The Net
July 2010

Pastor’s Thoughts . . .

            Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord and not people, because you know that each person, whether slave or free, if [she or] he does something good, this will be rewarded by the Lord. (Ephesians 6:7-8)
            I remember back in seminary days one of my professors said that there was a distinct difference between a person who approaches a task as a job and a person who approaches a task as a calling.  A person who does a job is doing as little as possible for no other purpose than to receive some reward.  There is no concern with quality or craftsmanship.  The major emphasis is putting in the time and collecting the reward (pay).  On the other hand, a person who approaches a task as a calling is doing the best s/he can for the purpose of giving thanks to the one for whom s/he is working.  Since s/he is using his/her skills to give thanks, there is much attention to quality and craftsmanship.  The major emphasis is the task and doing it to the best of one’s ability. 
            This becomes understandable when we take the definition out of the abstract and add specificity to it.  For instance, when a valued person (grandparent, parent, brother, sister, child, friend, supervisor, etc.) asks us to do something for them, we do the best we can.  It doesn’t matter how long it takes or how difficult the project is, we will do our very best. 
            However, let us add another level to this discussion.  We are Christian.  This fact changes everything.  Everything we do can be seen as a gift to God.  No matter how small or insignificant a task is, we do it out of gratitude for the skills and talents that have been given to us by God.  When we are a Christian, our total lives are a calling.  Everything we do, we do to the glory of God.
            As you all know, I was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the home of the infamous Amish society.  It’s interesting when people speak of the Amish, they speak about the “trust” they have in the people and their products.  All one has to say is that this jelly, this chair, this home was produced by an Amish person and we automatically assume that the product is excellent.  Why?  Because we know of their publicized faith in God.  We understand that their work is a “calling” not a “job.”
            This understanding of service should be inherent to every Christian.  We should always do our best and God will do the rest.

Pastor Harry

            One of those expressions that irritates me (I have a long list—perhaps I should write a book of them.) is the “I’m just a layperson.”  In the first place, we are creatures of God Almighty so we are not “just a” anything.  Remember John 3:16 which says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”  In God’s view, all are important, and all have much to contribute to the mission of the church.

            If you think back over your life, you will remember many lay people who have made a huge difference in your life.  People like parents, Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, and other mentors in the church have taught us and encouraged us through their faithful service and their kindness what it means to be servants of God.  Kenneth and Thelma Jones, Belmont Lewis, and others at Holland Creek Baptist Church taught me to love the Bible.  They were not experts; they were faithful servants of our Lord and that’s what I needed.

            When I first arrived at St. Peter’s nearly 11 years ago, I was impressed by the hard work of its members.  The church was no silent tomb during the week but a vibrant and active place.  It continues to be so because you, our members, are busy serving our Lord.  Never underestimate the value of what you can do in God’s kingdom.  People’s lives are changed for the better by your service, your smiles, and your faithfulness.

            Continue to pray and continue to listen to the Lord.  Who knows?  God may be calling you to serve in one of the many ministries we have at St. Peter’s.  We are in constant need of people to teach, to help, to visit, to call, or to welcome.  We encourage you to not just go to church but to be the church.

In the Lord’s service,

Pastor James

JULY BIBLE LESSONS

      HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

     HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

            The Passion Play is a one of a kind experience not to be missed.  It began in the small village of Oberammergau in 1634 as a way of thanking God for sparing them from the dreaded Black Plague.  It has been presented every 10 years since in that small beautiful village!  Involving the talents of more than 2000 actors and musicians–each a village resident–today’s Passion Play includes dramatic scenes of the Passion with spectacular musical performances.  This is a once in a lifetime experience.
            The tour will also visit one of the most beautiful parts of the world:  Switzerland, southern Germany, and Austria.  Whether visiting medieval towns, driving through the breathtaking Alps, or simply relaxing at a sidewalk café, it will be a truly memorable experience. 
            Call Pastor (410-524-7474) about reservations.

BUS TRIP PLANNED

            Arrangements have been made to join the Long Neck Travel Club for a trip to the Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA on Thursday, Oct. 28th to see “Joseph.”  This is a beautiful presentation that brings to life the story of Joseph in a way that minds and hearts will be branded by the message of forgiveness.
            The cost is $120.00 and includes transportation from St. Peter’s and return, ticket to the show, and dinner at the Shady Maple in Lancaster.  The cost is to be paid at the time of reservation.  We have only 28 seats reserved, so early response is recommended.  Call Ed Fritz at 410-250-4604 for reservations.

