NEWSLETTER September 2017
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main
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From the Pastor’s Heart Romans 12:9-13 "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." It never ceases to amaze me the number of problems in the world. Tragedies around the world, our nation, and in our personal lives continually plague us. On any day we will hear of rampant racism, failing schools, wars, sickness, natural disasters, death. And then there is evil not quite so obvious. One of the national news outlets trumpeted recently that Iceland had eliminated Down Syndrome from its population. "Amazing!” everyone said. But it wasn’t mentioned that the way this was accomplished was that every baby in Iceland is tested in utero, and if it tests positive for Downs Syndrome, the baby is aborted (yes, killed). So… What comes next? Do we start testing for Autism? Maybe we could make a master race? Maybe history is repeating itself and we don’t even realize it. My friends in Christ Jesus: there is NO place on earth and no moment in time that our Lord does not claim. Is there war? He claims it for Peace. Is there disaster? He claims it for restoration. Is there racism? He claims it for love. Is there sickness and death in your family? He claims your family for healing and salvation. God’s providence and salvation overcomes all evil and sin and claim’s your very person - for himself. For forgiveness. For courage to live each day. He claims it for eternity in heaven. But this is the problem. We aren’t “getting" it! We too often just glumly go about our day - and rarely does the truth break through our hardened hearts that our Christian faith holds the Key in Jesus Christ - the key to true life and salvation not only for the life to come, but for THIS life! What is the answer to Hurricane Harvey? The Church of God bringing mercy and love. What is the answer to sin, every evil and hatred? Jesus Christ. How can God plead with us more? How can it be said in a different way? We are SO blessed as a congregation and school. NOW is the day of salvation. We rise up as on wings of an eagle, lifted by the Wind of God. Together we are strong in the Lord to make a difference in our world. Sincerely in Jesus, Rev. Kristian 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 STAFF UPDATE With the new school year comes some changes to the staff at the Academy. We are pleased to announce a new upper grades teacher has been hired to replace Mrs. Canjar who we were so sorry to see take leave. Mrs. Maryellen Darling brings a wealthy of experience, energy and excitement to the classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Houghton College, NY and her Master’s Degree from East Stroudsburg University with a Reading Specialist certification with a concentration in Special Education. She and her husband Eric have three children and live in Clarks Summit. She has many joys in life, but her Christian faith is the most important. In addition we say good bye to Ms. Wendy Laird, who helped mornings at the school last year. This year Mrs. Tami Gentil, wife of Pastor Triplett from St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, will take the reigns as our daily teaching assistant. The students and staff are thrilled to have her on board. We thank God for the time, talent, and devotion these ladies bring the Academy.
THANK YOU Special thank you to the following people who gave of their time on Sug 29th and helped get the Lutheran Ministry Center cleaned and organized for the school year to start. Chuck Mercer Ken Jergens Pastor Bjornstad Sarah Bjornstad Susan Crosbie Amy Betts Jeremy Bonebrake Rachel Bonebrake Jonathan Bonebrake
New look to the Academy website. Visit anytime at www.thelutheranacademyscranton.org
Students were welcomed to school by principal Miss L for the new 2017-2018 school year.
BEING SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY Are you on social media? Have you taken a moment to follow God’s Peace at Parker and Main? How about The Lutheran Academy, Scranton? Take a moment to follow us and then “like” and “share” the church/school Facebook posts. Every time you “like” and/or “share” these posts it helps spread the good work of the church and our missions. 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. .
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 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?"
CHURCH NEWS AND NOTES: + SPECIAL PRAYERS For Frank Schulze. Frank remains in prison with no trial date. For Connie Perry and her strength as she is battling cancer. + Preparing for Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Trip + RALLY DAY Sunday, Sept 10th is Rally Day when we celebrate the return of our beloved Sunday School hour and curiculum. Reminder that is the week we will once again have 8:15am and 10:30am worship service options with a Sunday School hour between at 9:30. Come Sept 10th to learn about what we will be studying. NOW offering a class, led by Pastor Bjornstad, for youth post-confirmation through high school. John Babbitts will lead adult bible class.
