NEWSLETTER July 2015
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main Every mite we give to the LWML offering each quarter helps on a larger scale. Mite Goal for 2013-2015 Biennium: $1,830,000 Amount Received as of March 31, 2015 : $1,851,348.67 2015-2017 Biennium Mission Goal: $2,000,000
Next LWML Mite Offering Sunday July, 26 Attending the LWML Convention in Des Moine, IA: Marja Bjornstad, Sarah Bjornstad, a sister in Christ, and Monica Bjornstad.
Pastor’s Message: Psa. 113:7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Convention in Des Moines, Iowa June 25-28 was one of those mountain top spiritual experiences! Your pastor attended as the Eastern District LWML Pastoral Counselor and was accompanied by Monica and our daughters Marja and Sarah. It was special this year as I was privileged to sit up at the front and experience the convention proceedings up close! The many blessings included terrific Bible Studies, lots of great music, incredible fellowship with 4600 women of faith from around the nation (and even the world), and sharing in the celebration of women in our church and their zeal for serving the Lord and giving witness to Him. One of the most spiritually profound moments for me came during the opening worship service as I was assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion. As you can imagine, serving 4600 people Holy Communion not an easy task - even with many pastors helping! The lines kept coming. And coming. And coming! About half way through the distribution it struck me hard… outstretched hands after outstretched hands… Reaching out for the very Bread of Life. Each and every one of the hands were different. Each and every one of them represented a different person in need.
We often shake our heads and comment about how there are so many needy people in the world. But there in that place of 4600 baptized children of God, we note that there were no less than 4600 baptized children of God who were in need. There was not one of them who didn’t need God! Not one of them were alive by their own strength and goodness. It was an incredible demonstration of our Christian faith: God has come to save and heal the sick and the needy sinner. Each one of us there was dying of our sins… But each one of us was receiving the full Grace of God in the life-giving body and blood of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting. As much as I would like to encourage our women to attend the next LWML Convention in Salt Lake City (2017), the wonderful news is that you do not need to attend the LWML Convention to be filled with this goodness of God. In your need you can hold out your own empty heart and hand to the Lord at your own very beautiful local congregation day after day, week after week, year after year! There in His Word and Sacrament through the power of the Cross, He promises to supply you all you need! Praise be to God for ALL His Mercy, Life, and Salvation! Amen. In Jesus our Savior, 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!
Academy Board UPDATE The Academy was moved to the Lutheran Ministry Center on June 6th. A special thank you to all who hauled boxed, desks and book shelves. Thank you to all who helped fill those book shelves, for sorting and organzing. The school is really beginning to look ready for the new year. Interviews for our second full-time teacher went well and the interview committee narrowed the field down to two strong candidates. The TLA Board met Sunday June 19 to hold a final interview with both candidates. While both were excellent choices, Jessica Canjar was selected for the position. The Board is excited to see what the new school year will bring with the addition of this teacher. Also new to the staff for the 2015-16 school year will be Carsten Bjornstad. The Board is thrilled to have him coming as our music teacher. More about Mr. Bjornstad in the August newsletter. Now, we are actively enrolling students for the 2015-16 school year. We need more sudents and need your help to spread the word about this amazing school.
TLA OPEN HOUSE DATES July 14 and August 4 6:00-7:30 Invite friends, family and neighbors to visit the school, meet the teachers and learn how the Academy can benefit their child.
Discovery Camp Led by Brooke Gilpin and Sharon Laskosky, children ages 4-10 enjoyed Discovery Camp this summer at Immanuel Preschool. Most weeks there were 9 attendees. The days were spent at the school with lots of arts & crafts, science experiements and exercise. Plus, three days each week the campers went on an outing. Some of the fun places they explored include: * Everhart Museum * Adventure Zone * Idle Hours Bowling * Chuck E Cheese * Creekside Gardens * Timmy Town * And various parks in the area
Birdfeeders!
