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“ST. PAUL’S IS A FAMILY OF BELIEVERS IN THE GOSPEL OF

JESUS CHRIST, COMMITTED TO THE FULFILLMENT OF THE

WORD OF GOD”

Church Office….474-6616

Pastor - Rev. Michele Kaufman 443-0832 Secretary - Rachael Hayward Email: info@stpaulsmttop.com

Sexton - Ginny Hildebrand 788-2751

St. Paul’s is now on facebook

. Visit us at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Mountain Top, PA and keep in touch with upcoming events.

Sunday, September 3rd

We will resume our regular church schedule on Sunday,

September 10

at 9:00 a.m.

th with worship at 8:30 and 11:00 am along with

Sunday school at 9:30 am

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WORSHIP….

…AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO

September 3rd

and 17th

HEALING SERVICE

Our monthly healing service will be held on Wednesday, September 6th at 11:00 a.m. The service includes an anointing and Holy Communion. We will enjoy a covered dish luncheon

afterward. Everyone is invited to bring along something to share. All are welcome. Please feel free to invite those you think may

benefit from this opportunity.

I've never attended a barn raising, but Herman Ostry, a farmer in Bruno, Nebraska has. Shortly after buying a piece of land and a barn, a nearby creek rose, and the barn was under twenty nine inches of water. He half-jokingly said to his family, "I bet if we had enough people, we could pick up that barn and carry it to higher ground." To his surprise, one of his sons, Mike, started thinking about it, and by counting the number of boards, timbers, and nails, he estimated that the barn weighed about 19,000 pounds. Mike figured that three hundred forty four people

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would only have to lift about fifty-five pounds to carry the barn to higher ground. But how do that many people get a grip on the barn in order to lift it? Mike ingeniously designed a grid of steel tubing and attached it to the inside and outside of the barn. This provided handles for the barn raisers. As the town of Bruno was planning its centennial activities, Herman suggested a barn raising as part of the celebration. As the centennial approached word of the barn raising spread far beyond Bruno. On the morning of the lift, July 30,1988, nearly four hundred thousand people from eleven states were there. When everything was ready, Herman counted, one, two, three. The 344 people lifted the barn, and it rose like nothing at all. The crowd cheered and applauded as they carried that 9 ton barn fifty yards up a hill in just three minutes. How'd they do it? They got enough people to work towards a common goal, spreading the load evenly and equally, and at the same time, with one heart, one mind, one purpose, one direction and two hands they were able to accomplish the impossible. George MacDonald once noted that one draft horse can move two tons of weight. Two draft horses in harness, working together, can move twenty-three tons of weight. MacDonald put his finger on the strength of the church. When we work together, we can perform miracles.

Bible Study continues….. Join us every Thursday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Our conversations are lively and engaging. We just began our study on the Book of Acts. Consider joining us some Thursday! You’ve never tried Bible Study like this before…

Bible Trivia How well do you know your bible?

(Answers are on the last page of the Newsletter)

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1) In the second commandment, God said we should not make an image in the form of anything found in what three places?

2) In the second commandment, God said he was jealous and punishes children for the sin of their parents to what generations?

3) What day did the commandments say the Lord blessed and made Holy?

4) What commandment says that we will live long in the land the Lord gave us if we follow it?

5) Which animals did the tenth commandment specifically say we should not covet?

For answers to the Bible Trivia Read Exodus 20.

Sunday school resumes September 10th

at 9:30 am come see all the new exciting activities we will be having this

year!!!!!

CONFIRMATION MEETING FOR YOUTH

AND ADULTS- Sunday, September 10th

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Parents and students in grades 7 and above who have not yet been confirmed are expected to attend an information meeting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 10th

. We will review expectations regarding confirmation and answer any questions you may have.

THE CASE FOR CHRIST TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5th

6:30 PM

A hard-driving journalist, Lee Strobel was exactly where he expected to be at work: on top. His award-winning investigative reporting recently earned him a promotion to legal editor at the ChicagoTribune. But things weren't going nearly as well at home where his wife Leslie's newfound faith in Christ went against everything Lee believed - or didn't believe - as an avowed atheist.

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Utilizing his journalistic and legal training, Lee begins a quest to debunk the claims of Christianity in order to save his crumbling marriage. Chasing down the biggest story of his career, Lee comes face-to-face with unexpected results that could change everything he knows to be true. Join us at 6:30 p.m. Bring a friend!

