March 2020 - kellerschurch.org
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March 2020 Striving to Grow our Faith and Devotion to God at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Dear Church- I was skimming through Mervin Bryan’s history of our congregation, A Light on the Ridge and came across this description of Sunday School in the 1930’s. Sunday School attendance was taken very seriously, and many members strove to have perfect attendance in order to receive an award. Each successive year of perfect attendance was rewarded with a bar that attached to the original pin. Members who were vacationing often attended another Sunday School and obtained a visitor’ s card that they brought back to their teachers, and thus were credited with attendance. Did you ever have one of those pins? In the 1960’s I was the proud owner of a pin like the one pictured here. Each year you received a new number that fit into the slot on the pin. And it was a big deal! Oh, how things have changed, both in the world and in the church. While we continue to feel that Christian education for our children is important, life is different. Our kids frequently have commitments on Sunday morning that make perfect attendance badges obsolete. Staffing Sunday School with two adults in every classroom is a challenge that we didn’t face in the 1930s or 60s. And finding a curriculum that captures the imaginations of children who are constantly engaging with electronic media can be daunting. Last August, we seriously wondered if we would be able to have a full Sunday School program this year. Some of our veteran teachers weren’t going to be available and we needed four more adults to make the program work. Thankfully, members of the Church Council stepped up and agreed to teach, but what about next year? And the year after that? This month our Christian Education committee met to talk about Sunday School. We discussed where we’ve been, what we’re doing and how we’re going to move into the future. At the beginning of the conversation, we were looking at Sunday School as a technical problem, which is a term used to describe a situation where the solutions are available and “within the repertoire” of the community. As the meeting progressed however, it was clear to me that what we’re really facing is an adaptive challenge, which “cannot be solved with one’s existing knowledge and skills…[They require] people to make a shift in their values, expectations, attitudes, or habits of behavior. ” (from Canoeing the Mountains, Tod Bolsinger) Adaptive challenges have no ready answers and they arise from a changing environment and uncharted territory. For me, seeing Sunday School as an adaptive challenge was really quite liberating. The team talked about responding to the needs of our families in ways that match our changing culture. We got “out of the box” as we talked about curriculum possibilities. And rather than mourning the loss of what has been, I think we have begun to see what might be. All across the country, congregations like ours are facing the need to be open to new possibilities when it comes to Christian education, particularly for children. This may mean loss and grief as we remember the way it once was. It may mean stepping out of our comfort zone, which can be scary. But if we can have honest conversations about what is important for us to share with our children, something new and wonderful can happen. If you have ideas, dreams, complaints or concerns about how we continue to share the good news of the gospel with our kids, I hope you will give your input. Send an email, make a phone call or take time to talk with one of these folks: Mindy Gruver, Christian Education Chair; Jen Robinson, Sunday School Superintendent; Mike VanValkenburgh, Council President; and me! Thank you in advance and may God bless your daily adventures!
Transcript of March 2020 - kellerschurch.org
March 2020
Striving to Grow our Faith and Devotion to God at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
Dear Church-
I was skimming through Mervin Bryan’s history of our congregation, A Light on the Ridge and came across this description of Sunday School in the 1930’s.
Sunday School attendance was taken very seriously, and many members strove to have perfect attendance in order to receive an award. Each successive year of perfect attendance was rewarded with a bar that attached to the original pin. Members who were vacationing often attended another Sunday School and obtained a visitor’s card that they brought back to their teachers, and thus were credited with attendance.
Did you ever have one of those pins? In the 1960’s I was the proud owner of a pin like the one pictured here. Each year you received a new number that fit into the slot on the pin. And it was a big deal!
Oh, how things have changed, both in the world and in the church. While we continue to feel that Christian education for our children is important, life is different. Our kids frequently have commitments on Sunday morning that make perfect attendance badges obsolete. Staffing Sunday School with two adults in every classroom is a challenge that
we didn’t face in the 1930s or 60s. And finding a curriculum that captures the imaginations of children who are constantly engaging with electronic media can be daunting.
Last August, we seriously wondered if we would be able to have a full Sunday School program this year. Some of our veteran teachers weren’t going to be available and we needed four more adults to make the program work. Thankfully, members of the Church Council stepped up and agreed to teach, but what about next year? And the year after that?
