First Lutheran Churchnon-Profit Org

First Lutheran ChurchNon-Profit Org.

109 West Third AvenueU.S. POSTAGE

Warren, PA 16365 P A I D

Warren, PA 16365

Permit No. 17

September 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

PASTOR’S NOTE: (with a shout out to pastor Karen for such a great reminder)

TAKE ME OUT TO THE CHURCH GAME

Shout with joy… clap your hands… celebrate! Looking forward to another Sunday morning worship service, it may be time to break out of long held traditions and rethink proper church etiquette…

“What?” You exclaim... “It’s not polite for proper Christians to cheer in church!” Then maybe Professional Baseball Fans have a lesson to teach us about what it means to be a team follower.

Each week, countless families eagerly gather to cheer on their favorite major and minor league teams. Arriving well before the first pitch, they gladly sit wherever, and next to whomever – paying outrageous sums - just for the love of the sport.

The game may have long periods of inertia, blazing sun or long rain delays. No matter; the sport is what counts. And if the game should happen to go into extra innings, so much the better! Fourteen inning games make you feel like you’ve really gotten your money’s worth.

For true fans, the game continues long after the final pitch, as they analyze statistics and watch replays on TV. Through the week, sports articles are studied, controversial strategies are debated – all in preparation for in-formed viewing of the coming week’s game.

Contrast that kind of passion with Sunday morning worship services... Kids and parents alike beg to stay home, moan-ing “Sunday is my only morning to sleep in!” Once at church, entire families squeeze into the back pews, just so they can be the first to leave. If the pastor should happen to preach a few minutes longer than expected, entire pews begin to fidget. Not one of my pastor friends has ever been congratulated for going into overtime! As for indulging in animated Bible studies or rehashing service highlights in preparation for the following week’s worship... well...

The point is, we are a people who confuse our priorities. Sports are fun for a season, but Christ matters - forever! The Pirates may be in contention for the pennant (or at least a playoff spot)… but in worship, Christians celebrate the presence of the living God, whose sacrifice conquered death for all time.

True worship is not about being entertained or giving God another laundry list of complaints and requests. Worship was never meant to focus on “SELF”. It was – and is - about thanking God for the bounty of His gifts and the promise of His grace… and about recommitting ourselves to the service of others. Writes Marva Dawn in her classic book, Reaching Out without Dumbing Down, this is what worship is all about: “God's revelation... unmasks our illusions about ourselves. It exposes our pride, our individualism, our self-centeredness - in short, our sin. But worship also offers forgiveness, healing, transformation, motivation, and courage to work in the world for God's justice and peace - in short, salvation in its largest sense....we are to be lights in the world. It is God's business to light us, to set us on the lampstand, and to bring the people into the house. Our only duty is to shine forth with the gospel.”

So the next time you join us for worshipping and singing God’s praises, don’t hold back. Give Him everything you have, and you may be surprised by just how much you receive in return – joy, connection, and the confidence that you are – and always will be – part of God’s team! Amen!

Shalom,

Pastor Jeff

A funeral was held for Charles Cox on July 29th at First Lutheran Church. Charles joined the Church Triumphant on July 23, 2015.

A funeral was held for Sharyn Engle on August 14th at St Paul’s Lutheran Church. Sharyn joined the Church Triumphant on August 11th, 2015.

“Rest eternal, grant them, O Lord. And let light perpetual shine upon them.”

Received into God’s family by the Sacrament of Baptism, Eli Lucas Johnson on August 9th, 2015 at First Lutheran Church. Parents are Taylor Whipp and Michael Johnson.

A wedding ceremony was held for Shauna Bailey and Jack Landon Saturday, August22, 2015.

FIRST LUTHERAN COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

Church council met on Monday, August 17th with 10 members present. Council heard from the Christian Education committee that new volunteer clearance procedures will be in place and Penny Lester will hold an informational meeting after the 10:00 service on August 30th. We are also looking for a person or persons to head the Sunday School, Tap, and Looser activities. Property is moving forward with work on the office and hopes to have it complete in mid-October. They are also installing new LED lights in the Sanctuary and replacing the big overhead fan. Social ministry reminds everyone to sign-up for the God’s Work our Hands activity to begin with a picnic at Rally Day on September 13th after the 11:00 service. They noted that some people are even trading services, offering lighter cleaning for heavy lifting. Worship and music is looking for a new home for the piano in fellowship hall and notes that the organ is in need of repairs that could take up to two years. Finally Pastor Jeff reminded Council that “The New Wind” is an umbrella under which new ideas can be brought fourth and tried out. He noted that it is more like a brand for new ideas and we are open for suggestions.

