Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

December 2018

Come As You Are—Be Renewed—Share the Joy

December Worship Schedule

Sundays, December 2, 9, 16 & 23, Holy Communion 10:00 am

Sunday, December 16

Christmas Celebration by the Choir

10:00 am

Mid-Week Advent Soup Supper & Program

Wednesdays, December 5, 12 & 19

Soup Supper at 6 pm

Program at 6:45 pm

Christmas Eve

Monday, December 24

Festival Service at 7:00 pm

Contemporary Services on Saturdays, December 1, 15 & 29 at

7:00pm

Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 30th at 10:00 am

2018 Church Council Karl Von Seggern Joe Callis Ellen McManus Jean Musa Gail Callis Helen Carioscia Holly Von Seggern Ken Hill

Joan DeAngelis Dawn Rotolo Carol Carty Derek Dookram Marie Von Seggern Catherine McWilliams

DEACON’S CORNER—DECEMBER 2018

Yesterday the church council met with a representative from the synod. At this meeting we were told that we will most likely have an “Intentional Interim Pastor” assigned to our congregation starting sometime in January. An Intentional Interim Pastor is a pastor who has been specifically trained to serve a congregation which is between two regularly called pastors. As explained on the MNYS website:

“In the past, interim ministry was often thought of as filling a gap; the Interim Pastor was a caretaker for a congregation that temporarily had no pastor. A newer view, based on research, sees this period as a challenging and productive time for a congregation to re-evaluate its ministry goals and needs. Typical questions are “What is God calling us to be and to do?” and “What do we need to do to prepare for our next pastor?” I see this as good news for our congregation, we will have an pastor who is experienced in getting congrega-tions through some difficult periods. I’m sure we can all agree that this has been a difficult period for our con-gregation. There has been a great deal of conflict and divisiveness. As a result, both attendance at worship and financial giving have suffered. But, on a positive note, attendance at worship is on the upswing. Addition-ally, many people met with the Bishop’s Advisory Panel last weekend. This tells me that people in this con-gregation care deeply about our congregation. I have heard from a number of people who have heard rumors about what has been going on these past months. Most of them are just that - rumors. I would urge anyone to talk to your elected council members. Find out the truth from them rather than believe some misconceptions that might be going around. These misconceptions are not helpful, in fact they are causing continued divisiveness. We need to have open and honest conversations in order to begin the healing process this congregation so desperately needs. I see our congregation at somewhat of a crossroad. We can continue to hold on to past hard feelings or we can move forward and commit to working with each other and the interim pastor. I am encouraged to see more people returning to worship services every Sunday. During the sharing of the peace, I am seeing some people I hadn’t seen in months. I hope and pray that others who have left will also return. I truly believe that the healing process for this congregation has already begun but I’m not naive enough to think that it will be easy. But, if we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us, we will get through this. I hope and pray that God will bring healing and peace to this congregation we all love. In Christ, Janet

A monthly publication by and for the members of Christ Lutheran Church, Islip Terrace, NY.

Submissions should be made by the 20th of each month.

Office: (631)581-1710 E-mail: christchurch.it@verizon.net

Deacon: Janet O’Mara

Congregation Officers: President: Holly Von Seggern Vice President: Derek Dookram Secretary: Helen Carioscia Treasurer: Ed Preuss Assistant Treasurer: Gail Callis Financial Secretary: Ellen McManus

Parish Coordinator: Madeline Sharrock Parish_coordinator@christlutheranit.org

Update on what’s happening around Church…..

Notes from the Church Office

Many people come in and out of the office during the week. Please leave information for the Parish Coor-

dinator in the mailbox just past the file cabinets or in the bin on the front shelf of the desk.

Please submit as many materials to be printed electronically.

Bulletin submissions need to be in the office by Tuesday of each week

Steward submissions must be in to the office by the 20th of each month

Committee Meetings

Executive Committee — Monday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm Council Meeting — Monday, December 10th at 7:00 pm Worship & Music — Wednesday, December 12th at 5:30 pm

In Need of a walker, crutch or other supply to help you get moving again? Our church has several items to lend out. Contact Carol Schmid at 631-567-2112 who has volun-teered to connect people in need with the supplies that have accumulated in the church closet.

HYMNAL DEDICATIONS AVAILABLE

Hymnals can be donated in memory of someone but also in honor or thanksgiving for someone. The cost to donate a hymnal is $20.00. If you would like to donate a hymnal, please use the yellow envelopes. If you have any questions, please speak to Pastor Mark, Janet O’Mara or anyone on the Church Council.

Notes from the Stewardship Committee—E-GIVING Did you know that you can have your weekly offering given to church every week automatically without an envelope? Every week your designated offering is taken out of your bank account and sent directly to church. It’s very simple and you don’t have to wor-ry about forgetting your envelope.

