NEWSLETTER July 2017
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philem. 7
From the Pastor’s Heart: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Recently I was away in New Mexico attending the LWML convention. I was tent camping out of town and it was impractical for me to attend the final LWML Sunday worship service and still make my flight out of town that departed at noon. So on the way to the airport I stopped in at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, outside of Albuquerque, for a 9am worship service. It was a blessing to have fellowship with the saints in that place and to represent our congregation to them. It was not only an encouragement to me, but it was an encouragement to THEM. They showed me their Lutheran School that they had built with their own hands and how God had blessed them through it. The organist was proud to show off the cutest church organ I had seen in quite some time. It was a blessing to worship The Lord with them and to hear God’s Word from a visiting missionary pastor from Hong Kong.
SUMMER CHURCH VISITATION CHALLENGE! Many of us are traveling in the summer and away from Scranton. But that does not make the worship of God somehow impossible! I can assure you that WHEREVER you go in this country there really IS a church near to you, if not just around the corner, that would be glad to welcome you into God’s house to sing and pray and hear God’s Word with them. This is the fun challenge for us all this summer: visit as many churches as we can when we are away from Peace and report back to us! •
Take a picture (or two or three) of the church.
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Take a mental note of what it felt like to come into a church as a visitor. How did you feel? How were you welcomed? Did you feel comfortable? What was it that made you comfortable? (In being a visitor perhaps God is helping you minister to visitors at Peace!)
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Take note of the worship service. How was it the same as, or different from, our worship at Peace? Most importantly, note if Jesus Christ crucified for sinners was a focus.
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Perhaps answer the question: “How did I grow in faith?” through this experience.
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Finally, was there something in the church that you felt we could learn from at Peace?
After your experience, post your pictures and any reflections you want to share on our “God’s Peace at Parker and Main” Facebook page. We will put a big map of the country on our church bulletin board noting all the churches our members have visited, and maybe we can give away a few Peace t-shirts to the folks with the best entries! PLEASE NOTE: Although you might attempt to look for the nearest Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregation and be happy to attend Holy Communion with them, if there is not one nearby, it is GOOD to attend OTHER churches as well! Feel free to call up me up afterwards with any questions about the theology and practice of that church denomination! May God bless our worship visitations!
Your servant 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!
ACADEMY MUSIC NEWS A Grant Application has been made to make the Academy an even more unique and attractive school for students to thrive and grow! Right now we are asking for prayers as we go through this process. There is also an immediate need of an additional $1000 to create a music studio/room in the lower level room currently known as “the lounge”. If you can help finanically in any way with the room renovation, it would be greatly appreciated. We are pleased to announce our new School of Fine Arts, kind of like a “school within a school”. The School of Fine Arts will be offering an enhanced musical education to Academy students (as always) - AND opening up music instruction to area homeschool families and the general public. Please pray for all this to be blessed by God in HIS own way! We envision the Academy to be a glorious hub of all things FINE ARTS!
First Friday Scranton July 7th 6:00-9:00 pm The Academy students will be presenting a selection of music on recorder and keyboard, and handing out information on the Academy July 18th Open House. Their spot on the First Friday map is located outside Buona Pizza, 504 Lackawanna Ave. Please feel free to stop by.
The Lutheran Academy Open House Tuesday, July 18th 5:00-7:00pm 1546 Monsey Ave, Scranton Please spread the word.
Rummage Sale Saturday, July 22nd 8:00am-2:00pm Held at Peace Lutheran Church Proceeds to benefit the Academy Please consider bringing items for the sale. We are not taking adult clothing but are very interested in other items such as baby clothes, toys, games, books, kitchen items, furniture, etc. They can be dropped off at Peace. Please call the church office if you have a large donation to make to schedule time to get into Peace. We also need some volunteers to help set up, during the sale, and Sunday after church when we will box up the leftovers. Please call the office if you can volunteer.
TECHNOLOGY NEED The Academy is looking for a flat screen TV for the younger grade classroom to aid in showing video suppliments to the curriculum. We prefer 40” or greater and if you have one to donate, please call the school office to arrange pickup or delivery time. Thank you! Thank you to those who continue to support our school financially and in prayer. Please help us spread the word about the Academy to all you know who might be looking for an alternative to public school. They can call anytime to schedule a tour of the school and to meet with our principal.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
Mr Betts, Nora, Alfred, Zakary, Sam. Not pictured is Rachel.