This month our Christian Education committee met to talk about Sunday School. We discussed where we’ve been, what we’re doing and how we’re going to move into the future. At the beginning of the conversation, we were looking at Sunday School as a technical problem, which is a term used to describe a situation where the solutions are available and “within the repertoire” of the community. As the meeting progressed however, it was clear to me that what we’re really facing is an adaptive challenge, which “cannot be solved with one’s existing knowledge and skills…[They require] people to make a shift in their values, expectations, attitudes, or habits of behavior.” (from Canoeing the Mountains, Tod Bolsinger) Adaptive challenges have no ready answers and they arise from a changing environment and uncharted territory. For me, seeing Sunday School as an adaptive challenge was really quite liberating. The team talked about responding to the needs of our families in ways that match our changing culture. We got “out of the box” as we talked about curriculum possibilities. And rather than mourning the loss of what has been, I think we have begun to see what might be.
All across the country, congregations like ours are facing the need to be open to new possibilities when it comes to Christian education, particularly for children. This may mean loss and grief as we remember the way it once was. It may mean stepping out of our comfort zone, which can be scary. But if we can have honest conversations about what is important for us to share with our children, something new and wonderful can happen.
If you have ideas, dreams, complaints or concerns about how we continue to share the good news of the gospel with our kids, I hope you will give your input. Send an email, make a phone call or take time to talk with one of these folks: Mindy Gruver, Christian Education Chair; Jen Robinson, Sunday School Superintendent; Mike VanValkenburgh, Council President; and me!
Thank you in advance and may God bless your daily adventures!
2 Light from the Ridge
Ash Wednesday Worship
February 26 6:00 to 9:00am - Ashes to Go 12:00 Noon - Service with Imposition of Ashes 7:00pm - Service with Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion
“Stretch Your Faith” Lenten Yoga Series Strengthen your faith AND your body by starting a faith-filled yoga practice with Beth Howard RYT 200+. She will be leading a 4-week Lenten yoga series of 30-35-minute sessions in Fellowship Hall after worship on March 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th. We will start class at 11:45am. The cost of the 4-week series is $35. Bring your yoga mat, some water, and your Bible. See Beth Howard at church or send an email to [email protected] to register.
Red Cross Blood Drive March 19 from 2-7pm in Fellowship Hall Did you know that a single donation can save the lives of three people? There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life. Invite your friends and family to join you and sign up online at: RedCrossBlood.org. Sponsor Code: stmatthews. If you do not have access to a computer please call Holly in the church office (215-795-2965) and she can sign you up online.
Upcoming Activities!
Mark your calendar for these fellowship opportunities:
Friday 3/20 Phantoms Ice Hockey! Becki Wieder be in the Welcome Center between 7:45 service & Sunday School, and after 10:15 worship so you can pick up your tickets. 5 tickets available yet (first come, first served)
Sunday 5/3 Love Taco Lunch. Join us after 10:15 worship for a pre Taco Tuesday lunch! Watch for details on a service project to go along with this. Fun for ALL ages!
Saturday 6/6 Iron Pigs! Sign up sheets are in the Narthex or sign up on Facebook. Opening pitch @ 6:35pm. $28 p/person includes buffet dinner & seating in the Picnic Patio. Payment due May 2 (make your checks payable to St. Matthew’s)
Friday 7/17 Game Night / Ice Cream Social
Saturday 11/14 Sight & Sound Trip to see Esther (let Donna Lebiedzinski know if you want a seat on the bus)
We're always open to new ideas so please share if there is something you'd like to do.