ALTAR FLOWERS & SANCTUARY CANDLE The 2018 Altar Flower and Candle Charts are posted on the Communication Bulletin Board outside Pastor’s Office. Please remember your loved ones with an arrangement of flowers for $18 or by lighting the candle for $10. Use a yellow envelope and mark it Altar Flowers and Candle for your donation.

Christmas Baskets are being prepared

The pantry is in need of TURKEYS, Roaster Chickens, 3 lb. Canned Hams and an-

ything else to complete a Thanksgiving Dinner

Become a STEWARD BOOSTER for $10 and have your name printed in the issue

with the designation of your choice.

In memory of ___________________________

In honor of _____________________________

In thanksgiving for __________________________

On the occasion of _________________________

Your Name ______________________________

Hanging of the Greens

Saturday, December 15th at 10 am Volunteer with the Altar Guild & Property Committee

to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas

Begin your Advent Preparations

Advent Supper

Wednesdays,

December 5th

, 12th

& 19th

6:00 pm

Program begins at 6:45

The program is called "Not a Silent Night," Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton. Imagine Jesus from Mary's point of view--proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him as a person and so much more.

ADVENT FOLDERS

Advent is as time of preparation and waiting.

Please pick up your Advent Folder in the church narthex

the next time you are in church.

Please use the Advent Folder to remember the coming of the love of God our Father.

Phone Number and E-mail Updates

In a society that is prone to constant change, please keep the church office up to date on

changes to your address, phone number and e-mail addresses.

SERVING IN THE MILITARY: Alex Newhoff, Nikko Navarro, Travis

Montgomery, Matthew Gallino, Gregory Longacre, Brian McClain, Daniel Eichner, Brian Eichner, Sean Moller, Evan Book, Brett Marcinik, Alexandria Gentry

Memorials

The following gifts have been received in the Memorial Fund

In Memory of Jim Musa By Linda & David Rhia

Hymnal in memory of Paul J. Smith by Al & Dorothy Smith

Wednesday Morning Bible Study continues on December 5th at 10:30 am

The Lutheran Handbook: A Field Guide to Church Stuff, Everyday Stuff, and the Bible

The essential field guide for all things Lutheran. For anyone hiking the trails of life's adventures and challenges – will want to pack this handy illustrated field guide to Lutheran theology and culture. This enjoyable, easy-to-read, reliable, all-in-one collection helps you understand the essential information about our theology, culture and Lutheran way of life. Organized by Church Stuff, Every-day Stuff and Bible Stuff with how-to's like "How to Forgive Someone" and lists like "The Top-10 Bible Villains." Encapsulates essential principles of the Chris-tian life, making many of the complexities of our religious tradition accessible for contemporary seekers. This is a 7-session course for longtime Lutherans and those new to the faith, as well.

The Family of Christ Lutheran Offers

Prayers of Sympathy for the Family of :

Leonard F. Crowe—husband of Rose

Father of Gene Fairbrother, Kevin F. Crowe & Keith Crowe

SUNDAY SCHOOL

3 year olds to 5th Graders

Every Sunday during the 10:00 Service Lessons, crafts , music and more!

Confirmation Class students should be attending

Advent Suppers and Program for the

Month of December on Wednesdays

Dinner at 6, Program at 6:45

Community Notes and

Information

Christ Lutheran Church Food Pantry - Hours are Mondays from 11:30 to 2:30 pm Cub Scout Pack 38 - For boys from 1st grade through 5th grade. Call Emy Terhune 631-258-8452 for more information Boy Scout Troop 327 - For boys from 5th grade to the age of 18. Meets every Friday night in the Wolpert Building from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Call Dave Maziarz, Scoutmaster at 834-6118 for more information. Homemakers - Meets at Christ Lutheran Church every Tuesday morning. Call Sandy Deck at 581-1289 for more information.

AA - High Noon Group - meets every weekday at 12:00 noon in the Wolpert Building. AA - Evening Group - Meets Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Wolpert Building at 8:00 pm Families Anonymous — Meets Tuesdays in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 pm. Contact Catherine (631) 581-8874 or Donna526@aol.com

CHRISTLUTHERANIT.ORG

Your Passport to Everything at Christ Lutheran Church!

CHECK OUT OUR HOMEPAGE ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB!

Miss a special event or need a little inspiration--check out the links to listen to the

Festival Choir sing a Cantata, relive the Sunday School pageant, be inspired by the

fabulous voices of the Central Islip High School Concert Choir. Need to check a date

— check out the on-line calendar of events. Much more is waiting for you. Go on-line today!

