THE ASSOCIATION OF LUTHERAN FRIENDS!
SUMMER 2009
FRIENDSHIP NOTES Historical Presentations
UPCOMING
at Ransom Va!ey Lutheran Church set for August 9, 2009
A.L.F. EVENTS
Everyone is invited on Sunday, August 9th, to an afternoon of wonderful fun at Ransom Valley Lutheran Church! Call 343"9828 for more information. The afternoon will begin at 3:30 with fifteen minute presentations of the histories of Peace Lutheran Church "Scranton#, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church "Scranton#, and St. John’s Lutheran Church "Pittston#. Of course there will be the requisite hymn singing "the Ransom church’s acoustics are thrilling!# These historical presentations are a continuation of last year’s presentations by St. Luke’s "Archbald#, St. Matthew’s
"Scranton#, and Immanuel "Scranton#. The presentations are given by laypeople and can be accompanied by pictures or historical artifacts. It is truly amazing to behold the miracles of faith which birthed and sustained these congregations through the years. Last year we were all amazed to learn that St. Luke’s congregation has survived four "4!# church fires since its inception in 1848! As well, after the presentations we will have our annual picnic on the church grounds! There will be the prolific sounds of “Lutheranese” bantering about between wonderful Lutheran Friends! There will also be kite flying and games and prizes for all the children who are in attendance. Please note that this event is not exclusive to members of the Association of Lutheran Friends. You may invite anyone and everyone to attend with you. Don’t miss this fabulous event!
EDUCATIONAL EVENT 3:30 pm August 9, 2008 Ransom Valley Lutheran Church Educational Event: Historical Presentations of Local Lutheran Churches and picnic! GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 7 pm September 24 "tentatively at Immanuel Lutheran Church, pending approval.# 2009 LUTHER DAY DINNER: 2 pm Sunday, October 18 at the Melting Pot, Scranton. CORPORATE MEETING 6 pm, Thursday, Dec. 3 Dinner mtg. at St. Peters.
IMPORTANT LUTHERAN REFORMER IN FOCUS: DR. JOHANNES BUGENHAGEN 1485 $ 1558 In 1521 Bugenhagen traveled to Wittenberg to study theology. While Luther was at the Diet at Worms, Melanchthon suggested that Bugenhagen fill in for the absent Reformer by lecturing on the Psalms. So began the career of Johannes Bugenhagen as a leader of the Lutheran Reformation. With the help of Luther, Bugenhagen was called as Pastor of the city church "St. Mary’s# in Wittenberg in 1523. He thus became Luther’s confessor. About the
same time he became involved in publishing Luther’s New Testament in Low German. His scholarship led to a paid appointment as a lecturer in exegesis at the Wittenberg University. Bugenhagen also began what became one of his great accomplishments, the organization of the Lutheran churches in Northern Germany and Scandinavia. He wrote theological arguments for the introduction of the Reformation and then worked out church orders which would shape church structure and practice for centuries.
A.L.F. MAILING ADDRESS: BOX 3113, SCRANTON, PA 18505!
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THE ASSOCIATION OF LUTHERAN FRIENDS!
SUMMER 2009
NEWS AND NOTES AMONG FRIENDS: NOMINATIONS FOR WILLIAM T. SCHMIDT AWARD REQUESTED! Every year the Association of Lutheran Friends makes a recognition award at the Luther Day Dinner to a member of an area Lutheran congregation. This individual is to have demonstrated deep commitment and Christian faith as they gave outstanding service to the Lord in the community at large, the church at large, and his/her local congregation. If there is someone you would like to nominate, please send A.L.F. "Box 3113, Scranton, PA, 18505# a letter with their name, congregation, and an explanation of why you think they ought to receive the award.
lookup www.donationline.com or call 1$877$CARS$4$US. Please enter the charity code for A.L.F. as #1075. Your vehicle will still be towed away free of charge and you will be given a receipt for its actual value. A.L.F. GIFTS TWO MISSIONS. At the December 2008 meeting, the general membership voted to gift %1000 to a new Indonesian Lutheran congregation meeting here in Scranton at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. It was received with much joy! In January a gift of %500 was given to a VBS mission e&ort to Alaska by four area LCMS churches. Praise God for His good work in our churches!
MAKE YOUR VEHICLE DONATION TODAY TO A.L.F.!
Top: Bi! Angel di"ing up the trees! Bottom: An “army” of young peopl# scraping the old paint o$ the Ranso% Church. Thanks Everyone!
If you have a vehicle you would like to give to support A.L.F., please
Do you want to find out more about The Association of Lutheran Friends? THE NEW A.L.F. WEB SITE IS: www.associationoflutheranfriends.org
REMEMBERING WHAT RANSOM LUTHERAN CHURCH WAS IN 1989!
CHECK IT OUT!
In this 1989 newspaper clipping we see the terrible vandalized condition that the Ransom Church and Cemetery was in. Thank you to all who have made it into SUCH a beautiful place! Please help us continue to keep it in good condition which brings honor to Our Lord.
MARTIN LUTHER QUOTE: "For, where God built a church, there the devil would also build a chapel ... In such sort is the devil always God's ape." A.L.F. MAILING ADDRESS: BOX 3113, SCRANTON, PA 18505!
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