Adam and Tonya Evans just purchased a new home. Congratulations and many prayers for years of blessed enjoyment.
* A Nepali congregation begins worship in the Lutheran Ministry Center on Sunday afternoons. * Christina and Agnes Ebenezer are having to spend time in NYC as unfortunately Christina’s education couldn’t be completed here in Scranton. She is now attending Queen’s College. We look forward to seeing them as often as they can be back here in Scranton. * St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre welcomes a new pastor. Installation will be Feb 20th at 11:00 am. All are welcome. + FOOD DRIVE The Preschool and Academy are holding their annual Breadbasket Food Pantry collection which will run through February 7th. Please bring in your donation and place in the box located in the back of the church. If you have a large donation, contact the church office to arrange pickup of those items. Thank you for your support.
+ FEEDBACK In this age of technology we encourage you to be connected to Peace Lutheran Church via our website and if possible on the Facebook page. We highly encourage you not to be afraid to give feedback and respond on Facebook posts. Your participation speaks volumes to visitors to our church and virtual visitors to our page.
+ ESL CLASSES ESL classes are held 5:45-7:15pm each Thursday at the Lutheran Ministry Center. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED. If you are available on Thursdays, the ESL program can use you!
+ TRI-COUNCIL MEETING Tri-Council Meeting to be held at the Lutheran Ministry Center on January 31st . Noon: Fellowship and 12:30: Meeting The purpose of the Tri-Council meetings is to explore ways to jointly share in common ministry opportunities. All are welcome to attend. + SAVE THE DATE: LENTEN FAIR A Lenten Fair for children will be held Saturday March 19th from 10:00am - 1:00pm at the Lutheran Ministry Center. More details to follow in the March newsletter. + IMMANUEL CALLING PROCESS Please pray for wisdom and for God’s hand to continue to be on the calling process as Immanuel Lutheran Church seeks a fulltime pastor.
+ NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING Please continually pray for the following Peace Lutheran Church youth who plan to attend the convention next summer: Brooke Cherney, Mark McHale, Kiana and Kobe Sauter, Andrew Harsche, AJ Hackenberg, and Joel Kriger.
+ LCEF REMINDER LCEF investment opportunities are available to members, including Family Emergency Accounts, 2-year or 4-year or 5-year Term Notes, and Young Investors Accounts. Brochures and sign up information is available at the church or online at www.lcef.org.
+ FEBRUARY 14th NURSING HOME VISIT The Sunday School students will be visiting the Greenridge Nursing Home during the 10:30 am service to hand out Valentine’s Day cards and spread love and cheer to the residents.
+ YOUTH OVERNIGHT MOVIE NIGHT All Confirmation age youth and older are welcome (with friends) to an overnight movie night on Sunday, February 14-15! We need help with Chaperones so please let Pastor know if you can help.
CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS: At the Congregational Retreat on January 16th, we were joined by our newest members who came to Peace as a result of the ministry of the Church of All Nations. It was a great joy to have them among us and making a commitment to the future of our congregation and its ministries. As we discussed the future of our congregation, it was very apparent that the continuation of the ministry of the Church of All Nations was important for many who were at the retreat. At this time the services and ministry have not yet restarted since taking a break in December. Sam Ebenezer is back from India and a ministry meeting has been set for Friday, Feb. 12th at the Lutheran Ministry Center. Anyone who is interested in helping and assisting in this mission is WELCOME TO COME. We will start at 4pm and end with dinner. Please PRAY for the restarting of this vital ministry to reach out to “All Nations”! If you desire to be involved with the mission but are not able to make the meeting, please give Pastor Bjornstad a call. Church website: www.yourpeace.org.... email: pastor@yourpeace.org, amybetts@yourpeace.org… LMC: 570-703-0607
WORSHIP LIFE AT PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH: 8:00 9:30 10:30
Worship with Holy Communion Sunday School (ages Kindergarten to Adult) Worship with Holy Communion every other Sunday
SPONSORING FLOWERS If you would like to sponsor the flowers for a particular Sunday, please note that it is the sponsor’s responsibility to provide/order the flowers. Please sign up on the calandar at the back of the church to indicate your sponsorship! To order from McCarthy’s Flowers, please call: 570-507-9441 or 570-343-1179 and ask to speak with Carol. Or you can stop by the 1001 N. Main Ave, Scranton store and order from there!
Additional Services at Immanuel: 5:30 pm Saturday Evening and 9:30 am Sunday Morning
BIBLE STUDY for Sunday Mornings The final few lessons from the ”Molded By the Lord" video Bible Study will be held in February. This is “A Bible Study revealing God's Hand at Work in our Lives" by Rev. Ted Richter. Pastor Richter takes text from Jeremiah 18's potter and clay analogy and moves through the entire process of making a pot from preparing the clay to firing the vessel (and that DOESN'T mean "you are fired!") Join us at 9:30am every Sunday! Please remember there is also a Bible Study at 9:30 am each Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church as well!
FRIENDSHIP Sunday It is time for Friendship Sunday at Peace Lutheran Church. You are encouraged to invite friends, coworkers, neighbors to join you for worship on Sunday, February 14th. There will be special music during and after the service. Please plan to stay for a time of food and fellowship after the 10:30 service.