Jean Musa, Morales Family, Doug Hajek, Richard Franke, Irene Montgomery, Cassie

Rotolo, Christine Apoian, Mary Lempin, Sally Sukhu, Shona Talbert, Dana, Grace,

Sikorsky Family, Claire Epp, Richard Anderson, Noah Lebron, Thomas Lyver, Marie

Curr

Bob Watkins, Ruth DeMartino, Terry Haynes, Paul Thurman, Mick Mann, Joe Cervenka,

Judy Gauthier, Lisa Liotti, Terry Karl, Gail Callis, Tom Bonkoski, Barbara Bouchard, Joan

DeAngelis, The Dixon Family, Joan Celentano, Michael Frances, Diana, Charles Salidano, Steve Carioscia,

Jack Weast, JoAnne Bule, Lubow Kopchynsky, Tom Mulieri, Tom Bruckner, Kensington Matthews, Betty

Jo Molina, Jodie Desin, Brad Bowers, Sarah Faith, Alyssa Angeline, Sandy Raynor, Christine Sosebee, Al-

bert Vitarelli, Rose Sanderline, Helen Jorgensen, Fred Weber, Theresa Williams, Edie Joseph, Jennifer Rein-

hart, The Hohn Family, Walter Hohenrath, Lynn Walsh, Hugo Ramirez, Derick, Renee & Adolf Doti, Bar-

bara & David Johnson, Hohenharth Family, Tony DeLeva, Becky Kreemer, Vincent Aprano, Debra Hamcke

DECEMBER SUNDAY SERVERS

12/2/2018 12/9/2018 12/16/2018 12/23/2018 12/30/2018

Greeters Irene Montgomery Ellen McManus

Phyllis Kobel Marie Von Seggern Dee Sulima Dee Sulima

Ushers

Joe Callis Alan Cunning-ham

Alan Cunningham Bruce Dochnahl

Don Lemp Alan Cunning-ham

Alan Cunningham Kevin O'Mara

Phil Bertuglia Al Smith Don Lemp

Al Smith Bill Schrader Billy Schrader

Karl Von Seggern Jason Terhune Edward Pruess Derick Dookram

Phyllis Kobel John Kobel Doug Hajek

Jan Coco Ron Fuzia Tom Primiano

Eucharistic Ministers

Karl Von Seggern Betsy Cunningham

Nancy Hill Ken Hill

Ellen McManus Helen Gronus

Janet O'Mara Marcia Coco

Jason Terhune Dolores Johnson

Assistant Ministers Phil Bertuglia Laura Primiano

Karl Von Seggern Janet O'Mara Ken Hill

Coffee Hour Carol Carty Billy Carty

Nancy Hill Ken Hill

Cathryn & Addi Barbera

Phil Bertuglia Janice Fuzia Ron Fuzia

Phil Bertuglia John Kobel Phyllis Kobel

Altar Guild

Betsy Cunningham Alan Cunningham

Marie Von Seggern Doris Jackson Everyone

Jean Musa Joan DeAngelis

Nancy Hill Ken Hill

Congregational Council Meeting Minutes October 11, 2018

Call to Order- this Meeting was Called to Order at 7:05, with President Holly Von Seggern presiding. Devotions and Prayer- Ellen McManus read a devotion on the obstacles in our path- are you the type to ig-nore them, walk around them or overcome them. Ellen then led us in prayer to begin this Meeting. Council Business- the Minutes of the September Meeting, the Special Finance Meeting, and the Special Congregational Meeting were all reviewed. Two mistakes were noted on the Council Minutes- Ken Hill and Carol Carty also volunteered to be on the Finance Committee, and the date of the Emergency Council Fi-nance Meeting was August 26 not the16th. Joan DeAngelis motioned to approve the amended Minutes, Ma-rie Von Seggern seconded, motion carried. Report of the Secretary- Attendance- Present- Joe Callis, Helen Car ioscia, Carol Car ty, Joan DeAnge-lis, Derick Dookram, Ken Hill, Pastor Mark, Ellen McManus, Janet O'Mara, Holly Von Seggern, Karl Von Seggern, Marie VonSeggern. Excused- Gail Callis, Cathy McWilliams, J ean Musa and Dawn Rotolo. Correspondence- we received Thank-you cards from Jean Musa, and from The Worth Family. We received a letter from a Defensive Driving course that could be used as a Fund Raiser. Pastor’s Report- as there was no printed report, Pastor let us know that he had hospital visits with Mary Lempin, for a broken leg. He had one Funeral for Christopher Worth. Council has to address getting Supply Pastor's. We had discussions on the concerns of church members, and members shopping for other churches. He asks us to make appointments with the Synod Advisory group. Ellen McManus motioned to approve this report, Karl Von Seggern seconded, motion carried. Treasurer's Report- we will table the acceptance of this due to questions for Ed Pruess. Assistant Treasurer's Report- this report was reviewed, Helen Carioscia motioned to accept, Ellen McManus seconded, motion carried. Committee Reports Caring and Sharing- the Bereavement Luncheon for J im Musa went very well. Property- a member of the High Noon group is painting the trim on the Wolpert building. Food Pantry- Thanksgiving Baskets will be given out on 11/13, they still need turkeys, chickens and hams. Unsure if they will do an Angel Tree this year. Blood Drive- 38 pints! Finance- all bills paid and vouchered through the tenth, $1,418. We owe Augsberg For tress just under $500. They have been meeting regularly and authorizing all bills to be paid. Old Business-