Science activity! Making "chemical One of the many park reactions" with fizzing paint! outings
The Lutheran Academy Hires Teacher It is with great excitement we announce the new teacher for The Lutheran Academy has been hired. Her name is Jessica Canjar. Mrs. Canjar was born and raised in Dunmore and currently resides in the Peckville area with her husband John and 6 month old daugther Julia. She graduated from Marywood University with a degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Canjar is most excited about the Academy curriculum and music program. Like many, she is very interested in seeing how the Academy’s unique schedule and flow of instruction works. She looks foward to setting up her classroom and getting to know all the new students this fall. When asked about her favorite subject to teach, it was apparent she enjoys Math the most. “I have a love for all subjects,” replied Mrs. Canjar, “but math would have to be my favorite”. Please continue to pray for our teachers as they prepare for the new school year, and that God would speak to those families in the area looking for an opportunity like The Lutheran Academy for their child. You will have an opportunity to meet our new teacher, and all the staff, one Sunday this September during a Sunday morning worship serice. Pastor will offer a blessing over the entire Academy staff and volunteers.
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: Ky Betts graduates from the University of Hartford, in Hartford, CT, with his Master’s of Fine Arts in Illustration (MFA) on July 24th. Ky’s mother, his wife, and children will make the drive out to Hartford to attend his senior art show and see him recieve his diploma.
PLEASE PRAY FOR: + Immanuel Lutheran Church (without a pastor) + Pastor Vomhof of St. Stephens Lutheran Church + The Lutheran Academy and Immanuel Preschool. May God call new families to these schools. + Pastor Nischal and the Church of All Nations ministry. There have been a faithful 8 coming to the service each week with a good variety of visitors and newcomers. May God continue to lead him to the people thirsty for your Word.
+ EXTREME TEEN CAMP
+ VOLUNTARY ACTION CENTER (VAC)
+ AROUND THE CONGREGATION
Registration is happening NOW for an awesome week of camp for youth ages 13-17 at Camp Pioneer. Extreme Teen camp has everything a teen loves “Stay up late and sleep in . . . doesn’t that sound awesome? Kick it up a notch with this exciting week of camp. Everything’s a bit more extreme for this week — get ready!” Brochures with registration forms are located at back of church. Don’t delay if you want to have an EXTREME fun adventure. Camp Pioneer also has summer camp options for youth, teen and family weekends/weeks. Visit the camp online at www.pioneercamp.org
Need help paying for groceries? The Voluntary Action Center can help see of you might qualify for SNAP, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, formerly food stamps. If you are over 60, a resident of Lackawanna County and have a monthly income of less than $1966 single and $2642 married, you may qualify. Also, VAC has a group called Caring Hands, a group of lovely ladies that meet weekly to knit and crochet items to donate to social services agencies in our community. While spring cleaning, if you come across any yarn that can be used by the Caring Hands group contact the VAC office, 570-347-5616.
+ 100th ANNIVERSARY PHOTO COLLECTION
+ HARFORD FAIR
There has been some talk of attending the Harford Fair in New Milford, PA. The fair runs August 17-22 with admission $6 per person 12 years and older. Under 11 is free, plus free parking. Please notify the church office if you would like to attend and which day(s) so a van run could be arranged for those interested.
+ CAMP DISCOVERY VBS
Vacation Bible School at Immanuel Lutheran Church will be held July 13-17 from 6:00-8:00pm. Youth are invited to register and attend this fun event.
+ NEPAhelp.com
Many men struggle with sexual integrity issues -thoughts, behaviors, relationships and internet use that dishonors them, those they love and God. NEPAhelp is an accountability and growth group available to help men find freedom Jesus Christ offers. For more information visit NEPAhelp.com
+ FUNERAL PLANNING BOOKLETS
With assurance of eternal life through faith with Jesus Christ, we are able to face the time we will die. To assist your family and pastor, Funeral/Memorial Planning booklets are available in the church office. Consider pick up one to complete and keep with your will or in the church files.
Plans are underway to produce a slide show and possible digital keepsake scrapbook as part of the 100th Anniversary celebration. We are asking you to go through your photos. You can email if you have them digitally, or bring in originals to the church offce to be scanned. We are looking for any thing you have that commemorates a memory from a church service, potluck, confirmation, baptism, marriage, funeral, vacation bible school, fundraisers, etc. Email photos to amybetts@yourpeace.org.
+ NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING PLANNING MEETING - Sunday, July 19 7:00 pm
It is time to begin the planning process to raise money for our youth to attend the Youth Gathering next summer in New Orleans.
2016 LCMS National Youth Gathering In Christ Alone Held every 3 years, the LCMS Youth Gathering provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity. During the five days of the Gathering, youth spend time together in God’s word, worship, service and fellowship with others from across the synod. This event is organized by LCMS Youth Ministry in Saint Louis, MO.