            The message for this month comes from John F. Kennedy, “Children are the world’s most valuable resources and its best hope for the future.” 
            The Spiritual Life Team used to be called the Christian Education Committee.  The Spiritual Life Team’s vision is to educate and grow the Christian Spirituality for all ages at St. Peter’s; as well as, those in the community by developing Youth and Family Ministries, Adult Ministries, and Mission Trips.
            Our Team goals are:
            1.  To find Sunday School leadership, which is our main goal, right now.
            2.  To develop volunteers for the different Ministries, a one-year goal.
             3.  To find and hire a Youth Pastor, Minister, or Director, our 2-3 year goal.
            Please add your name to the Spiritual Life Tree and help in a small or big way to achieve these goals. 
            The leaves are for those led to be helpers. 
            The acorns are only for those who are led to be a leader for a specific area. 
            Please put your name and phone number on one or more of these and tape it to one of the branches displaying the area you wish to help with.  I pray that all will be led by the Holy Spirit to help in some way and/or participate.
            Please join us at our next meeting on July 7, at 6 PM.
            Thank you so much and God Bless,

Debbie Ryan, Chairperson

FELLOWSHIP

       Remember last month, I wrote that not much was going on for Fellowship during the summer months?  I was wrong!  The Open Kettle has been pretty busy.  On June 16th, we served 166.  It looks like it will just go higher.  We have our regular visitors, but now also have International Students.  What a joy!  So many in need and so very appreciative to our church.  Come and visit with us on a Wednesday for lunch.  Talk to our visitors and you will come away knowing that God is with us.
       I want to thank those that have stepped up to help out on Wednesday.  It's been very busy and all the help has been wonderful.  I also want to thank those that have started giving us fruits and vegetables.  We've become very creative and use everything that comes into the kitchen.  Keep us in mind, when you have too many veggies from your garden. 
       In the fall, we will be looking for 4 -5 people, other than Fellowship, to help with the Team Dinners on Wednesday nights, only once a month.  It's not a big deal, it's just the same day as The Open Kettle and most are very tired from the lunch.  Anyone interested, contact Jeannette, Joyce T, or Marti.
       The Fellowship is having an inventory problem.  While we have always made the kitchen and the items in it available to our church family, we also have specific uses for many of the items that are in the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator.  Before you "borrow" or consume items from the kitchen, please contact one of the Fellowship leaders or the church office and ask about the item being available for use.  We are a FEEDing congregation and we want to continue to fulfill our mission, but we need everyone's help to accomplish this. On the 3rd Sunday in June, we were missing a dozen bagels, 2 large containers of coffee, and we are still missing teal tablecloths.  Please help us to continue to help others, if we all "just take this little bit" there will be very little left to minister to those in need.
       Keep the Fellowship Team in your prayers as we work together to make a difference in our community one meal at a time.

Jeannette Latzo

P.S.  Please help us by providing fresh fruits, salad veggies, canned sodas or bottled water, and desserts for our International students for our luncheons.

by Barb & Jack Fadden

            Please help the offering processors by doing the following:
           

• Mark the amount on the envelope by the appropriate fund.

• If you are including a contribution for something other than the General Fund or Building Fund, make note of that on the check and the envelope.

• Only make checks out to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, we can not process checks made out to another church.

            At the end May, our contributions from Members, Associate Members, and Visitors were $17,400, or 11% above our Budget.  Our expenses were also above the budget by $9,400 or 5%, so the net income was positive.  The property costs were still above Budget in April, and just under Budget in May.  We are making progress toward meeting our Faith Goal of $20,300.
            Your contribution statements will include data through June and will be available by the beginning of July.  We will e-mail statements to those who give us e-mail addresses.
            If you have any questions, please call Barb or Jack Fadden on 302-539-6899 or e-mail us at bjfadden@verizon.net.

CASTING THE NET…
EMBRACING THE COMMUNITY
By Barb & Jack Fadden

            The income to the Principal Reduction and Mortgage Fund for January through May was $71,684, giving us a balance at the end of May of $161,041.  We are so thankful for your generous support. 
            We still have additional construction expenses to divide the Fellowship Hall into rooms and some miscellaneous expenses associated with the Community Life Center.  Between the current fund balance and the outstanding Building Fund and Bridge Pledge Commitments, we will have sufficient funds to make our mortgage payments through 2010.  
            If you have any questions, please call Jack or Barb Fadden on 302-539-6899 or send an e-mail to bjfadden@verizon.net. 