VIDEO BIBLE LESSONS Join renowned bible teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan as he guides you through the lands of the Bible. In his latest volume he will take us to some of the places on the 2nd missionary journey of the Apostle Paul. In each video lesson, Vander Laan illuminates the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the sacred Scriptures. It’s the next best thing to being there! Where: North Pocono Library 1315 Church St, Moscow When: First Thursday of each month Time: 7:00 pm No cost or pre-registration required. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH- 75th ANNIVERSARY On Saturday, Sept 23rd at 2:00pm, Grace Lutheran Church will be having a dinner and program celebrating their 75 years as a church. Dinner is $10 and reservations are required ASAP. Dinner and Program held at: Montrose Bible Conference Lake Ridge Center 675 Lake Ave, Montrose, PA It would be lovely to have some representation from Peace Lutheran Church at the dinner.
+ 100th ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC A Sunday School Picnic will be held Sunday September 24th, following the 10:30 am worship service, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Pavillon just past the pool at Nay Aug Park. Sunday School students and their families are invited to spend the afternoon together with food, fun, and fellowship. Peace Luthern Church will provide hotdogs and buns, and we ask those coming to bring a side to share and their ATTENTION MARRIED COUPLES: The Fall Lutheran own drinks. If you have questions or want to confirm you will be Marriage Encounter Weekend, October 6-8 to be held at a attending, please call the church office. beautiful location in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains overlooking a lake--the Black Swan Inn in Lee, Massachusetts. + CONGREGATION VOTER’S MEETING A short voter’s meeting has been called to discuss the opportunity to Two nights lodging, 5 meals for each of you, and all supplies are have John Babbitts serve as a deacon for Peace Lutheran Church. The included with your $100 per couple registration fee. Sign up today meeting will be held after the 10:30 service on Sunday, September by going to the website: www.GodLovesMarriage.org and paying 24th. Your input and attendance is requested. the registration fee with your credit card, or marking the option to + YOU ARE INVITED: Immanuel Lutheran Church is holding its next game night on September 30 at 6:00 pm out by their parking lot. They will be having a wiffle ball home run derby contest. Pastor Zimmerman had a great time teaching wiffle ball in Konin, Poland, this month and is anxious to see how the Americans match up! Bring a favorite snack or soft drink - or just come and share the fun. + HOW ARE YOU SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY? Pastor always loves to see his congregation members out and about doing their Godly work. As beautifully expressed in the Reformation teachings, you don’t need to be a priest or monk to serve God. You serve God and your neighbors in your vocation. Here is Adam Evans on the job, captured in a picture by Pastor last week.
Church website: www.yourpeace.org
mail a check. For questions, or if you would like a brochure with registration form mailed to you, contact Northeast US Directors of Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber, at: fjschamber@comcast.net or 724-325-3166. A LOOK AHEAD . . . Walther League Dance October 8th 7:00-10:00pm Lutheran Ministry Center Fellowship Hall Dust off your dancing shoes and help celebrate the 100th Anniversary as we resurrect a once popular tradition- the church dance. There will be music from all eras and refreshements to enjoy while you dance the night away. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend! NEPA Reformation Service at Faith Lutheran Church, Easton PA Saturday, October 21, 6:00-7:00pm Pastor will be driving the van. Call the office to get your name on the transport list and let’s go celebrate the Reformation at this regional event with our brothers and sisters in Jesus!
email: pastor@yourpeace.org, amybetts@yourpeace.org
LMC: 570-703-0607
WORSHIP LIFE AT PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH: Fall hours begin September 10th 8:00 Worship with Holy Communion 9:30 Sunday School for Youth through Adult 10:30 Worship with Holy Communion every other Sunday 6:00 pm Evening Prayer Worship at the Lutheran Ministry Center
Trumpet Player John Maurer will perform a concert at the Lutheran Ministry Center on Disaster Relief Volunteer Training Saturday Sept 9th at 6pm. The next Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training will be a one The concert is free and open to the public. A day, six hour training class and will equip volunteers to help out in donation basket will be out to help cover his disasters such as those on the shores of New Jersey and earlier last year expenses and to help continue offering quality in Baton Rogue, Louisiana. It will be run by our very own Pastor Kristian music to students and the public. Bjornstad, Eastern District Disaster Relief Coordinator. Attendees will receive an LCMS Disaster Relief wallet card that will allow them to Mr Maurer is a trumpet artist and music educator. participate in relief efforts with our Eastern District Disaster Relief Teams. He will spend some time with our Academy Date: October 7, 2017 students on Friday before hosting this Saturday Time: 9:30 AM concert open to the public. Location: Grace Lutheran Church 736 Cayuga Drive, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. For more information on the artist visit www.trumpetjm.com The cost is $20.00 per person to cover the lunch/other costs. While it may not be till October, review your schedule and if possible, register and plan to attend. You can call the church office at 570-703-0607 or email Pastor at pastor@yourpeace.org for more information or to sign up!
