NEWSLETTER November 2015
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main
Matthew 5:1-3 (ESV) Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3”Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Joint Reformation Service
From the pastor’s heart: Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV) Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. The Christian faith and our life together is one of great contrasts and truths in tension. The Reformation blast we just celebrated proclaims that we are sinners - and at the same time saints. The Sermon on the Mount, the lection for All Saints Day, is also a stunning example of how the life of the Christian is not “either or” but “both and”. The poor in spirit receive the kingdom of heaven. Those who mourn are blessed to be comforted. Those who are meek are the ones blessed to inherit the earth. Those who are persecuted for righteousness also receive the kingdom of heaven.
As we await the last Day of the Lord and the judgement of all people, we live in the now-and-the-not-yet at the same time. We live as full citizens of God’s Kingdom, care-free children of God, without a care in the world… safe in His forgiving arms… and YET, we live sober and careful lives, exceedingly aware that our enemy in Satan desires to tear us away from our life in Jesus. For many of us this is a confusing state of being. Many churches and Christians err by falling to one side or the other and not holding the tension. Many popular TV pastors preach that all God wants to do is make you happy and rich. Others teach that somehow we must learn to live the perfect life if we want to get to heaven. How about our church? How about you and your family? May OUR eyes behold the riches of heaven in Jesus Christ and His forgiveness. May we hold fast to God’s Word, revel in the Sacraments, and love His paths of Righteousness. We discover that in Christ we are free to trust our God in all things. He will bless us as we love God and each other fervently, forgive each other and bear each other’s burdens. May the Lord bless us in these last days. May we follow in the footsteps of Christ and all the saints who have gone before us. As we do, we will follow them out of our grave and thrill at the salvation of God on the last day! 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 Board UPDATE The Board is looking ahead as we prepare for a few important and fun events. On Wednesday, December 9th, the Academy will conduct the Festival of Lessons and Carols at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Students will each have an opportunity to share the scripture readings and perform various musical numbers On Tuesday, December 15th, is the annual Christmas Tea at the school. Students will serve the refreshments and present musical offerings for all who attend. This year, an invitation will be extended to our new neighbors around our new Monsey Ave home. Whether you have attended every year, or have never had the chance to come, the Academy board sincerely hopes you will find the time to attend one or both of these beautfuil events in December. While school is well on its way, we are still actively enrolling students for the 2015-16 school year. We would love a few more sudents and need your help to spread the word about this amazing school.
Art is ALIVE at the Academy!
Upper grades students shown above using plexi glass to study the human face. This semester the art class, under direction from art teacher, Ky Betts, will be focusing on strenthing drawing skills which is the basis for all art.
Kids in Mrs. Leslie’s art class getting very crafty!
Visit the school on the web at:
www.thelutheranacademyscranton.org
Roba Family Farm Field Trip On Friday, October 16th, the students from both the Academy and Preschool visited Roba’s for their fall field trip. The kids explored the corn maze, watched and cheered during the pig races, saw a dog agility show, bounced on the giant bouncy pillow, and took home a pumpkin to decorate or carve. It was a success and all the children enjoyed themselves.
School websites: www.thelutheranacademyscranton.org
and
Academy Orchestra Practice
www.leccs.org
Pray without ceasing - 1 Thes. 5:17 Remember to ask: "How can I pray for you?"
+ MEMBERSHIP at PEACE
HAPPY NEWS AND NOTES: + AROUND THE CONGREGATION
* Laura Jones started a new counseling job in the local school district. * Brenda Colbert was featured on Sunday, October 11th as the Northeast Woman of the week. We are so amazed and proud of the work she does to serve seniors in NEPA. * Evan Hughes was seen on October 24th doing live pumpkin carving demonstratios in Clarks Summit.
Membership Sunday was Sunday, October 25 and 14 people were received as new members of Peace Lutheran Church! The Barnes Family: Pradeep, Samantha, Isaac, and Nathania The Emmanuel Family: Sam, Agnes, and Christina The Ward Family: Ami, Kyle, and Carter; Paulette and Richard Frederickson; Carsten Bjornstad Tammy McClure
+ JR. CONFIRMATION
Pastor has combined the confirmation classes of Peace and Immanuel this Fall. Classes began October 7th and will run each Wednesday from 6:00-7:15pm in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Please keep these 10 students in your prayers as they begin their 2 year process towards Confirmation.
+ COMING UP: VOTER’S MEETING will be held Sunday, November 8 after the 10:30 service. It is time to elect new members of the church council. If you have ever thought about serving the church on the council or know someone who would do a great job, please submit nominations to the nominating committee to consider. Make plans to stay a few minutes after service on November 8th to cast your vote. Every person counts!