CHICKEN BARBEQUE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH , 2017 12 to 5pm

Tickets are as follows: Adults $9.50 Children 3 – 10 $5.00 Children under 3 free

Tickets available in office (9-12 Mon – Fri) 570-474-6616

There is a signup sheet in the narthex for volunteers to make goodies and help with the grill and other necessities.

GEARING UP FOR - HOUSTON 2018

Several youth from ST. Paul’s have expressed a desire to attend the upcoming National Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas at the end of next June. We have already begun fundraising for that event. Next on our agenda is a flea market/rummage sale scheduled for Saturday, September 9th from 8 am to 2:00 pm. If you have items to donate, the youth would be glad to take those

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items off your hands!!! If you would like to rent a table and join us, we will make tables available for $10! Help our youth any way you can!

Every three years, 30,000 high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live their faith in their daily lives.

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All youth desire:

• Someone to become • Somewhere to belong • Something to do [that changes the world]

As young people desire and struggle to find someone to become, somewhere to belong and something to do, the Gathering seeks to be a ministry that helps define some of that or at least open up pathways of discovery. Ultimately, we want youth to understand the fierce love that God has for them, just as they are, and that by grace, through faith, they have been saved. When young people (or really any age person!) truly claim this reality, it indeed changes everything. Registration opens September 15th

. If you are interested in attending, please contact Pastor and fill out the registration forms and hand it in ASAP, along with $100 deposit.

DUO from Quakertown. They bring the sounds of old

hymns and contemporary music to all ages

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24th

MOUNTAIN TOP PA

ST PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM FREE ADMISSION

CRAFT/TALENT AUCTION ON OCT 22nd

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For more info please contact Sue Henahan. Baking of Apple Dumplings will be on Saturday October 21st

. Signup sheet in narthex.

Upcoming Bus Trip to Sight and Sound FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1st

After decades of crushing Roman rule, the Hebrew people are losing hope. When will the promised Messiah come? Into the midst of this turmoil, young Mary is told she will miraculously bear God’s son. Who can even believe such a thing? Celebrate the season with your whole family as the Christmas story unfolds right before your eyes..

The cost is $90.00, which includes the cost of your ticket, transportation and lunch at Shady Maple. To reserve your seat, please send a non-refundable deposit of $25 ASAP.

The next WELCA will meet on Wednesday September 13th

We are continuing to collect blank get well cards for shut-ins. For more information contact Jeanne Wells

@ 1PM. Hostess will be Marjorie Lou

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ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH – August CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS The Church Council met on Sunday, August 6th. Members in attendance were Judy Seroka, Leeann Whitaker, Jim Doxsey, Beth Eckert, Terry Renninger, Walt Robbins, Jackie McDermott, Helen Davis, Kevin Scott, Joel Weiss, Kevin Scott, and Kim Shuler, Pastor Michele, and John Hoovler (CFO). Gaylene Hunter was absent. The Church Council Topics included: 1. The Council began the evening by providing dinner for our guests from St. Theresa’s. Thanks to Council members and all the other families and groups who provided tasty meals throughout the week. They were greatly appreciated by our guests. 2. The Property Committee discussed the need to repair the gas heating system in the Nursery room. Monk HVAC will be called. 3. The Christian Education Committee has ordered new Children’s Bibles and exciting new Sunday School Lesson Books, for use beginning this September. 4. During the Worship and Music discussion, Terry reported the Steve Perilllo will preach and the band will perform during the August 13th

service and Romayne Lochner will lead the August 20th church service. 5. During the summer of 2018, Pastor and several teens from our church will participate in the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas. 6. The front door of the church was not always locking properly, so a locksmith was brought in to make the repairs. The door is locking reliably now. 7. The Council is working with the Pre-School and Play-School board to improve coordination and communication between Council and the board for this church sponsored program. 8. The next Council Meeting date will be held on September 17thth. At 6:30pm. Respectfully Submitted: Jim Doxsey – President of Church Council

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MAKING SENSE OF THE SHACK

MOVIE FOLLOW-UP on THE SHACK

In June, we gathered to watch, The Shack, a film that took us on a father's uplifting spiritual journey. After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips spirals into a deep depression causing him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he received a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeyed to the shack and encountered an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa. Through this meeting, Mack finds important truths that will transform his understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever. While I said it wasn’t necessary to read the book beforehand, I encouraged interested persons to do so. I invite you back to talk about what we read and what we saw. What can we learn? What message does it have for us today? A scheduling conflict precluded our last attempt. Join us Wednesday, September 20th at 6:30 p.m. Snacks and goodies will be provided!

