NEWSLETTER October 2015
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main
“Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.” — Matthew 11: 29-30
From the pastor’s heart: THE REFORMATION, THE POPE, AND SUICIDE... The Reformation celebrations of our church are upon us. The themes of Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone echo down through the centuries. They are beautiful, powerful, and winsome ways of proclaiming our sure hope in Jesus Christ. Our church has SUCH a gift to share with the world. Many people ask what the difference is between the Lutheran and the Catholic church. The differences are made crystal clear in the recent visit by Pope Francis to the United States. We should be glad about how the Christian faith received so much positive press and attention in his visit. Many of us would appreciate his words on caring for the poor, care for the environment, religious freedom, sanctity of life, etc. But when you study the texts of his messages (inside and outside of the context of worship), there is barely a mention of Christ as savior from sin (I could not, in fact, locate ANY such reference, though perhaps I might have missed something.) The pope preached Jesus as our model for the moral, grace filled, merciful and loving life - and that this path of good works and godliness is the way to salvation. Sadly Jesus was never proclaimed as the Christ, Crucified and Risen for the sins of men. We realize that the message of Luther and the reformers is as necessary today as it was in 1517. As Lutherans, we understand that Scripture proclaims much more than good works. It preaches Christ crucified for sinners. By GRACE we are saved through the work of Jesus. HE is our hope and salvation. Nothing has lately made me be so thankful for our understanding of the Grace of God more than the suicide of my sister Priya this last month. I thank you for your prayers
and support for my family through this difficult time. May this excerpt of words that I spoke at the funeral help illustrate the GRACE of God for the forgiveness of sins encourage YOUR life of faith in Jesus. “We all love to see the picture of the little girl walking with her father, reaching up and clinging to his one finger. Every father treasures these times – and this image is what we often imagine our relationship with our Heavenly Father to be. But in real life it is not enough – either with our earthly father or heavenly father. In the safe gardens of life a father can enjoy that little hand gripping his finger. But when there is danger, or a busy street needs to be crossed, that little girl’s grip is not enough. Her father will immediately reach down and envelop her whole hand with his firm grip and bring her to safety. Dear friends, I was there when Priya was Baptized and stepped into eternal life. I was there when she was adopted into the Family of God and when her Heavenly Father received her. You and I are witnesses to her confession of Christ and her love for Him. We know how she clung to her Heavenly Father’s finger. But in the storm of life and in her weakness her grip slipped on the finger of her Heavenly Father. But thanks be to God our relationship is not defined by our weak faith and sins. Her Heavenly Father’s firm hand has gripped hers and HE carried her to the safety of His bosom. This is no wish upon a star. This is the firm promise of God in Jesus Christ, crucified for sinners. Blessed be the Lord.” Let us boldly proclaim this Hope 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 Lutheran Ministry Center is alive with the joyous sounds of laugter and learning. Praise be to God for the 16 students we currently have at the Academy. Many wonder how to pray for the students and staff at the Academy. Here are a few ideas: * For each and every student to come each day eager to learn and hear God’s word. * That each student would know they are unique and special in God’s eyes. * For the teachers as they daily find inspiration and patience, love and grace. At the end of each school day the entire school says this prayer together: “Dear God we want others to know that we are your children. We want to be witnesses to you, that others could see our good actions and learn about you. Please help us to do what is right so people will know that we are your children. Thank you for forgiving us when we do wrong. In Jesus’ Name. Amen” WOW! The Academy students leave PRAYING to be a witness to God. This I say is a blessing of a christian education. 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. Be sure to grab a brochure or two and pass them out. There is also a link to the brochure on the school website
Immanuel Preschool Update Immanuel Preschool has been blest in many ways including a wonderful staff, a rising enrollment (17 students this year verses 14 last year), an outstanding Christcentered curriculum, and an excellent school facility. The Preschool has a goal to raise $5000 by the end of the school year. Why? Equipment wears out, requirements for meeting State licensing change, a sincere desire to meet future growth. Presently, we are looking to purchase three refurbished IPad tablets at a cost of $250 each. We are investigating the feasibility of either repairing or replacing the outdoor play equipment. Our expanding Kindergarten program requires more actual books and workbooks, consumable items not needed in the regular Preschool program. Finally, scholarship funding is needed to assist needy families. Should you desire to make a financial gift to the Preschool, or have any fundraising ideas, please share them with the School staff or a board member. Thank you, Roger Borchin, Immanuel School Board
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION 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. In the past, the school has purchases gym equipement and other essential supplies. A collection box is located in the back of the church. Please begin saving the Box Tops, or if you are already doing so we thank you and ask for continued support. Spread the word and turn them in!
GIANT REWARDS PROGRAM Another simple way to support The Lutheran Academy is through the Giant Food Store’s A+ School Rewards Program. All you have to do is: *Log on to www.giantfood.com/aplus select CUSTOMER REGISTRATION to register your Giant Card. * The Lutheran Academy code: #06016 After you register your card, each shopping trip at Giant using your Giant Rewards Card, earns CASH for the Lutheran Academy. You can track the amount of points you earn our school by checking the bottom of your grocery receipt. The Lutheran Academy will receive a check at the end of the program and can be used for any of the school’s edcational needs. Please be sure to encourage your friends and relatives to register as well. Every point matters.