+ MUSIC MINISTRY EXPANDS
Amanda Kilgus will continue as our main organist. Carsten Bjornstad has a desire to contribute musical offerings in worship. We are currently looking for committed voices for an adult choir for Advent and Christmas services! He will also be facilitating The Lutheran Academy student soloists and ensembles in sharing their music in worship. You can call Carsten at 570-316-5873.
+ ESL CLASSES
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.
+ ACADEMY SUPPLY NEEDS
The Lutheran Academy is always in need of anti-bacterial/ disinfecting wipes. You can bring to church on Sunday or simply drop off your donation at the Lutheran Ministry Center.
+ FRIDAY YOUTH NIGHT
Youth Night has begun again and Pastor could use a few volunteers to help. Send your youth for a fun night 6:30-8:00.
+ IMMANUEL CALLING PROCESS Immanuel Lutheran Church will be voting on November 8th to extend their first divine call to a new pastor. Please pray for wisdom and for God’s hand to continue to be on the process.
+ 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
+ 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.
+ FALL BAZAAR
Immanuel Ladies Aid Fall Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 7 from 10 am until 4 pm. The event will include a bake sale, rummage sale, Christmas/holiday decorations corner, crafts. They will also have a lunch menu, and pizza is available to take home.
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
6:00 pm
Church of All Nations Service Attend this service at the LMC if you didn’t make a Sunday Morning Service
Additional Services at Immanuel: 5:30 pm Saturday Evening and 9:30 am Sunday Morning
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! 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!
Fellowship Sunday
ADULT BIBLE STUDY PLAN: Nov 8 REASON Relativism and Tolerance in our society Nov 15 THE CHURCH The Bride of Christ Nov 22 HISTORY Spread of Christianity - and its future…
A Look Ahead to Advent
The fourth Sunday of the month will be Fellowship Sunday at Peace Lutheran Church. On November 22, please plan to stay for a time of food and fellowship after the 10:30 service. We are looking for a sponsor for this fellowship time. Please let Pastor or Amy know if you would like to sponsor or co-sponsor Nov 22. Rolls and butter from Texas Roadhouse will be provided.
Wednesdays, December 2, 9 and 16 10:00 am and 7:00 pm services All 10:00 am services will be held at Peace Lutheran Church 7:00 pm Services will be held at the following locations: December 2nd- St Stephen’s December 9th - Immanuel (Festival of Lessons and Carols) December 16th- Lutheran Ministry Center Supper and fellowship prior to each service. In the event of inclement weather on Dec 9th, Lessons and Carols will be rescheduled to Dec 16 at Immanuel and the final advent service will be move to Dec 23 at LMC.
On Sunday, October 11th, Tom and Arlene Jones presented a check on behalf of the Peace for almost $1000 to Jennifer Blanchard a representative of the Catherine McAuley Center. The Catherine McAuley Center is located here in Scranton serving women and children in need. The funds were raised at the August 15th chicken barbecue held here at Peace Lutheran Church. Praise God! To learn more about the Catherine McAuley Center, their mission, and how you can help visit www.catherinemcauleycenter.org or call (570) 342-1342
Academy Students (Tess Nichols, Nora Betts, Sarah Bjornstad and Malachi Hunt) performed during the October 25th Joint Reformation Service. A special thank you to Rev Peter Richert from Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Mt Pocono for his reformation message. Also for Pastor Nischal, Pastor Bjornstad and Pastor Bode for their presence and participation in the service. There were 82 in attendance with 7 area churches represented at the Susquehanna Circuit Joint Reformation service held Sunday October 25th at 7:00pm.
Thanksgiving Community Dinner Thursday, November 26th 1:00pm Lutheran Ministry Center
Turkeys will be provided, and side dishes and/or desserts appreciated. All are welcome! Please sign up on the sheet at the back of the church or by calling the church office. A head count will help assure enough seats are set and food is prepared. ACADEMY HALLOWEEN CLASS PICTURE
This is a community event, so invite friends and neighbors to come spend thanksgiving afternoon in christian fellowship. For questions or to sign up, call the church office at 570-703-0607.
NEEDED: The Lutheran Ministry Center is in need of a gas range and refrigerator. New or gently used, free or inexpensive, please contact the church office at 570-703-0607 if you have any leads.
Welcoming People to the Church KINDERGARTEN HALLOWEEN PICTURE
Tips of the Month: Every Church member is a host and not a guest. Making visitors feel welcome is primarily the repsonsibility of members, not just the “church workers”. The most important person for a visitor to talk to in order to feel at home in a new church is you! It is not the pastor, or the greeter, but a regular attender. Marilyn (Wright) Sellers has moved. Cards and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated. 824 Adams Ave Room 105 B Scranton PA 18510
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 LMC. 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.
Service held each Sunday at 6:00 pm Lutheran Ministry Center 1546 Monsey Ave, Scranton, PA 18509
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