Memorials In memory of Denise Smith Given by Elise Jones and family; Lisa Jones and family (to the Community Garden)
St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie, PA 18944 215-795-2965 / www.kellerschurch.org
Pastor The Rev. Heidi M. Rodrick-Schnaath [email protected]
Director of Music & Ministry Coordinator Susan D. Lear [email protected]
Administrative Assistant Holly M. Thorrington [email protected]
Youth Director Katie Fritchman [email protected]
MUSIC BOX Sun 3/1 Men’s Quartet Sun 3/8 Brett Miller, organ
3 Light from the Ridge
Praying Through the Directory During the month of March we will be praying for these members of our community. Patrick Fowler Randall and Ruth Eckhart Carol Herstine David and Carol Singer Judith Ulmer Marian Beer Rick and Thelma Labs Laura Myers Wayne and Sharon Myers Kevin Rice Jaclyn Rice Jake Rice Linda Solliday Reed and Sharon Conrey Louis Laubengeyer Timothy Moyer, Chad & Nathan Tracy Gillespie Linda Godshall Tracy Guinther Denise Byrne Jim Lauchmen Doug and Sally Vogel, Carole and Sandy Eric Wood Jeff Currey and Cathy Hall-Currey Timothy and Sherry Hess, Brandon, Justin, Nathan and Cara
Adult Forum (Adult Forum will be held in the Meeting Room unless otherwise noted) 3-1 & 8 “Heaven is for Real” Intergenerational Event for grade 4 & up in Fellowship Hall 3-15 Bible Study on Hosea 1-3 led by Pastor Heidi 3-22 Ordination of Women in the Church led by Pastor Jim & Linda Heckman 3-29 Garden update led by Teresa Hearn & Pastor Heidi
Altar Flower Sponsorship March 1 & 8 one sponsorship available each Sunday March 29 both flower sponsorships are available
Chili/Mac & Cheese Cookoff Results! Congratulations to our Chili Champion - Jen Robinson, for her Paleo-like Chili. And for the first time, we had a TIE for Mac & Cheese Master - Teresa Hearn's Jalapeno Popper & Bacon Mac & Cheese and Mindy Gruver's Nana's Mac & Cheese shared top honors. Teresa wore the sash, while Mindy wore the cheese crown. CONGRATULATIONS LADIES. Thanks to all who came out for a fun night.
Thank you! Thank you to everyone who helped with the Chili / Mac & Cheese Cook-off. From making new centerpieces, to helping set tables, to organizing the food, counting the votes, and clean up, many hands made light work.
Jen Robinson Chili Winner
Teresa Hearn & Mindy Gruver Mac & Cheese Winners
4 Light from the Ridge
5 Light from the Ridge
Easter Flowers
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Phone _______-________-__________
In honor of ___________________________________________________________________
In memory of ________________________________________________________________
Other __________________________________________________________________________
Tulips (multi-color) ______ Hyacinths (multi-color) ______
Lilies (white) ______ (Put # ordered on line)
Total amount paid $__________
Easter Flowers
Lilies are $10 / Tulips & Hyacinths $8
Please put order form and money in offering plate
or mail to the church office.
Deadline for ordering is Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020
6 Light from the Ridge
LYF FUNDRAISER
HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE EASTER EGGS
Peanut Butter Eggs ________
Coconut Eggs ________
Butter Cream Eggs ________
Total quantity ordered _______
Total amount paid __________
Name _________________________________
Telephone number_______________________
Deadline to place your order is March 22.
Candy is available for pick up on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020. Place the form and money in the offering plate.
The candy sale supports all youth activities.
Help the LYF make their Easter Candy sale a success by
donating the following ingredients:
2 lbs Confectioner Sugar Any size full fat Creamy Skippy Peanut Butter
1 lb of salted butter Coconut 8 oz full fat cream cheese
Please drop off your donated items in the round room by March 22. Monetary donations are also welcome.
~ March 2020 ~
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 First Sunday in Lent 7:45 & 10:15am Worship Holy Communion 9a Sunday School & Adult Forum 9:45a Prayer Pillows distributed in the Meeting Room 10:15a First Grade Bibles distributed 6p Confirmation