Hurricane Harvey Relief The situation: Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast of the United States on Aug. 25, 2017, threatening millions of people with multiple days of heavy rain, winds and rising tides. While many have evacuated, significant damage is still expected, and thousands of people may

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be housed in shelters for an extended period of time. Our response: Lutheran Disaster Response’s affiliate is actively present, collaborating with community leaders and officials to initiate the proper responses, particularly the long-term recovery efforts. Together, we have a strong history of working with disasters in the Gulf Coast area. The road to recovery will be long, and Lutheran Disaster Response will be there to accompany those affected through every phase of this disaster. We invite you to stand by our neighbors on the Gulf Coast during this time. Your gifts ensure that our church will be able to provide help and hope for those left homeless or otherwise affected by this disaster for years to come. Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response, designated for "Hurricane Response – United States" will be used entirely (100 percent) for this disaster until the response is complete.

Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support. Give today to support the needs in this response and others like it.

St. Paul's will collect any monetary donations you may wish to give. We will continue to pray as the situation unfolds and look for additional ways we might be able to help these folks along the Gulf coast and Texas.

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Thank you to all the Children and to the Girl Scout troop who created our beautiful bulletins we had this summer. You guys are awesome artists. Thank you to Kevin Scott who kept our lawn looking beautiful and for all the hard work you put into it. It is much appreciated. SICK OR IN THE HOSPITAL? WOULD YOU LIKE A VISIT FROM PASTOR? If you are in the hospital, please let us know. We care about you, and we would like to pray for you. If you would like Pastor to make a visit for any particular reason, please contact Pastor directly or leave a message with the church secretary and Pastor will contact you to schedule a time. YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO US, but we cannot address what we don’t know.

FLOWER CHART

Just a reminder that there are open dates available should you wish to provide flowers in honor or memory of a special event or individual.

September 3rd – Leann Whitaker & Merille Wisler September 10th – Heather Davis September 17th – Open September 24th – Arlene Lee

There are many dates available to sponsor Altar Flowers, Bulletins and the Newsletter for 2017. Charts/sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board. Why not honor a loved one or a significant occasion by sponsoring these items?

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Flowers: $32/week Bulletins: $10/week

Please see Rachael in the office for any updates to address, telephone number, Cell phone, email address also I would like an

updated list of the following: Ushers, Greeters, Readers, Deacons, Acolytes & Counters. If you

would like to volunteer, what service works better for you? If there are any special requests as to when you want to volunteer?

You can email me or just leave me a note in my mail box. Email address is info@stpaulsmttop.com I thank you all in advance!

Rachael Hayward

YARN SPINNERS We will continue to work on the prayer shawls and baptismal blankets for Pastor. If any of you are talented in crocheting or knitting, or would like to learn, they cordially invite you to join them. Lessons will be given by Lois. If you can’t make their meetings, please call Lois Burge at 474-5502, and volunteer your talents by making the items at your own pace at home. All would be most appreciative.

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BOARD GAME DAY

Looking to have some fun? Every third Wednesday, at 1:00 pm. at the church will be board game day. Please bring your favorite game and a snack to share. Come on out and have some fun.

ALUMINUM CANS Keep those cans coming! Please remember to deposit your aluminum cans in the bin behind the church. Monies collected from the sale of the cans support our missionary in Tanzania. Encourage your neighbors to save them as well!

ST. PAUL’S HOAGIE GANG

Sign up for DELICIOUS hoagies! Watch for the sign-up sheet on the narthex bulletin board. All orders must be in by the previous Sunday, which in this case will be, Sunday, September 17th with a pick up date of Thursday, September 21st

. The costs of the hoagies are $4.00 each. The sign-up sheet is on the narthex bulletin board. Thank YOU! All monies earned go to benefit the church.

THRIVENT ACTION TEAMS

There are many projects that can be done with the Action Team funding.