Art in Nature Installation at the Nay Aug Avenue Natural Play Area This spring, people of all ages and skill levels submitted original, nature-themed artwork for consideration for display. They received 91 entries. Art teacher, Mr Ky Betts had all 24 students from the Academy submit an entry! A panel of judges selected 20 winners in three categories (elementary, middle to high school, and community/adult) and six pieces earned Honorable Mention. Three of our students: Alfred, Rachel and Zakary won in the elementary category (plus art teacher Ky Betts for the community entries). Nora and Sam received Honorable Mention and now all 6 have their submission on display. Art in Nature is designed to enhance the natural beauty of the site, and to create teachable moments for families visiting the play area. Guests will enjoy perusing an eclectic mix of styles and subject matter, ranging from landscapes to wildlife, and reading educational facts included on each panel. This project was completed by the Lackwanna River Heritage Trail.
Supporting The Lutheran Academy can be as simple as saving Box Tops for Education. Box Tops are found on almost 200+ items. Each Box Top when turned in earns the Academy 10 cents. 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!
Pray without ceasing - 1 Thes. 5:17 Remember to ask: "How can I pray for you?"
Founder’s Day Worship Service & Picnic
+ SPECIAL PRAYERS
Sunday July 9th with worship at 10am followed by a picnic and summer time fun . . . all held at Ransom Valley Lutheran Church. The Peace Van will be available for transport. Please call the church office to get your name on the list. Please plan to attend this lovely day of worship followed by food and fun games. We will have tents for shade. May want to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for the food and fellowship time. Peace will provide dessert and drinks. This is a potluck lunch and a sign up sheet is in the back of the church. If you have yard games, kites, etc to enjoy please bring them along.
For Frank Schulze. Frank remains in prison with no scheduled trial date. For Connie Perry and her strength as she is battling cancer. For Brooke Cherney who graduated from Dunmore High School on June 9th and has completed her cosmetology program. She will be taking her state liscensing exam this month and will begin a new position at LWR Hair Expressions. For Ky Betts who had his second children’s book published - Me and My Bubby McGee (written by University of Scranton professor Michael Friedman and fully illustrated by Ky). For Sarah Bjornstad who is spending a considerable part of the summer at Lutheran Summer Music Academy in Indiana.
Directions from Peace Lutheran Church to Ransom Valley Lutheran Church and Cemetery. It is a beautiful drive! If you have trouble call 570-815-0917!
CHURCH NEWS AND NOTES:
+ BEING SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY Take a moment to “like” and “share” the church Facebook posts. Please ALSO once in a while "check in" to church... Just like you "check in" to a restaurant... This is an exercise in not being ashamed of our Lord Jesus Christ.
WEDDING We are pleased to be celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of Richard and Paulette Frederickson, who were married here at Peace in 1967. They will be renewing their wedding vows at 5:00pm on Saturday July 15th at Peace. All are welcome to attend and show support and love for this amazing couple.
+ Pastor’s Ordination Anniversary On July 3rd we recognize and celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Pastor Bjornstad’s ordination. He was ordained at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Nipigon, Ontario Canada. Pictured here is Rev. Cliff Haberstock, who ordained Pastor. He was the pastor of Riverbend Lutheran Church in Edmonton, Alberta and was Pastor Bjornstad’s placement pastor throughout seminary. Please take a moment to thank Pastor for the YEARS of faithful service to the Lord and HIS church.
Vacation Bible School July 10-14 at the Lutheran Ministry Center from 5:30-8:15pm. See page 5 for details on how to register and volunteer.
EMAIL UPDATE yourpeace@verizon.net will be phasing out, so to reach Pastor please us the email: pastor@yourpeace.org
A LOOK AHEAD . . . September 17th Sunday School Picnic following the 10:30 am worship service (location to be announced soon)
Church website: www.yourpeace.org.... email: pastor@yourpeace.org, amybetts@yourpeace.org… LMC: 570-703-0607
WORSHIP LIFE AT PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH: SUMMER WORSHIP HOURS We have ONE Sunday Morning Worship Service at 9:30am
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!
Our 2017 Confirmands
LWML Convention Reflections
Tess Nichols, Nora Betts, Sarah Bjornstad, John Babbitts, Isabelle Kramer, Monica Fornaszewski
Pastor Bjornstad had a wonderful time at the LWML convention the last weekend in June! He is the Eastern District LWML Pastoral counselor, so it was great for him to be a part of the proceedings as he was able to attend, but his main job was to help man the "Gifts of Love" LCMS Foundation booth (they work with individuals and churches to set up estate plans and endowments.) He took pictures of hundreds and hundreds of folks who wanted a pictorial record of them with "Marty"! Martin was VERY thrilled to be there (even in his two dimensional form)... He loved all those Lutheran Women in Mission who partner with him all over the world to bring the Gospel to those who don't know Jesus Christ.