the Worship vote was about 60-40% for one Service. Please try to be aware of anyone who may be un-happy about this.

Steeple- nothing new to add. Bishop's Advisory Panel- November 11, make appointments now. Three rooms will be needed-possibly

the Choir Room, Library, and Narthex or Pastor's Office. New Business-

Dream Weaver's- they want us to let them stay for several more months until they find a new place, for $500 per month. Holly Von Seggern asked for a show of hands to have them out by 11/31, vote was 9 for and 1 nay. A discussion on what should be / could be done with the house followed.

Transition- we need to start now setting up Supply Pastors and lay people. The Interim's salary needs to be discussed, if he /she is not retired, we may need to pay health benefits, retirement package, etc. We could possibly share an interim?

Nominating Committee-Ellen McManus, Joe Callis, Jean Musa and Karl Von Seggern are coming off Council, we needto form a Nominating Committee to find replacements. Karl, Ellen and Ken Hill offered to lead this Committee.

Budget Committee- the Finance Committee will lead this. Dawn Rotolo sent a request to Purchase a Farmers Market feathered flag, with stand, at a cost of no more

than $150., money to come from the general fund, and be replaced with Farmer's Market money. Joe Callis seconded, motion carried.

P&J SCHEDULE FALL/WINTER 2018/2019

Dec. 2 - 8 ---- Choir Dec. 9 - 15 ------- O’Toole,Picece,DeAngelis,Kreb Dec 16 - 22 ----- Confirmation Class/ Youth Group Dec. 23 - 29 ----- McManus, Lambdin, Carioscia

Dec. 30 - Jan. 5 ----- Kobel, Cunningham Jan. 6 - 12 ----- Primiano,Terhune, Sukhu

Jan. 13 - 19 ----- Swaine, O’Mara Jan. 20 - Jan, 26 ------- Book Group

Jan. 27 - Feb 2-----McWilliams, Musa,Hill, Carty Feb. 3 - 9------ Choir

Feb. 10 - 16 ----- O’Toole, Picece,DeAngelis,Kreb Feb. 17 - 23 ----- Confirmation Class/ Youth Group

Feb. 24 - March 2 ----- Kobel, Cunningham March 3 - 9 ---- Primiano, Terhune, Sukhu

March 10 - 16 ----- Swaine, O’Mara March 17 - 23 ---- Book Group

March 24 - 30 ----- McWilliams, Musa, Hill, Carty

If your group cannot do your scheduled week, please switch with another group! We are counted on to pro-vide two boxes of sandwiches each week!!!

Please check supplies prior to making sandwiches, if you cannot provide the necessary supplies, please let

Janet O’Mara know.

Banner for the Contemporary Service 8' X 3', Karl made a motion to spend $100, or $200 for a vinyl flag, Ellen McManus seconded to spend the $100, motion carried.

Joe Callis makes a motion for the church to have a coat drive,for gently used coats, Karl Von Seggern sec-onds, motion carried.

Thanksgiving Service should be here this year, we will have it here next year. Next Meetings- Executive- November 6, Council- November 15. Congregational Comments- Joe Callis Devotions and Host- for November- Helen Carioscia Adjournment- Helen Carioscia motioned to Adjourn this Meeting at 10:11, Marie Von Seggern seconded, motion carried. Faithfully Submitted, Helen Carioscia, Council Secretary

DEDICATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

(Must be in by Sunday, Dec. 16th)

Please complete a yellow pew envelope

POINSETTIA, WINDOW & DOOR WREATHS $15.00 (please print)

Given by ___________________________________________

In memory of _______________________________________

In honor of _________________________________________

In thanksgiving for __________________________________

ALTAR FLOWERS and CHANCEL WREATH $18.00 (please print)

Given by ___________________________________________

In memory of _______________________________________

In honor of _________________________________________

In thanksgiving for __________________________________