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
* The Church of All Nations worship services and fellowship through Friday evening “cottage prayer meetings” continues to thrive. All are welcome for Sunday service and/or to join Pastor Nischall and Pastor Bjornstad on Friday evenings for food, fellowship, and bible study. See Pastor for details on the week’s location.
+ JR. CONFIRMATION BEGINS
Pastor has combined the confirmation classes of Peace and Immanuel this Fall. Classes begin October 7th and will run each Wednesday from 6:00-7:15pm in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Please keep these students in your prayers as they begin their 2 year process towards Confirmation.
+ 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! 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. + COMING UP: COUNCIL MEETING will be held Saturday, October 10th at 10:00 am at Peace Church. The Council will be reviewing the budget and nominations for the new year in preparation for the Voter’s Meeting on November 8th. TRI-COUNCIL MEETING The first Tri-Council meeting of the Fall program season will take place on Sunday, October 11, at noon at the Lutheran Ministry Center. The purpose of the Tri-Council meetings is to explore common problems and to find ways to jointly share in common ministry opportunities. All are welcome to attend. NEPA LUTHERAN REFORMATION SERVICE Sunday, 7pm October 25, 2015 at the Lutheran Ministry Center! Rev. Peter Richert will preach God’s word at this joint service. 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 by October 10th for the nominating committee to consider.
+ ESL CLASSES
ESL classes have once again begun and 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.
+ MEMBERSHIP at PEACE
If you are not yet a member of Peace Lutheran Church or have been considering making Peace your church home, please speak with Pastor. Membership Sunday has been scheduled for Sunday, October 25 and this is the perfect time to meet with Pastor and prepare.
+ ACADEMY SUPPLY NEEDS
The Lutheran Academy is still in need of Paper Towels. They can also use anti-bacterial/disinfecting wipes. You can bring to church on Sunday or simply drop off your donation at the Lutheran Ministry Center.
+ LUTHERAN BRAILLE WORKERS
Tuesday morning Braille at Immanuel could really use one or
two more helpers. They indicate there is not much of a learning curve, and the work is fairly light. They work from 9:30 am until 11:30 am – with a half hour break in the middle. If you have Tuesday mornings free, please consider joining as they produce the book of Isaiah and other Christian reading materials for the visually impaired. The books are shipped to 120 countries around the globe.
+ NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING FUNDRAISER - EGG BAKE
The planning process to raise money for our youth to attend the Youth Gathering next summer in New Orleans has begun. Their kick off fundraiser was an Egg Bake Sale. Orders for 20 egg bakes were received and members who attended fellowship time after service Sept 27th all enjoyed a yummy treat. Thank you to all who supported the youth through your purchase. 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
+ PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH
Church is more than a Sunday morning worship service. Church encompasses many benefits for us, its members, including Sunday School, Bible studies, fellowship, youth group activities, mission trips, personal support and much more. All these facets of church would not be possible without a Pastor, the leader, and in many cases, main decision maker for the church. October is designated as Pastor Appreciation Month. It is our priviledge at Peace to be served by Pastor Bjornstad and Pastor Nischal. While we should be continually grateful, perhaps this is the month to outwardly show our appreciation for ALL these fine stewards of God do for each and every one of us!
+ 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.
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
Worship with Holy Communion Sunday School (ages Kindergarten to Adult)
10:30
Worship with Holy Communion every other Sunday
6:00 pm
SPONSORING FLOWERS
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
ADULT BIBLE STUDY PLAN: Oct 4 RESURRECTION AND ETERNAL LIFE Elements of True Christian Faith: Apostle’s Creed Study: “End Times” Oct 11 A SALVATION HOPE DEMONSTRATED IN SCRIPTURES The Bible: its origins and reliability Oct 18 STEWARDSHIP : Stepping out in Faith with Tithing Oct 25 REFORMATION SUNDAY: The legacy of Martin Luther and the Reformers Nov 1 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY & THE ART OF DYING The Shape of the Christian Life 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…
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 The fourth Sunday of the month will be Fellowship Sunday at Peace Lutheran Church. On October 25th, please plan to stay for a time of food and fellowship after the 10:30 service. This month, the we will honor our New Members with a potluck lunch. A sign up sheet is in the back of the church. Please indicate how many from your family will attend and dish to share.
Fall Retreat Rick Porter, LCEF Vice President, spoke to members after the 10:30 service on September 27th. He shared a few of the investment opportunities available to members, including Family Emergency Accounts, 2-year or 4-year or 5-year Term Notes, and Young Investors Accounts. Why was Rick’s presentation important and timely? Lutheran Church Extention Fund (LCEF) financed Peace the money necessary for the renovations of the new LMC building. The loan is eligible to earn a rebate of loan interest through LCEF’s Shared Blessings program. Members of Peace who are LCEF investors help us earn a rebate through this program. Our church currently has 4 investors and when we achieve the goal of 20, we begin receiving annual rebates. The more investors, the higher the rebate. Brochures with basic information and contact information for LCEF can be found at the back of the church.