500 years of Reformation Worship Martin Luther and the Reformation brought dramatic new ways of worship to the church of the sixteenth century. We should hold these teachings dear even today: 1 2 3 4
Worship is not a dreary duty of God’s Law, but a joyful response to the Love of God and His salvation. We are not observers to the worship service. The pastor does not do everything. We join the saints of heaven and earth in worship and actively participate in it. The people actually sing (even badly!) We bring our offerings of gifts and talents not according to the command of God, but according to our heart’s desire and for God’s glory.
Adult Bible Study- Luther The Man Growing up you may have understood the word Protestant to mean non-Catholic. But where did all those other nonCatholic denominations come from? What are the differences between Lutherans and The Presbyterians, Baptists or Anglicans? Why did a whole nation switch from Catholic to Non-Catholic and seesaw back and forth? In what way is the Reformation responsible for our modern world? As Pope would you deny an annulment just because the Queen's nephew had Vatican City surrounded with an army? Starting on September 10th, at 9:30 a.m. the Adult Bible Study will do a study based on a video series, Luther The Man. This study will take us through the other reformers and the period called the counter Reformation. This study will go through the video and will be driven by the personal questions you have on these and other related topics. Then on Reformation day you will put what you learned to the test. Join us on October 29 as we split the class into teams and you try to win the Reformation and Counter Reformation for your group. Maybe you’ll be the Lutherans trying to spread the Gospel and stop your kingdom from being over run by the armies of Charles V’s Holy Roman Empire, or you may be the Ottomans trying to take Vienna and Prague. How as Pope might you convince the princes to burn the Lutheran heretics and bring all Europe back under your authority? Or as the King of France, Francis I, second most powerful monarch will you break the ring of Habsburg territory around you? Maybe those Lutheran princes may help? Only you and your teammates will be able to tell.
EMAIL UPDATE yourpeace@verizon.net has been phased out.To reach Pastor please us the email: pastor@yourpeace.org
LUTHER DINNER AND A MOVIE Saturday, October 28 5:00pm Dinner 6:30 Movie Susan Crosbie will once again be preparing her tasty German Dinner this October. Tickets for the dinner are only $15 and all proceeds to benefit The Lutheran Academy. Tickets must be purchased by October 22. Following dinner there will be a showing of the new documentary on Luther which begins at 6:30pm. The movie is FREE and all are encouraged to come (and bring your friends) About the movie: LUTHER: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer Discover the story behind the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation. Told through a seamless combination of live-action storytelling and artistic animation, Martin Luther’s daring life is presented in extensive detail while still making the film relevant, provocative, and accessible. What a fine way to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. You can actually see it in your home on PBS on September 12th! LINE DANCE LESSONS Come enjoy the fun, fridays 7:00-8:00 pm in the fellowship hall at the Lutheran Ministry Center as we prepare for the 100th Anniversary Walther League Dance. Lessons will run for 5 weeks from September 8-October 6. The very talented Ramona Brown will be leading the classes. Instead of a set class fee, a door offering will be taken each week and the money will help pay for decorations for the Dance on Sunday, October 8th. These lessons are open to ALL - both the young and the young at heart.
CONFIRMATION CLASSES TO START SOON! Sunday School starts on Rally Day at 9:30 sharp - for all ages - but Confirmation classes will start the week of September 24th. If you are a parent with a child in 6th grade or above and Pastor hasn’t spoken to you about Confirmation, PLEASE call him at 570-815-0917. At the Sept. 24th Sunday School Picnic we can have a short 10 minute meeting to find a day and time to schedule our classes that is acceptable to everyone. We look forward to a blessed year of fun and learning!
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!
Peace Anniversary T-Shirts Available Current price 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 warm weather you will want to wear one of these great anniversary shirts all year long to the various events and outings being planned.