The Net
May 2008
Pastor’s
Thoughts…
Also, this time away affords me time to visit other congregations and experience first hand how they worship the Lord. One thing is certain—the worship landscape has undergone dramatic changes since I graduated from Seminary. In those days, all mainline denominations had their own worship books and hymnals. Today, there are still many churches that use some kind of hymnal, but I can see that hymnals are not as central as they once were. So many churches today employ screens to project hymns and worship notes.
I also see more churches (epecially growing churches) making a concerted effort in being visitor friendly. I attended three growing churches and in every one, I was met by someone outside the church (In one church, I was met by several ushers outside the church). I was welcomed again in the narthex area (referred to by many churches as a gathering area) where they had coffee and tea service available. When I found a pew and sat, I was greeted again by people around me. Let me tell you, as a single worshipper in a strange church, this sure helped my comfort level.
What this kind of treatment did for me was make me feel a part of the community at worship. I don’t think it is any surprise that all these churches were growing and that the people walking around were smiling and enjoying their worship time.
Another thing I notices was signage. This is something we in the church don’t normally think much about. But for those of a certain age, where the restroom is a frequent necessity rather than a nice luxury, signs prove to be very, very important. I also noticed signs pointing to offices, classrooms, coffee, etc. To say the least, this makes one’s worship experience much more enjoyable.
Of course, the question arises, “How well are we doing in these areas?” Well, think about it and let me know what we can do to improve our Sunday morning experience.
Next month, I will share my thoughts on Christian education and what might be able to be done at St Peter’s.
Pastor Harry
AN EPISTLE FROM JAMES
On May 11, much of America will be celebrating Mother’s Day and only Mother’s Day. We in the church know that the day has even greater significance, for it is the day of Pentecost, the celebration of the great coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. Because of this event and the great change it brought upon the disciples of Jesus, it is often called “the birthday of the Church.”
Another special occasion happens at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church that day, as we confirm seven students who have completed two years of studies. These students will make affirmations of their baptisms in which they will accept for themselves commitments of faith and service to our Lord. Please support these young people with your prayers, your good wishes, and encouragement. They are: Ryne Dudley, Nicholas French, Timothy Jerscheid, Julia Miller, Rebecca Parsons, Ashley Springer, and Lacey Street.
I thank also their parents and guardians, who have encouraged them to participate and whose support makes the Confirmation program possible. They have remembered the promises that they made at their children’s baptisms.
Parents and students need our prayers to remember that the Christian life is an on-going process of growth. The confirmands have passed a significant milestone, but they need to understand that it is one milestone among many. It is not a finish line. One never outgrows one’s need for learning and growth in the Christian faith.
To them and to all our St. Peter’s family, I close with a quotation from 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NRSV)
In the Lord’s service,
Pastor James
SUNDAY ATTENDANCE
2007 4 wks 2008 5 wks
March 307 Average 372 Average
(+345 for 2 Lenten Services
& Holy Week)
MAY BIBLE LESSONS
May 01 Ascension of Our Lord |
Acts 1:1-11 |
Psalms 47 or Psalms 93 |
Ephesians 1: 15-23 |
Luke 24: 44-53 |
May 04 7th Easter |
Acts 1:6-14 |
Psalms 68:1-10, 32-35 |
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 |
John 17: 1-11 |
May 11 Pentecost |
Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30 |
Psalms 104: 24-34, 35b |
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21 |
John 20: 19-23 or John 7: 37-39 |
May 18 The Holy Trinity |
Genesis 1:1—2:4a |
Psalms 8 |
2 Corinthians 13:11-13 |
Matthew 28:16-20 |
May 25 2nd Pentecost |