Theme: "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev 2:10)
Location: Date: Time: Cost:
Lutheran Ministry Center 1546 Monsey Ave, Scranton Satuday, October 10th 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m $30 (includes meals) Children under age12 are free. Lots of fun for kids included in the program.
"Professing Christ in a pluralistic America..."Stay with us, Lord, and keep us true" - Maintaining a pure faith without compromise - Sharing that pure faith without compromise - Role of the local congregation as the center of missions - The need/opportunity of partnering in Christ's Mission For questions or to register, please contact Rev. Nischal Office: 570-703 0607 or Cell: 570-406 4803
Did you know?!? Did you know Peace Lutheran Church has a parish nurse? We do! Susan Crosbie serves as our parish nurse. What does this mean? She has been a tremendous blessing to The Lutheran Academy, reviewing student files and addressing health forms, vaccinations due, etc. She is available to YOU too. If you need help, please reach out to Susan. She is a wonderful resource and can point you in the right direction if she can’t help you directly.
Bulletin illustration by Ky Betts.
GRACE E VA N G E L I C A L LUTHERAN M E N ’ S R E T R E AT
Fri.-Sun. October 9-11, 2015 CAMP LACKAWANNA 1219 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock, PA 18657 All boys and men of Peace are invited. Cost: $20 for youth and $40 for adults. Topic: The Case for a Creator: Investigating the Scientific Evidence That Points toward God. This study answers tough questions about creation, evolution, biology, astronomy, and more. Brochures are located at the back of the church. To register or for more information, call 570 289-4468.
Service held each Sunday at 6:00 pm Lutheran Ministry Center 1546 Monsey Ave, Scranton, PA 18509
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.
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
Chuch Council Duties On Sunday, November 8, a voter’s meeting will be held to elect a new Church council. According to the Peace Lutheran Church BY-LAWS to the constitution, the following are the duties for each Church Council Officer. Please review and make your nominations by the October 10th council meeting. PRESIDENT: 1) Schedule and preside at all meetings of the General Assembly and Church Council (to be held monthly). 2) See that parlimentary rules are enforced and all actions are fair and unbiased toward all motions and discussions. 3) Communicate with the members of the congregation and keep them abreast of the events and status of the circuit and synod at large. 4) Serve as legal signing officer for the congregation (including banking purposes). 5) Seek out legal representation for the congregation if necessary. 6) Participate in the planning for the annual church budget. 7) Insure that all Church Council positions are filled at all times with the aid of the nominating committee. VICE PRESIDENT: 1) Perform the duties of the President in his absence, disability, or at his request. 2) Succeed the President in case of death, resignation or expulsion. 3) Serve as legal signing officer for the congregation (including banking purposes). SECRETARY: 1) Record the attendance and minutes of all official council and congregational meetings. 2) Report and read these records at subsquent meetings for correction and approval. 3) Keep all minutes in safe storage. 4) Make records available on demand. 5) Submit monthly publication of minutes to the congregation. 6) Serve as a legal signing officer of the congregation (including banking purposes). TREASURER: 1) Disburse congregational funds as directed by council and/or voters meetings. 2) Keep an accurate account of all church funds (according to general accounting practices) in a set of books provided by the congregation. 3) Prepare and submit preceeding month’s statements of receipts and disbursements to Church Council. 4) Prepare year end statement of receipts and disbursements to the congregation. 5) Submit all financial records to an auditor at the close of the year and assist him/her in making a complete audit of church finances. 6) Serve as one of the signing officers for banking purposes. 7) Participate in the planning for the annual church budget. FINANCIAL SECRETARY: 1) Supervise and direct the counting of offerings and record all contributions in a set of books. 2) Submit all records to the auditor at the end of each financial year. 3) Recruit and train Offering Counting Committee. 4) Provide offering envelopes to anyone desiring the use of them. 5) Provide year end statements to all those using offering envelopes. If at any time a contributor requests a quarterly statement, it shall be provided. 6) Provide receipts for large donations given by one time donors without offering envelopes. 7) Make all bank deposits. 8) Bonding available & will apply at the discretion of the congregational president. 9) Responsible for chairing annual Budget Committee meeting with the aid of the president and treasurer. TRUSTEE: There will be THREE Trustees elected, one of which is appointed as chairperson. This chairperson is the reporting and voting member of council. 1) Maintain the church property and grounds for comfort, safety and beauty. 2) Present a proposed Trustee’s budget to the Budget Committee for the next calendar year. (Due by Nov. 1st of current year.) 3) Report in writing to each council meeting what was accomplished and what plans are being or about to be accomplished. ELDERS: There will be THREE Elders elected from among the male congregational members. These shall be nominated by the nominating committee with approval of the pastor. Elders may not be nominated from the floor. One of the elected Elders is appointed as the chairperson. This chairperson is the reporting and voting member of council. 1) Serve as assistants to the Pastor, concerning themselves with the spiritual life and leadership of the congregation, and with his direction be charged with supervision of public worship, church discipline, and church publications. 2) Meet new and old congregational members and make them feel welcome.