2 6:30p Girl Scouts Troop 2810 Meeting room 212
3 7p Council Meeting
4 9a Women's Breakfast @ Rockhill Filling Station
5 6:30p Friends of Lake Nockamixon
6
7 Spring one hour ahead before bedtime!
8 Daylight Saving
Begins Second Sunday in Lent 7:45 & 10:15am Worship 10:15a New Members received 9a Sunday School & Adult Forum 11:45a Stretch Your Faith Lenten Yoga
9 10
11
12
13
14
15 Third Sunday in Lent 7:45 & 10:15am Worship Holy Communion by intinction 9a Sunday School & Adult Forum 11:45a Stretch Your Faith Lenten Yoga Newsletter Deadline 6p Confirmation
16 6:30p Girl Scouts Troop 2810 Meeting room 212
17 Saint Patrick's Day
18 9:00a WELCA Workday Knotting Quilts in
Fellowship Hall
19 2p Red Cross Blood Drive
20 Spring Begins 7:05p Faith Night at the Phantoms
21
22 Fourth Sunday in Lent 7:45 & 10:15am Worship Order Deadline for Easter Egg Candy 9a Sunday School & Adult Forum
11:30a First Holy Communion instruction in Meeting Room 11:45a Stretch Your Faith Lenten Yoga
23 7p Garden Team Meeting
24 7p Social Ministry Team
25
26 6p Batter Making for Easter Egg Candy
27
28 8a Girl Scout Tea - Into the Woods
29 Fifth Sunday in Lent 7:45 & 10:15am Worship Fifth Sunday in Lent 8a Rolling Easter Egg Candy 9a Sunday School & Adult Forum 11:45a Stretch Your Faith Lenten Yoga
30 5:30p MHFA Class - Teresa Hearn
31 5:30p MHFA Class - Teresa Hearn
Notes:
8 Light from the Ridge
Congregation Council
Council President
Mike VanValkenburgh 215-385-4079
Council Secretary
Andrew Spicer 267-884-5611
Financial Secretary
Sharon Myers 215-257-7922
Bookkeeper
Paul Gruver 215-723-7571
Treasurer
Debra Yates 610-847-8670
Activities
Becki Wieder 610-346-6640
Christian Education
Mindy Gruver 215-385-4079
Church Building
Scott Lear 267-374-1642
Evangelism Team Leader Needed
Finance Bob Podraza 215-805-9015
Property & Grounds
Bruce Seachrist 215-536-2394
Social Ministry
Teresa Hearn 215-205-5206
Stewardship
Cindy Murphy 215-766-3834
Worship & Music
Susan Robinson 610-847-2405
March Volunteer Leaders
Counters: Teresa Hearn, Andrew Spicer; alternate: Cindy Murphy Altar Guild: Marilynne Bagosy, Rose Vargo, Judy Smolenski Ushers 7:45 Kevin Rice; 10:15 Paul Schneider, Bruce Seachrist, Lisa Rice,
Carol Kirby FISH Food Volunteer: Paul Gruver
3/1 Liturgist: 7:45 Kelly Smola; 10:15 Linda Nice Lector: 7:45 Brayden Robinson; 10:15 Sharon Conrey Holy Communion Assistants: 7:45 server + juice Donna Buzdygon; wafers Mary Fowler; wine John Cimino, Gary Monesmith; juice Kelly
Smola; 10:15 server Bruce Seachrist; wafers Mike VanValkenburgh; wine Cathy Hall-Currey; juice Holly Thorrington, Susan Petticoffer
Acolytes: 7:45 Darian Smola; 10:15 Kasey Goepfert Kids Space Volunteer: Carol Miller Greeter: 7:45 Daryl Anders; 10:15 Sharon Conrey
3/8 Liturgist: Mike VanValkenburgh (both services) Lector: 7:45 Mary Fowler; 10:15 Becki Wieder Acolytes: 7:45 Mackenzie Robinson; 10:15 Lily Nicholl Kids Space Volunteer: Karen Beer Greeter: 7:45 Lois Buckman; 10:15 Cindy Detweiler
3/15 Liturgist: Dave Wurster (both services) Lector: 7:45 Mackenzie Robinson; 10:15 Tom Hebel Holy Communion Assistants: 7:45 Barbara Hess, Joyce Koenig, Donna Buzdygon; 10:15 Becki Wieder, Sharon Conrey, Donna Lebiedzinski Acolyte: 7:45 Emma Hunter; 10:15 Toby Clark Kids Space Volunteer: Sue Robinson Greeter: 7:45 Denise Anders; 10:15 Marilynne Bagosy
3/22 Lector: 7:45 Darian Smola; 10:15 Jordyn Jones Kids Space Volunteer: Jo Ann Burmeister Acolyte: 7:45 Evelyn Smola Greeter: 7:45 Darlene Hardy; 10:15 Becki Wieder
3/29 Liturgist: Brett Wimmer (both services) Lector: 7:45 Katie Nicholas; 10:15 Julie Myers Acolyte: 7:45 Brayden Robinson;10:15 Owen Gruver Kids Space Volunteer: Kristin Dudish Greeter: 7:45 Michael Golden