Isaiah 49: 8-16a |
Psalms 131 |
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 |
Matthew 6:24-34 |
Barry & Rhea McVicker 05/01
David & Patricia Searle 05/03
Terry & Ann Andrews 05/04
Elsworth & Terri Wheatley 05/06
Paul & Michelle Miller 05/10
Corey & Katie Rimel 05/11
Paul & Linda Grahe 05/14
Charlie & Sharon Sorrentino 05/15
Kenneth & Rosemary Nieman 05/16
Patrick & Lee Creamer 05/17
Mike & Melissa Richardson 05/18
Glenn & Linda Riley 05/18
Bill & Vicki Hotz 05/23
David & Suzanne Nilsson 05/24
MAY
Olivia Davis 05/01 Marti Latchaw 05/18
Borjen Olsen 05/03 Ryan Ropp 05/18
Lorene Peake 05/06 Rebecca Parsons 05/21
Betty Noll 05/07 Henry Westfall 05/21
Gail Farrell 05/11 Richard Kuhblank 05/24
Steve Hetzler 05/11 Vincent Lobo 05/24
Richard Ropp 05/11 Virginia Stannard 05/24
Donald Stegman 05/11 Tricia Clouser 05/26
Diane Stulz 05/11 Nicholas French 05/26
Ralph Decker 05/13 Darlene Musitano 05/26
Lorrie Dolan 05/14 Al Sledge 05/26
Esther Gallacher 05/14 Carol Robinson 05/28
Susan Miller 05/14 Ryan Cowder 05/29
Judy Swingler 05/14 Nat Wolpert 05/29
Ken Nieman, Jr. 05/16 Charles Schulz 05/30
Robert Stull 05/16 Fred Wise 05/31
Kyle Tanner 05/16
CASTING
THE NET…
EMBRACING THE COMMUNITY
By Barb & Jack Fadden
Your offerings, plus other donations to the Capital Campaign Building Fund, from 1/1/08 through 3/31/2008, amounted to $27,316 or just over $9,100 per month. Our total for the years 2006 and 2007 was $387,977.03.
Now that we are actually under construction, we are using all of our Building Fund contributions, prior to borrowing on our loan, resulting in considerable savings. A member recently suggested that each of us might like to make an extra Building Fund contribution from at least some of the “Economic Stimulus Payment Check” we’ll get in May. Just a thought, we are very thankful for all that you have given to this campaign.
SKIN CANCER
by Joyce Wingate
Spring has finally made it here. We need to remember that while it feels wonderful, the sun is very dangerous to our skin.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
One in five Americans and one in three Caucasians will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
More than 90 percent of all cancers are caused by sun exposure. A person’s risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns. More than 20 people die each day from skin cancer, primarily melanoma.
We all want to have fun in the sun and we can, but we need to do it safely. Follow these simple tips to help prevent skin cancer.
Seek the shade, especially between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.
Avoid getting sunburned.
Avoid tanning booths.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
Apply one ounce of sunscreen to your body 30 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours.
When planning to be outdoors for an extended period, wear light clothing to cover most of your skin, as well as a broad-brimmed hat. Always wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
Examine your skin from head to toe every month.
See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!!!!
Have fun and stay safe this summer.
ALTAR GUILD MEETING
There will be a meeting for all Altar Guild members and anyone interested in joining on Wed., May 7th at 10 a.m. here at the church.
Call Donna Harris at 410-250-1960 if you are unable to attend.
ONE
NATION
UNDER GOD
The Lord is my strength and shield…
Psalm 28:7
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 1st, Noon
Steps of City Hall, 3rd Street, Ocean City
(O.C. Christian Ministers Association)
* * * * * * * * * *
PEACHES, PEACHES, FUN, FOOD, BAKE SALE,
MUSIC, “ATTIC STUFF,” & MORE !
Look for ongoing information in the monthly NET on this “Peachy” experience scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2008 at St. Peter’s.
We need volunteers!
If you chaired a Committee last year, look for a letter in your church mailbox in May!
Co-chairs Peach Festival 2008
Pat Rogers
Chuck Erwin
* * * * * * * *
TO ALL MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS
Reminder – To receive matching funds from Thrivent for community projects, you must have your request turned in at least two months in advance, sooner if possible. Your St. Peter’s coordinators are: Lisa Wagner, Esther Gallacher, and Pat Pfannenstiel. Feel free to contact us if you have problems or questions and to get the needed forms.