Church website: www.yourpeace.org.... email: pastor@yourpeace.org
WORSHIP LIFE AT PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH: 9:00 am
Worship with Holy Communion every other Sunday.
6:00 pm
Church of All Nations Service
SPONSORING FLOWERS Consider attending if can not make a Sunday Morning Service
Beginning July 19 Prayerfully consider sharing your testimony during an upcoming worship service. Beginning July 19th, Pastor will dedicate 5-8 minutes of the service each Sunday (through August) for one congregational member each week to share a testimonial of his/her faith journey. Start thinking and praying now about your desire to share with the congregation.
July 12 Service Sunday, July 12 will be a very special service. Please plan to attend if possible and help celebrate two special milestones. 1. The baptism of James Robert Greco, son of Frank and Alisha Greco. 2. Jerry and Bonnie Cornog will renew their wedding vows in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.
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! Remember you can bring in an arrangement of flowers from your garden - or boquets of wild flowers are wonderful too! But if you want to order “regular” flowers from McCarthy’s Flowers, please call: 570-507-9441 or 570-343-1179 and ask to speak with Carol Kemler! 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 10:00 am Sunday Morning
Vacation Bible School July 26-30 5:00 pm Dinner 5:30 pm VBS begins 8:15 pm VBS ends Youth ages 4-12 are invited to Vacation Bible School run by Peace Lutheran Church and held at the new Lutheran Ministry Center. Registration forms are located at the back of the church. Invite friends and neighbors to join us for a fun week of songs, bible lessons, crafts and snacks. Volunteers are still needed! If you can help for all five days or just a few, please call or text Michelle Cherney at 570-677-0131. There is also a need for supplies. Please review the list below and let Michelle know if you would like to donate any of these items. You can also help sponsor the Dinner time each evening. All help is greatly appreciated. Supplies Needed: Poster board Baggies Pencils Cotton Balls Googly Eyes Disposable Bowls Plain Shaving gel Glue or glue sticks White cardstock Colored ribbon Ping Pong balls Bagels Tea light candles LOTS of twigs Chalk board paint
Small sponges Marshmallows Popsicle Sticks Paper Lunch sacks Spray paint (Gold, silver) Bubble wrap Finger Paints and paper Sequins Black or Dark Brown paint Paint Brushes Disposable cups Paper Plates Markers Crayons White chalk Construction paper Paper assorted colors Colored balloons Tissue paper (red, orange, yellow, green) Gallon ziplock bags Three large bedsheets Clear glass jars or small vases Wood frames Paper grocery bags Newspaper Twine Glass plates Masking tape
The Rummage Sale was a HUGE success. As a result of all the planning and hard work, $1025.83 was raised to benefit the work of The Lutheran Academy. A special thank you to two very dedicated women of Peace Lutheran Church, Elsie Schweitzer and Susan Crosbie. Elsie came up with the idea to hold this sale to benefit the Academy and Susan graciously stepped in to see the event through when she could see Elsie needed to focus on her family. These two strong women make the church proud to call them members and sisters in Christ. Many, many others came to the Lutheran Ministry Center over the course of June 24-27 to help set up, price items, and run the sale as well. Much thanks to ALL who gave of their time and talents to make this fundraiser a success. Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Handmade Quilt Raffle
Kim and Mark Koenig are organizing a quilt raffle and tickets are now available. The quilt was handmade and donated by Sara and Jay Cronk.The raffle date is Sunday October 4, 2015 at the late service here at Peace Lutheran Church. The Value of the quilt is $300.00 and all the proceeds are to benefit The Lutheran Academy's building usage cost. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased directly from Mark & Kim Koenig or through Amy in the church office.
On Sunday, June 28 a representative from Gideons International shared a brief message about their mission and how we can help. The Gideons International is an Association of Christian business and professional men and their wives dedicated to telling people about Jesus through sharing personally and by providing Bibles and New Testaments. While they are known worldwide for their work with hotels, they predominantly share Scriptures in schools and colleges, prisons and jails, hospitals, and medical offices. Thank you to those who gave towards the offering that day. $112 was given to the Gideons. If you would like more information, please find them online at www.gideons.org or you may contact the International Headquarters at (615) 564-5000.
100th Anniversary Fundraiser There are still a few beautful plaques and sticks left.. All proceeds go to the Peace Lutheran Church 100th Anniversary celebrations. The plaques and sticks come in various colors.
Sticks = $10
Plaques = $15 Cash or check payment (made out to Peace Lutheran Church)