With the new year each benefit Thrivent member (age 16 and older) can do 2 projects. If there is anyone who would like to do an Action Team, speak with Pastor Michele or Bonnie Stewart or

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Where does your passion lie? What a wonderful way to support various ministries within the church! Are you interested in learning more as to how you can help St. Paul’s and “seed” new or existing projects? Stewarts are applying to underwrite the upcoming Chicken Barbeque…. Kevin Scott has applied to do some landscaping…. Would someone consider funding a food drive as we look toward Harvest Home? FOOD BANK FOOD BANK – Please remember that the first Sunday of each month has been declared “FOOD BANK DAY” and we ask that members remember those less fortunate by bringing non-perishable food items in order to keep up with the demand for food. OTHER ITEMS THEY CURRENTLY NEED ARE: Coffee, Peanut Butter, jelly, ketchup, dry soup, pudding and Jell-O mixes, and popcorn, pork & beans, canned tomatoes, canned soup, mustard, mayonnaise, tuna, macaroni & cheese and pasta (ex. Spaghetti), peas, canned pasta, and noodles.

A reminder we’d like your loose change!

Let’s clean out those pockets, check the bottom of our purses, and see what’s in the car ashtray as we collect our loose change for Sunday School.

PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR: Ben Austin, Linda Burke, Jay Crandall, Claire Daley, Judy Delarche, Barb DeWin, Etta Devens, Pauline Dennis, Brianne Dileo, Allen Drum, Bob Dunlap, Evelyn Evans, May

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& Gene Fenstermacher, Steven Ganski, Joshua Hank, Cassandra Hank, Kayleen Noggle Herwig, Shawn Henning, Joyce Hocko, Craig Jacobs, Gary Keller, Zhachori Kelsch, Jeannine Ksiaskiewicz, Evelyn Lloyd, Chris Lorenz, Amy Maher, Dale Major, Wayne Mast, Peg Mehalick, James Mendygral, Mary Alice McCloskey, McCale McQuire, Patty Mellow, Sandy Morales, Cheryl Myers, Jilie O’Boyle, Betty Pinko, Holly Powell, Irene Pritchard, Mark Reeves, Laura Roushey, Katlin Ruddick, Cathy Ruiter, Dale Scott, Carl Schultz, Joe Seymour, Robert F. Shultz, Lisa Slocum, Colton Smith, Mark Smith, Matthew Sorrano, Ruth Thomas, Jane Train, Joe Veneziale, Matthew Walker, Paul Walters, Denise Walser, Loretta Z. IN ADDITION TO THOSE HAVING HEALTH PROBLEMS

we ask that you pray for all the men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces. Matthew Hewson, Wayne Kaufman, Richard Mester, Patrick Murphy, James Noggle, Anthony Porrecha, Jr., John Michel, Brandon Sampolski, Alexander Walser and Christian Yurkanin.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Kimberly Hartzell 1Laurie Lawson

st 2nd

Michael Weiss

3rd

Aryanna Burke

5th

Tracey Ronan

5th

Alexandra Howton

6th

George Yeager

7th

Janelle Williams

8th

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Jennifer Mehalick 9th

Morgan Novosel

9th

Mark Weibel

9th

Abigail Davies

9th

Abby Kaster

10th

Corey Hashagen

12th

Mary Gasper

13th

Doug Nagle

14th

Kathy Paranich

14th

Albert Drum

16th

Nancy Eckhart

17th

Bonnie Stewart

19th

Alice Domzalski

20th

Murray Herr

20th

Colleen Drum

21st

Claire Daley

23rd

Teresa Renninger

24th

Jordan Peters

26th

Allison Slavish

26th

Redmond Lines

27th

Alex Walser

27th

Paul Hildebrand

29th

Beth Eckert

29th

Joann Lawson

30th

Philip Kaufman

30th

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Carol & George Yeager 2nd/'78 Lorrae & Craig Orlove 5th/'81 Tricia & Jon Russell 5th/'98 Sue & Steve Pierdon 7th

Donna & Brent Fenstermacher 10th/'77 /’’74

Judy & Ted Hollock 14th/'63

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Mary Ruth & Steven Lasoski 14th/'74 Wendy & Matt Howton 22nd/'90 Angie & Christopher Burke 23rd/’00 Teresa & Terry Renninger 24th/'80 Renee & Sebastian Lacoste 26th/'98 Terri & Jim Edwards 29th/'84

Answers to the Bible Trivia 1) In heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the

waters below. 2) Third and Fourth. 3) The Sabbath. 4) Honor your father and mother 5) Ox or donkey