           
COMING SOON !
ST. PETER’S ANNUAL PEACH FESTIVAL

Please note that there are new dates and times for this year’s festival – Thursday, August 12 (2 to 7 pm).  Also, on Friday August 13 (9am to 12 noon), bake table items will be available and flea market items will be half priced.
                The Festival will include – Peaches for sale and ice cream galore; Flea Market; Merchant’s tables; Bake Sale delights; Dessert table; books, magazines, DVD’s, etc; grilled food and soft drinks for sale; Witness Table; games, face paintings, etc. 
                Collections – for the Flea Market will begin on July 1 (contact Ellsworth on 410-524-7474, if any questions).  Acceptable items this year include:  small appliances & electronics; flatware; dishes; baskets; tins; small furniture; chairs; quilts and blankets; throw rugs; pictures and frames; gardening tools; toys and puzzles; baby items; holiday décor; bicycles and exercise equipment; luggage; jewelry; and curtains.  Unacceptable Items:  large furniture; large appliances; clothing; shoes; bedding; mattresses; towels; sheets; large garden equipment; mowers; items not in working order.
                Co-Chairwomen for this Festival are Joyce Tillbery and Marti Latchaw.

by Sue Shoop

            The Stewardship Team met last month and began to make plans for the Fall Campaign.  Our theme is Be the Church -- Follow the Road to Commitment.
            You know how excited you become when you plan a road trip, so let's go on this trip together.
            Where will we be going?  On the road to Commitment.
            When will we be going?  Immediately.
            How long will it take?  From now through Consecration Sunday, which is Oct. 24th.
            What preparations do we have to make?  First, mark the following dates on the calendar:
            Sat., Oct. 9th - there will be a Bible Study from 9:30a to 12:30p.  The topic will be “Graceful Living” and it will be led by Sue Shoop.  A light lunch will be served following the study.
            Fri., Oct. 22nd - FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE - a dinner theater with a talent show.  We need everyone to take part in this.  We need poets, dancers, singers, instrumentalists, etc.  Can you hula hoop or hula?  Get together with others and do a skit.  Discover your talents and do what you love.  Look for insets in the Sunday bulletins to sign up.  This promises to be a wonderful time of fellowship.
            Also, begin to think about your commitments of time, talent, and treasure.  Pray for guidance on how to use the resources God has given you. 
            There will be billboards along the way during the church services in Oct. 
            This promises to be a very exciting journey and I'm glad we can take it together.

SAVE THE DATE
October 22, 2010
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE DINNER THEATER
Featuring St. Peter’s finest performers (which could be you).  We need:  Poets, Jugglers, Dancers, Singers, Hula Hoopers, Gymnasts, Instrumentalists, Skits, Clowns, etc.  Sponsored by your Stewardship Team.  Contact Barb or Jack Fadden for more info.

SON & SAND RETREAT CENTER
            The Son & Sand Retreat Center officially opened its doors on Fri., Apr. 23rd for St. John's Lutheran Church, Baltimore, MD.  They enjoyed their stay and look forward to coming back.  Our next guest was Pastor Jaime and his youth advisors from The Evangelical Lutheran Church, Duncansville, PA on May 24th.  They are looking forward to returning on Jul. 26th-30th with their youth group.
            Future guests include:  Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, York, PA from Jul. 5th-7th; Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Falls Church, VA from Jul. 9th -11th; Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Elizabethtown, PA from Jul. 16th-18th; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover, PA from Jul. 18th-25th; The Evangelical Lutheran Church, Duncansville, PA from Jul. 26th-30th.
            In Aug., Muddy Creek Lutheran Church, Denver, PA from Aug. 1st-4th; Joy Reigns Lutheran Church, Edgewater, MD from Aug. 5th-6th; St. John's Lutheran Church, Jersey Shore, PA from Aug. 10th-12th; Living Water Lutheran Church, Stevensville, MD from Aug. 16th-18th; St. John's Lutheran Church, Riverdale, MD from Aug. 18th-20th.
            In Sep., The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and in Oct., Lutheran Campus Ministry, College Park, MD from Oct. 8th-10th and St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Frederick, MD from Oct. 29th-31st.
Son & Sand Greeters
            Those individuals returning or interested in serving in this ministry at St. Peter's met in May and Jun. to review and receive training in the duties and responsibilities of a Son & Sand Greeter.  The members of St. Peter's returning to serve in this ministry are:  Robert & Marianne Anderson, Pat Delawder, Jack & Barb Fadden, Donna Harris, Earl & Ellie Hewitt, Larry & Debbie Ryan.
            Newcomers to the role of Son & Sand Greeters are:  Ed & Mim Fritz, Bill & Sue Shoop, Dave & Connie Leretsis, Mary Jo & Terry Wheatley, Will & Bonnie Hiewsky, Bill & Carol Ellis, Ron & Judy Edelmann, Rick & Marti Latchaw, and Doug Harry.
            Linda and I are thankful for your willingness to serve, especially with the Retreat Center being available year-round now.
            We still seek additional members, who can give of their time and talents.  If you would like to serve, talk to Linda or Paul Grahe about becoming a greeter.
            Linda and I served as the Lay Delegates from St. Peter's to the Synod Assembly.  We had a display about the Retreat Center and handed out over 100 brochures.  Many of the Delegates in attendance, who stopped by the display, said they thought this was a wonderful ministry St. Peter's offers and they look forward to using the facilities for their Retreats.
            What a blessing to serve our Lord with this ministry.
Both articles submitted by Paul & Linda Grahe