Why I want to be a Christian
"And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love.
I want to be a Christian because I know that Christ will
But the greatest of these is Love." 1 Corinthians 13:13.
always forgive my sins. He died on the cross not for
Love is the greatest of these three because when you
self-gain, but for all mankind. I also know that Christ is
go to heaven, you do not need faith or hope. But you will
real. Many books in the bible talk about Christ, even
always have love, and it will stay with you forever, In
hundreds of years before Christ’s coming. Historical
earthly life and eternal life. Growing up in the Lutheran
evidence provides truth that Christ was real. I also want
Church, I have wondered why I want to be a Christian.
to be a Christian because I know God is real. He is
Through the Scriptures, I have learned that I deserve an
always at work in my family, providing everything we
eternal punishment for the sins against the Ten
need. Many miracles have occurred for everyone here.
Commandments and God's Word that I have committed
It is a miracle in itself that we are all hert today when
in my earthly life, and the original sin. But my God, the
most of us would rather not be here. Also, the land we
one and only God, is a merciful God. He sent his son,
live in was founded on the Christian religion, we would
Jesus Christ, to die on the cross, for my sins, so that I
not be here without their undying faith in the Lord. Their
may ask for and receive forgiveness of my sins, and live
journey was difficult, but they kept their faith through it
with God in heaven after my earthly life expires. I am
all. I am a Christian because I know the Lord can do
overwhelmingly grateful for his gracious gift, and know
great things. - Isabelle Kramer
that these facts are the reason why I want to be a Christian. - John Babbitts, JR.
Peace Anniversary T-Shirts avaialble and only $10 for adult sizes and $8 for youth sizes and come in four colors: light grey, dark grey, black and pink. The hope is with the weather warming, you will want to wear one of these great anniversary shirts all year long to the various events and outings being planned.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017 In Jesus the Victory is Won! At Mighty Fortress, kids learn that God is their refuge and strength. Friends may fail them. They may not ace their test or make the team, but God promises to be their rock and their salvation—their fortress and sure defense. So raise your banner! In Jesus, the victory is won! July 10-14, 2017 5:30-8:00pm Lutheran Ministry Center 1546 Monsey Ave, Scranton Open to children age 4+ Registration is now open on the Peace website for families to begin signing up for VBS. Please spread the word, invite your neighbors, or perhaps even volunteer to be part of the team. We need helpers for all five days, or as many as you can give. Please speak with Michelle Cherney, our VBS director, or call the church office to learn more or to sign up.
100th Anniversary Capital Campaign- Sound System The new sound system ($5000) has proven to be much appreciated. This installation is our main anniversary in-house project and we pray for your support to fully fund it. There will be a Welsh Cookie fundraiser this fall as a final push to support the sound system. Give thanks to God for 100 years of ministry with a generous donation to the anniversary fund at any time in the offering plate or online at yourpeace.org. With the main expenses of the anniversary celebration over, all donations will go fully to our projects! Might you consider giving $100 to celebrate 100 years of Peace?
5000 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
We are thrilled to announce the following people will be welcomed as new members of Peace on Sunday July 9th at Ransom Valley Lutheran Church during our worship service and picnic: Joyce, Ryan, Jacob and Zachary Spies; the Babbitts family; Jessi Black; and Michele Wilson.
Meet the Spies Family The Spies family- Jeff, Joyce, Ryan, Jacob and Zachary- have lived in Scranton for the last 7 years. They moved to the area from Syracuse. They found Peace Lutheran Church through Peace member Laura Lysak. “We stayed at Peace because we liked the church and the people kinda of reminded me of my church back home” said Joyce. “Becoming an official member of Peace means a lot because it means being part of another family, and is a safe place a place where you aren't judged by anyone.” Jeff is a team leader for the night crew at Wegmans. He has been with the company for 25 years and at this store for 7 years. The Spies boys are Derek 26 (he lives in Seattle), Ryan is 12, Jacob is 11, and Zachary is 5. Church website: www.yourpeace.org.... email: pastor@yourpeace.org, amybetts@yourpeace.org… LMC: 570-703-0607