NEWSLETTER January 2016
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by
such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily
entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,
the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
From the pastor’s heart: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, This last year was a clear answer from God that He is very alive in our midst and has a special and most wonderful purpose for us. As if there had been any doubts among us! For the three years culminating in our 100th Anniversary celebrations in 2017, I had labeled each year as “Ready”, “Set”, and “Go” (for another 100 years of growth and blessing!) These two first years were supposed to be years of positioning, organizing, and renewing our faith… getting “ready” and “set”. Incredibly it seemed that God’s starting gun went off before we were in any way prepared! The former Trinity Baptist Church came for sale and God parted the waters and made its purchase and renovations all possible. Today the Academy is 50% larger than a year ago, with a new teacher and what looks like a very healthy future! The Lutheran Ministry Center was renovated under the expert direction of Jerry Cornog and most of the bugs of running this massive facility have been ironed out. Plans are well underway to make the LMC financially solvent indefinitely. And finally, our first attempt at a new Church of All Nations mission at the LMC gained fruit that will last. Even though it hit a stumbling
block in December, we are looking to reorganize and renew that mission here in January. So where does this leave us now? Where do we go from here? What if what WE think was God’s “starting gun”, was really just His “getting us ready”? Makes me laugh! We need to adjust to this new reality. The Lord in His wisdom and grace has given us SO MANY gifts. We do need to sit down, put our heads and hearts together with the Lord’s, and plan for the new future with hearts FULL of faith. This is why I am asking for your support and attendance at the January 16th (Saturday) congregational retreat. Pastor Buchmann (former pastor of Peace) and Amy Betts, our Parish Administrator, will conduct this meeting. You will find more details of the meeting elsewhere in this newsletter, and in upcoming communications leading up to the 16th. According to Hebrews chapter 12, WE are the joy SET before Jesus, and it is for US that he scorned the cross… and so WE, as His children, are to look to HIM with perfect joy and expectation. He is our savior and the light of our life… To God be ALL the glory - now and for the next 100 years of Peace Lutheran Church! 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!
Festival of Lessons and Carols
Annual Christmas Tea
On Wednesday, December 9th, the Academy once again led the Festival of Lessons and Carols at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Students shared scripture readings and perform various musical numbers. The music was organized and led by Carsten Bjornstad. The Academy orchestra, the Senior Choir, and the Bell Choir all presented selections during the service.
On Tuesday, December 15th, the Academy hosted their annual Christmas Tea at the school. Students each presented musical offerings and read a poem or scripture verse. This year a few of our new Monsey Avenue neighbors attended as well. The new space allowed for more room and it was FULL with family and school supporters, and even a family looking at the Academy for their child for next fall. Praise to God for the food, fellowship and a Christ-filled celebration.
Above: The academy orchestra performs.
Left: Nathan Graham reading his prepared lesson. On Sunday, December 13, Immanuel Lutheran Church was blessed with a musical gift from the students at the preschool/kindergarten.
School websites: www.thelutheranacademyscranton.org
and
Students at the preschool/ kindergarten enjoyed a special Pajama Day. 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 * Ky Betts completed the holiday windows at Carl Von Luger’s restaurant in downtown Scranton, 301 N Washington Ave. The window art will be up until the snow melts in March.
+ COMING UP:
Tri-Council Meeting to be held at the Lutheran Ministry Center on January 31st Noon: Fellowship and 12:30: Meeting
* Hannah and Marja Bjornstad are home for the Christmas holiday. We are pleased to have Hannah back on the organ for a few Sundays. * The Christmas Eve service was attended by numerous out-of-town visitors. We were happy to see Meredith and Kevin Woolverton, James McHale, and the Hafich family from all over. * Beverly Gedrimas blessed Peace Church and the Lutheran Ministry Center with beautiful new Advent paraments.
+ IMMANUEL CALLING PROCESS Pastor Shockman declined the call to Immanuel. Please pray for wisdom and for God’s hand to continue to be on the calling process as Immanuel Lutheran Church seeks a full-time pastor.
+ JR. CONFIRMATION Pastor has combined the confirmation classes of Peace and Immanuel this year. Classes will resume their normal time and location of 6:00-7:15pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church beginning Wednesday, January 6th.
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.
+ MUSIC MINISTRY EXPANDS
+ The Lutheran Ministry Center is in need of a gas range and
A small choir has been formed at Peace Church to sing at the 10:30 service. We are currently looking for a few more committed voices. Please speak with Carsten Bjornstad for more rehearsel details.
+ In MEMORY OF PASTOR VOMHOF
+ 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
refrigerator. New or gently used, free or inexpensive, please contact the church office at 570-703-0607 if you have any leads.