FOOD PANTRY

            Jesus commanded His disciples, “Feed my sheep.”  Through your donations of canned goods to the Food Pantry, we are spreading His love in the community and helping to take care of the needs of the less fortunate among us.  The Food Pantry needs your canned goods donations to continue this work.  Please bring in canned meats, tuna, soup, peanut butter, or boxed cereal.  Thank you!

WATCH FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

            The Cross Crew will be having a fundraiser in July to sponsor their trip in August to the Purple Door Concert series.
            Boomers & Friends will be going to Lutheran Night at the Shorebirds on July 24th at 6:30 pm

  Gifts &
Memorials       

In Memory of Gordon Barker for the Building Fund by: 
Charlotte Gustafson
William & Susan Shoop
Ron & Vernette Myers

In Memory of Gordon Barker for the Food Pantry Fund by:
Dick & Hazel Barnhart

In Memory of Ada V. Schukraft for the Furnishings Fund by:
Ada Mae Shipley

In Memory of Gloria Gough for the Memorial Fund by:
Mark J. & Dale Lee Freund

In Memory of James Aschenbach for the Memorial Fund by:
Curtis & Virginia Woodworth

In Memory of Jackie Peterson for the Building Fund by:
Robert & Patricia Stull
Fred & Betty Romig
Howard & Elsie Koehler
Howard & Carol Morrison
William & Susan Shoop

In Memory of Jackie Peterson for the Furnishings Fund by:
Cyndi Gradwell

In Memory of Jackie Peterson for the Memorial Fund by:
Esther Gallacher
Anne K. M. Clay
Thomas M. & Eleanor M. Feeney

In Memory of Jackie Peterson for the Altar Fund by:
Ed & Miriam Fritz
Ronald & Patricia Hartman
Carolyn C. Young
William & Susan Shoop

In Memory of Jennifer Megan Cooke for the Sunday School Fund by:
Susan Cooke

In Memory of Walter Starck for the Building Fund by:
Frederick & Mary Lou Kauffman
William & Susan Shoop

In  Memory of Sue Palmer for the Memorial Fund by:
Milford Construction Company
Edward J.  & Elizabeth A. East
Andrew & Mary Ellen Ulsamer
Bernard & Lorraine Palmer Funk
Edward A. & Betty Jane Engelmann

In Memory of Doris Domanski for Pastor’s Discretionary Fund by:
Gene & Tina Palmer

In Honor of Ed Fritz’ Birthday for the Fellowship Fund by:
Barbara Kimbrel

Health and/or Other Needs:  Marianne Anderson, Rudy & Vita Arena, Dick Barnhart, Ann Borrell, Randy Bowyer, Rosie Buckmyer, Tony Campanelli, Kathleen Clements, Maryann Dziennick, Jack Earman, Bill & Carole Evitts, Tim & Denise Furnary, Esther Gallacher, Richard Goodman, Bonnie Hiewsky, Kirsten Jones, Carol Kastner, Jeffery Kelso, Joshua Kennedy, Fred Kruelle, Samara Loss, Nancy Lutz, Fran Mancino, Deirdre Matello, Beck Mathias, Carolyn McWilliams, Duane Milchling, Jason & Ruth Ann Mitchell, Bill & Anna Neimiller, Ken Nieman, Christy Owens, Daniel Pfaff, William Reed, Jeff Robinson, Ray Rogers, Beverly Romanchick, Allison Sidoli, Richard Steele, Pat Stokes, Trish Tandski, Lori Thompson, Sandy Webb, Dean Wiley, and Kristy Wingate.

Our Shut-ins:  Mary Coleman, Frank Gay, Don Jeffery, Lorene Peake, Johanna Southcomb, George Staton, Joan Visconti
Assisted Living:  Helen Coe, Louise Owens, Deanna Smith
Gull Creek Retirement Center:  Rhoda Vernon

Military:  Josh Austin, Alan Douetts, David Floyd, Vincent Frederchi, Erik Gilgenast, Thor Hagen, Jr., John Heacock, Kurt Kastner, William Krompart, Brian Leyden, David Leyden, Jill Leyden, Charles McConville, Elizabeth Newcomb, Damien Rounds, Christopher Sidoli, James Sidoli, 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 or my mail  box. 
            Pat Stokes, 302-537-6035 (phone/fax/answering machine); email:  patspcmax@aol.com or splcoc@verizon.com