Produce Express Scheduled for September 17thYou can volunteer anytime between 12:30-4:30. We need about 20 folks to make this a smooth operation and an effective ministry and outreach. Want to help? Simply sign up in the narthex.121 Families received food in August!

Jim Pearson Sr. wishes to thank Pastor Jeff for his visits and

the congregation for all their Prayers.

Rally Day Picnic – Sunday, September 13th!

Finger Lickin’ Good!

There is no better way to kick-off the fall season than with a yummy chicken bar-b-que. The annual Rally Day Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015, at 12:30pm following our 11am service.. We are lucky to have John Beard return as our chef. He will be grilling right outside our church doors. Please use the sign-up sheet in the narthex, so that we will be able to properly plan for the number of chickens. You are asked to bring a dish to share, as well as your own table service. Beverages will be provided. We will have some fun events in addition to the food, so you won’t want to miss this picnic! We hope to see you there!

LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION Tuesday, September 15th. Tour of the Fish Hatchery at Kinzua Dam. Meet at church at 6pm to carpool.

ELCA WOMENCONFERENCE TWO FALL MEETING, SATURDAY, OCT. 3RD- Deadline to register is Sept 24th- call 814-274-9496

THEME: “A SONG IN YOUR HEART”

AUDUBON NATURE CENTER, JAMESTOWN AUDUBON SOCIETY

1600 RIVERSIDE ROAD, JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK 14701.

MAIN SPEAKER: JENNIFER SCHLICK, PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Welcome to another great season of Senior Fellowship! For those veteran seniors who have attended Senior Fellowship events in the past, you can skip this paragraph! For the rookies, you need to know that Senior Fellowship meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month (September to May) beginning at 11:00 a.m. for a Eucharist Worship service and hymn sing, followed by a wonderful luncheon at noon! Depending on the month, we may have a program after lunch. We hope you will be able to attend Senior Fellowship with us! And if your name is not on our “call” list (we need to have an accurate count for the kitchen staff), please call the church office at 723-6450 and we’ll be sure you get a reminder phone call each month! This month, on September 8th Vince Kremer, our Thrivent Financial representative will be here and provide us with suggestions on how to leave a legacy for our family, our church or other institutions and worthy causes.

HANDBELL POLISHING PARTY! Well, not exactly a party, but the bells need the annual cleaning, polishing, and repair. Meet on Wednesday, September 2nd at 5:15pm.

ATTENTION ALL SINGERS!

Senior Choir begins on Wednesday, September 9th at 7:30pm.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY SET FOR OCTOBER 4TH. Mark your calendar! We will be joining our brothers and sisters at First Presbyterian Church to celebrate World Communion Sunday together. We will have an 8:00 a.m. service at First Lutheran and then join our friends at 10:00 a.m.

Bible Humor

Q: Who was the best financier in the Bible?
A: Pharaoh’s daughter. She went to the Nile bank and pulled out a little prophet.

SEPTEMBER SERVING SCHEDULE

Ushers: (8AM)Barry and Irene Keller, Marilyn Dahlgren, Ben and Beth Vierra (10/11AM) Ed Carr, Joe Colosimo, Al Dennis, Jack Elder, Jim Moore, Orin Wood, Zach Ballard and Dale ClarkAltar Guild: (8AM) Irene Keller and Carol Johnson (10/11AM) Lori Howard, Staci Simpson and Lois Ceriola

Greeters8:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

9/6Marilyn Dahlgren Jeanne Reinard (10:00 a.m)

9/13Carol JohnsonSue Reinke

9/20Barry and Irene Keller Karen Schumacher

9/27Kersey family Peggy Nelson

Visitor Greeters

9/6Joan Loree Phil Howard (10:00a.m.) 9/13 Charles Merroth

9/20Randy and Sandy Britton Jim and Alice Rapp

9/27Andy and Jane BeardsleyJim and Velma Zock

Acolytes

9/6Erika Stevenson Jared Labowski and Hunter Feeny (10:00 a.m.)