ESL classes are held 5:45-7:15pm each Thursday at the Lutheran Ministry Center. If you are available on Thursdays, the ESL program can ALWAYS use more volunteers.
Security doors will be installed at the LMC this month (we hope) separating the sanctuary space from the education wing as a safety measure for the Academy. One door will be dedicated in memory of Pastor Vomhof. If you would like to make a donation in his honor, please indicate on your check or offering envelope.
+ FRIDAY YOUTH NIGHT
+ Our member Brenda Colbert is an Elder Law lawyer!
+ ESL CLASSES
Send your youth for a fun night every Friday from 6:30-8:00 pm. Pastor could use a few volunteers to help. If available or to find out more about youth events, please contact Pastor.
If you ever need the services of a laywer, especially when it comes to wills and estates and caring for your loved ones, please give her a call at 570-299-7909!
Sam Ebeneezer is currently in India helping various churches and with relief efforts due to the floods of the Chennai in Southern India.
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
New BIBLE STUDY for Sunday Mornings
January Sermon Series
"Molded By the Lord" video Bible Study... "A Bible Study revealing God's Hand at Work in our Lives" by Rev. Ted Richter (former pastor of Jerry and Bonnie Cornog.) This study comes highly recommended! 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 in the new year at 9:30am every Sunday!
January 3: Wisdom for the New Year January 10: The Baptism of Jesus
Please remember there is also a Bible Study at 9:30 am each Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church as well!
January 16th Leadership Retreat 9:00 am-4:00 pm ALL are invited to attend and be part of the discussion and vision-casting for the strength and future of Peace Lutheran Church.
(Chad Tyk to share the message)
January 17: Renewal of Ministry Sunday (Installation of church officers)
January 24: Life Sunday
Fellowship Sunday The fourth Sunday of the month is typically Fellowship Sunday at Peace Lutheran Church. Our next one will be January 24th. Please plan to stay for a time of food and fellowship after the 10:30 service. We are looking for a sponsor for the January fellowship time. Please let Pastor or Amy know if you would like to sponsor or co-sponsor January 24th. Rolls and butter from Texas Roadhouse will be provided.
Whereas God has blessed our congregation immensely over the last 100 years, we are needing to set some short-term goals that will further establish and grow our ministry together, preparing for a new pastor in the future. Below is an outline of the day for your consideration and reference. Conveners: Rev. Rolf Buchmann, with assistance from Amy Betts 9:00am 9:30am 10:15am 10:30am 11:00am 11:15am 11:30am
12:15pm 1:00pm 1:45pm 2:00pm 2:45pm 3:00pm 3:45pm 4:00pm
Gathering/Coffee Fellowship Worship - led by Pastor Buchmann Introduction and some ground rules Session #1: State of Peace Church Discuss in small groups: Our church strengths, weaknesses, successes, struggles Brief on “the church” according to Scripture (Pastor Buchmann) Overview of our congregation - statistics, governance, & organization Session #2: Future Ministry Brainstorm Small group discussion: Describe our Congregation's vision of its ministries Our outreach vision Current unmet needs in our congregation and community and how we could fill them Lunch break with continued discussion of these issues Session #3: Large group sharing of Session #2 - and prioritizing Break Session #4: Small Group discussion/brainstorm: How do we get there? Historical Perspective - Pastor Bjornstad with panel Session #5: Large Group discussion on Session #4 Closing Devotion Dismissal
Please RSVP to attend no later than Jan 13 to Amy at the church office 570-703-0607.
**NEW** Monthly Pasta Dinner Fundraiser Monday, January 11 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:
Lutheran Ministry Center 1546 Monsey Ave, 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 Jan 7th. Help spread the word, invite friends/family, and support our Lutheran schools!
Schedule 11:45 a.m. Musical Opening 12:00 p.m. Rally 1:00 p.m. March 3:00 p.m. (approx) Listen to Silent No More testimonies outside U.S. Supreme Court 3:30 p.m. Visit your Representative or Senator to advocate for life Let Pastor know if you would like to attend.
Welcoming People to the Church Tips of the Month: ✿ Learn people’s names and remember them. ✿ Use only appropriate and allowed touch such as handshake or a gentle pat on the back.
Lutheran Ministry Center Building Use Request Forms
✿ Ask questions and learn about your guests. It is better to The LMC Building Use form can be found at the back of express interest in them than it is to try and “sell” your church. the church. You can also visit the LMC tab of the Peace Church website for the form and to check availability on ✿ Listening is a very effective way to show love. 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