Yours in Christ,
Pat Pfannenstiel
BABY BOOMER BASH
Saturday, May 31st, 4 PM
at the Church & Beach (weather permitting).
Food, Fun, & Fellowship
St. Peter's is starting a Baby Boomer's Group called Baby Boomers & Beyond. If you are a Baby Boomer and want to enjoy the company of a supportive and caring group of people, please join us on May 31 for a Beach Picnic. We will meet at the church at 4:00 PM for a gathering time and then migrate to the beach across the street. If the weather is poor, we will stay at the church. Flyers will be handed out at church with a sign-up on May 11, 18, & 25. Bring your own food and drink.
Come have fun with the Boomers!! If you have any questions, contact any of us: Chip & Bridget Foster, Cyndi Gradwell, Charlotte Gustafson, Karen Jones, or Larry & Debbie Ryan.
I wish to thank all the members of St. Peter’s for their prayers and cards during my recent emergency, heart bypass surgery. I especially want to send a BIG THANK YOU to Pastors Wolpert and Davis for their hospital visits and Pastor Davis for visiting me at home for Communion during Holy Week. I am recovering at home, and doing very well, according to my doctors. Again, what a blessing to have such caring leaders in our Church. THANK YOU.
Judy Lemaster
Gifts & Memorials
In Memory of Barbara Horn for the Free Spirit Fund by:
Joan Visconti
In Memory of Barbara Horn for the Building Fund by:
Ada May Shipley
In Memory of Barbara Horn for the Praise & Worship Fund by:
Betty Franke
In Memory of Krista Kauffman for the Fellowship Fund by:
Fred & Mary Lou Kauffman, her parents
In Honor of Their 64th Wedding Anniversary for
Pastor’s Discretionary Fund by:
David & Nancy Jacoby
Health
and/or Other Needs: Gordon
Barker, Bobbie Blake, Al Bogdon, Jim Borrell, Ruth Bryan, Garry Clements,
Peggy Dvornicky, Lisa Fairall, Tim & Denise Furnary, Richard
Goodman, Jimmy Grunewald, Kenton Hartman, Pastor Mark Henry, Robert
Holthaus, Robert Humphrey, Don Jeffery, Kim Jolliffe, Kirsten
Jones, Jeffery Kelso, Beverly Lichtman, Marie Link, Samara Loss,
Barbara McNabb, Kristina Miller, Jason & Ruth Ann Mitchell, Karen
Mitchell & baby, Anna Neimiller, Bill Neimiller, Ruth Nuovo,
Sue Palmer, Sonia Peet, Jackie Peterson, Daniel Pfaff, Aldine Powers,
Jeff Robinson, Susan Sheridan, Dick Smith, Barbara Sprague, Amy Thomas & baby,
Lori Thompson, Dean Wiley, Bill Winstead, Jean Winstead, Ellie & Jerry
Zwick.
Our Shut-ins: Louise Owens, Lorene Peake, Johanna Southcomb, George Staton
Assisted Living: Helen Coe, Dorothy Temple
Gull Creek Retirement Center: Rhoda Vernon
National Lutheran Home: Joan Weber
Wicomico Nursing Home: Margaret Ashlin
Military: Jason Coyman, Scott Fisher, David Floyd, Jonathan Gilgenast, Ralph Gilgenast, Jr., Tyler Howard, Kurt Kastner, Brian Leyden, Jill Leyden, Christopher Sidoli, James Sidoli, R.J. Sturgill, Sean Wilson.
Editor’s
Notes
The deadline for the newsletter articles is the 15th of every month. You can email, fax, or drop them in The Net box across from the office.
Pat Stokes, 302-537-6035 (phone/fax/answering machine); email: patspcmax@aol.com or splcoc@verizon.com.