9/13Megan Koerselman Emily Koebley and Stephanie Rowland

9/20Jackson Knupp Allison Koebley and Rachael Rowland

9/27KaelahKnupp Cole Chimenti and Nickolas Brooks

Assisting Ministers

9/6Randy Britton Randy Baughman (10:00 a.m.)

9/13Elizabeth Beardsley Heidi Colosimo

9/20Barb Kersey Joan Griesbach

9/27Don Reed Denny Crandall

Cantors

9/6John Beard Adri Hunt (10:00 a.m.)

9/13John Beard Roz Hupp

9/20John Beard Linda Ross

9/27Anne Benson Kevin Hunt

Nursery (11:00) Crucifer (11:00 a.m.)

9/6 Shelly Ristau & Stephanie Rowland (10:00a.m.)

9/13Sherrie and Shane Flannery

9/20Diane Stenstrom and Rachael Rowland

9/27Kevin and Amy Downe

As part of our church family’s baptismal promise to our children to help them grow in their faith and learn more deeply how much God loves them, we encourage families to take advantage of The Alleluia Program here at First Lutheran. This Wednesday after-school program begins at 3:47 with a fun opening worship and then moves on to crafts and recreation, class time and dinner. We have a fun table game each week and special theme nights, too! If you know of kids in 1st-12th grade who would like to come and be a part of TAP, registration forms are available in the narthex! Our September schedule looks like this!

9 TAP KICK OFF – CIRCUS NIGHT

16 Backwards night

23 Zoo night

30 Crazy Sock night (wear a pair and bring a pair to share!)

SUNDAY’S COOL AT FIRST LUTHERAN! Sunday’s Cool begins on Sunday (duh!), September 13th at 9:29 a.m. Classes are offered for pre-school children through adult. Bring your kids and grandkids and stay for a time of learning and prayer!

OUR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION STAFF INSTALLATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH. ALL THOSE WHO ARE SERVING IN TAP, SUNDAY’S COOL, NURSERY, MISSION TRIPS AND LOSERS WILL BE RECOGNIZED AND INSTALLED THAT DAY!

THIRD GRADE BIBLES

Our Third graders will be receiving their bibles on Sunday, September 20th this year at the 11:00 a.m. worship. We look forward to giving Hannah Marfink, Blake Ristau, Max Enos, Rebekah Wenzel, and Kai Ashbaugh-Yeager God’s Word!

REMEMBER WE MOVE TO OUR FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH. Worship is at 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. with Sunday’s Cool beginning at 9:29 (or 9:30, if you’re a mom!)

NEW THIS YEAR: MOM’S SUNDAY’S COOL CLASS

Calling all moms! We have a Sunday’s Cool class just for you! Gather with women who are going through or have gone through what moms of every age go through! This interactive, team-taught class will initially meet in Niewoehner Hall beginning at 9:30 (we give you an extra minute to drop your kids off at their classes ).

YOUR LEGACY FAMILY, CHURCH, CHARITY

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Midwestern farmer, Pacific coast fisherman, or a Southern bell. If there are people or causes you care about, we can help you uncover ways to enrich their futures and unleash your generosity.

Join us for a one-hour presentation Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 12:45 p.m. here at First Lutheran

SOCIAL SECURITY STRATEGIZE TO MAXIMIZE

When it comes to navigation the Social Security landscape, the choices can be overwhelming. And even just one mistake can be costly . . . for the rest of your life.

Please join us for a complimentary presentation Tuesday, September 8, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. to learn how to sort through the options to help ensure the choices you make are right for you.

RETIRE WISELY

47% of Americans age 56 to 62 could run out of funds to pay for basic retirement expenses if they retire at age 65. Will you have enough to retire?

Will your retirement income last?

Are your assets protected?

Join us for this complimentary one-hour presentation to learn how you can manage six risks all retirees face: outliving income, inflation, unpredictable events, market volatility, income taxes and rising health costs. Tuesday, September 8, 2015, from 7:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

First Lutheran

PLEASE RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 TO RESERVE

YOUR SPOT! CONTACT Gina Sims at 814-878-5727or email