LIVING LENT 2016- Wednesday Schedule
Sunday Themes during Lent
Feb. 10: Ash Wednesday - Pondering our Relationship with God 10:00 am Peace Lutheran 7:30 pm Immanuel Lutheran Church (no supper)
Feb. 14: First Sunday in Lent - Finding God’s Purpose in Your Life FRIENDSHIP SUNDAY at Peace
Midweek Lenten Service Schedule 10:00 am Each Week at Peace Lutheran 6:30 pm Fellowship Supper Feb. 17: 7:30pm St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church Feb. 24: 7:30pm Lutheran Ministry Center March 2: 7:30pm Immanuel Lutheran Church March 9: 7:30pm St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church March 16: 7:30pm Lutheran Ministry Center
Feb. 21: Second Sunday in Lent - People Matter Feb. 28: Third Sunday in Lent - Proclaiming Christ March 6: Fourth Sunday in Lent - Praising the Crucified Christ March 13: Fifth Sunday in Lent - Living with Pain
HOLY WEEK March 19: “Lenten Fair” for all children and youth 10:00am - 1:00pm, Held at the Lutheran Ministry Center March 20: Palm Sunday Services March 24: Maundy Thursday - Jesus’ Prayer of Anguish 7pm Immanuel Lutheran Church March 25: Good Friday - Witnessing the Passion and Death of Christ 11:30am Reenactment of the Crucifixion at Peace Church 7:00pm Good Friday with Holy Communion at Immanuel Lutheran March 27: Easter Sunday:The Resurrection of Our Lord - Paradise is Ours 6:30 am Easter Sunrise at Evergreen Cemetery 8:00 am Peace Lutheran Church 9:30 am Immanuel Lutheran Church 10:30 am Peace Lutheran Church
Congregational Retreat Reflections by Amy Betts Amidst the typing of notes from the Jan 16th Congregational Retreat I am in awe of the work done that day. There are so many ways for Peace to become more than “just a Sunday place”. In the coming weeks, be watching for more and more to be shared and in the March newsletter I anticipate joyful news of progress being made with the Church of All Nations ministry, for a plan to increase our community outreach, and most importantly a chance to engage EVERYONE in the congregation with opportunities to serve the church and each other. This is an exciting time for Peace Lutheran Church and I pray each of us will seek God’s voice of encouragement.
**NEW** Monthly Pasta Dinner Fundraiser Monday, February 15 4:00-7:00 pm $10/Adult and $6 child Eat in or Carry Out Includes: Pasta, Meatballs, Salad and Dessert This month’s location:
Immanuel Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall 238 Reese Street, Scranton
Proceeds to benefit the Immanuel Preschool & The Lutheran Academy To purchase your tickets, contact Amy Betts at the church office at 570-703-0607 or Tom Gritz at 609-707-2761, no later than February 12th. Help spread the word, invite friends/family, and support our Lutheran schools!
MARCH FOR LIFE Pastor Bjornstad was going to go down with Pastor Bode from Hop Bottom, PA, but with the questionable weather we decided not to go. Here are some excerpts from the LCMS blog on the March for Life: "Forty-three years after the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, tens of thousands of pro-life people converged on Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, Jan. 22 and 23 respectively, to be a unified voice for the unborn and for the sanctity of life at all stages. Undeterred by an impending blizzard in D.C. and rain showers in San Francisco, participants gathered to first hear from speakers such as 2016 presidential candidate Carly Fiorina and Center for Medical Progress (CMP) Director David Daleiden before beginning the marches. These peaceful marches were marked by a sense of joy and hope, as pro-life participants spontaneously sang hymns and prayed while they walked. The D.C. march was particularly memorable for the LCMS, as participants included students from Concordia University Chicago and Concordia University Wisconsin, as well as other LCMS pastors and congregation members who were privileged to lead the entire march by carrying the March for Life banner. “Marching is having a voice — a very strong, unified voice. Even so, it is not merely a way of speaking against abortion, but a way of speaking for life,” said Stephanie Neugebauer, director of LCMS Life and Health Ministries."
Welcoming People to the Church Tips of the Month: ✿ Greet children at their level. ✿ Let children by children. Families love when you love their kids as kids (crying, playing, singing!) and don’t expect them to be grown-ups. ✿ Invite visitors to join you at something, anything! Invite them to fellowship events, Sunday School Hour, or to a restaurant for one on one time to get to know you.
Lutheran Ministry Center Building Use Request Forms The LMC Building Use form can be found at the back of the church. You can also visit the LMC tab of the Peace Church website for the form and to check availability on the LMC calendar at www.yourpeace.org. This form is required when requesting the use of the Lutheran Ministry Center. Reserve the kitchen and fellowship hall for an event or party, the sanctuary, or perhaps the conference room for meeting. See the form for fees and policies for using the space. Help us also spread the word about the space being available and reasonably priced. NEED TRANSPORTATION TO WORSHIP? The Peace van is avaialble to pick you up for Sunday School and worship service on Sundays. Call the church office to arrange: 570-703-0607. Church website: www.yourpeace.org.... email: pastor@yourpeace.org, amybetts@yourpeace.org… LMC: 570-703-0607