St. Paul Lutheran Church, LItitz, PA
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Announcements for August 14

8/11/2016

 
                                                                     WORSHIP LIFE
INTERESTED IN HELPING IN WORSHIP – There is a red sign up book in the lobby (narthex).  This includes sheets for Communion Assistants, Assisting Ministers, Ushers, Lights & Sound.  There are also spots for donating Flowers and Communion Bread in this book. 
 
NURSERY VOLUNTEERS are needed to help in the nursery on Sunday mornings.  If you are added to the schedule, you are only scheduled, on average, of one time per two months.  If you are able to help, please call the office!
 
COMMUNION BREAD is provided each week by members who sign up in the red Worship Book.  We have had the same faithful people bringing in the bread for quite a long time.  It would be nice to have a few more people help out and ask you to consider signing up a date or two.  There are simple instructions telling you what to do, and it is simple!  Thank you!
 
Summer Worship Schedule
8 AM worship service:  Primarily spoken with minimal music, a Sermon and Holy Communion.
9:30 worship service will follow our traditional worship liturgy.  TODAY, we will have Worship in the Park at 10 am with all of the LCO churches.
6:30 Wednesday services –Camp-style:  is an intergenerational and child friendly worship service (Outside, weather permitting).   We will begin with a worship service that will last between 35-40 minutes.  This will be followed by a faith-formation activity, likely a craft.  After this we will have a snack and folks are free to play on the church’s playground.

                                                                                OUTREACH
CHRISTIAN SERVICE BOX for August will be to support the Power Packs Project, where the goal
is to empower families to regularly provide healthy meals for the weekend so that children return to school, well-fed and ready to learn. Power Packs provides long-term solutions to end childhood hunger by teaching families to stretch their food dollars. The Christian Service Box for June raised $266 to benefit the Warwick Ministerium's Summer Community Lunch Program. Thank you for your contributions to this ministries and please continue to keep these missions in your prayers.
 
SUMMER COMMUNITY LUNCHES - The Warwick Ministerium is preparing and serving lunches for our community on Tuesdays & Thursdays through Sept. 6.  The lunches are prepared at St. James Catholic Church.  The meals are then transported to Lititz Springs Park and Warwick Township Lions Park to be served.  Volunteer signup sheets are on the Mission & Outreach kiosk.  If you have any questions, please contact Barb Paynter.
 
  
WARWICK COMMUNITY CHEST FOOD DRIVE: The LWCC provides temporary food assistance to our neighbors who reside within the Warwick School District.  As an outreach of St. Paul, the church provides space for the operation of the food bank. On September 11, as our God's Work, Our Hands service day, bags will be given out after both services.  These bags can be filled and returned on Sunday Sept. 18 by noon. Please, no expired dates on the items. Cash donations will also be accepted.  Please see Phyllis Frankhouser or Barb Paynter with any questions.
 
LIGHT UP THE HARBOR: Come to St Paul Women of the ELCA fall kick-off event Sat., Sept. 17th at 10 am to hear guest speaker Winnie Matthews.  She will be speaking about the North Star Initiative’s opening a Harbor House in Lancaster.  One of her greatest passions is ministering to women, helping them to grow in their relationship with Jesus.  This will include our annual “Service of Remembrance”.  A special offering will be collected to give to “Light Up the Harbor”.  A luncheon will follow; sign up by Sept 11th.  Sign up at the WELCA kiosk in the narthex.
Light up the Harbor:
             VISION: Restoring women from trafficking.  For Freedom. For life. Forever.
          MISSION: North Star Initiative provides support to women who are survivors of                                       sex trafficking and sexual exploitation by addressing their physical,                                           psychological, emotional and spiritual needs through a Christ-centered focus.
          PILLARS:   Opening Lancaster County’s first restoration home, The Harbor.
                          Awakening & mobilizing the community to engage with North Star Initiative.
                          Developing alliances to aid in the restoration of women
North Star Initiative believes that every woman freed from commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking deserves the opportunity to find healing and fulfillment through a restored life.
 
PERSONAL CARE KITS will be collected during September. During the October 2nd church services, these kits will be blessed, then packed and sent to Lutheran World Relief. A list of items to include in a kit is posted on the Women of the ELCA bulletin board in the narthex. Please take a list, follow the steps to make a kit and put the finished kit in the container in the narthex marked "Personal Care Kits."  Thank you for your generous help with this project. 
 
                                                         FAITH & FELLOWSHIP
PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY takes place every Thursday at 10 am and 7 pm in the choir room.  No prior experience with the Bible necessary!
 
THE LADIES LUNCH BUNCH will gather at 11:30 on Aug. 17, 2016 at Knight ‘n Day, 245 Bloomfield Dr in Lititz.  All ladies are welcome to join us and enjoy some fun, laughter and plenty of food!  Don’t forget to bring your promo card so that we can get funds built up for St. Paul.  If you don’t have a card, there are some in the Narthex.  We hope to see you there.  Please sign up in the book located in the narthex.  Any questions can be directed to Nancy Miller at 405-0000.
 
NEW MEMBERS - Interested in becoming a member at St. Paul?  We are planning on receiving new members on Sunday, Sept 25.  To welcome you into St. Paul, we ask that you come to two sessions: 
      Session I (either Thur, Sept. 15: 6-7 pm or Tues, Sept 20: 6-7 pm):  Welcome and Worship
      Session II (either Thur, Sept. 15: 7-8 pm or Tues, Sept 20: 7-8 pm):  Ministry and Involvement 
      Sunday, Sept. 25 - Welcome you during worship!  We will also connect you with a friend in      faith at St. Paul.
 
COMMUNION SERVICE AT LUTHER ACRES AND MORAVIAN MANOR:  St. Paul has a number of its members who live at Luther Acres and Moravian Manor, including their skilled care units.  In late July Pastor Rob held a small worship service at Luther Acres for many of the homebound members.  We intend to provide a service at Moravian Manor at 10 AM on Friday, August 19.  If you are interested in attending or helping transport people to this service (wheelchairs) let Pastor Rob know (626-4709; rev.rob@stpaullititz.net).  We are in the process of scheduling the next service at Luther Acres.
 
SENIORS GROUP POOL PARTY: We will meet at the Nikoloff’s pool from 1-3pm on Wed., August 24 for an afternoon of sun (& shade under the umbrellas), swimming, food, and friends.  Please bring a snack or dessert to share.  All seniors are encouraged to attend for an afternoon of fellowship. (No swimming required.)   
 
CHICKENS FOR THE KITCHEN: Thank you to Mark and Hazel Nestleroth for hosting the church picnic! The rain did not dampen the fun and fellowship! There are still about 40 chickens available for purchase to benefit the Kitchen Renovations.  If you would like to order one, the order forms are on the kiosk in the narthex or see Barb Paynter.
 
LORI’S RETIREMENT CELEBRATION!  On Sunday, Aug. 28th, following the 9:30 AM service, you are invited to join us in the Social Hall as we celebrate the retirement of Lori Nikoloff.  Lori has served as St. Paul's Christian Education Director for more than 20 years!  Additionally, we will be extending our thanks to Chris Nikoloff, who is ending his time as a youth adviser and leader of the high school "Breakfast Club" group. Supporting youth programs far beyond the Sunday school hour, Lori has coordinated and chaperoned countless youth work projects and trips, weekend "lock-ins", fundraising events, as well as the tri-annual national ELCA Youth Gathering trips. Lori and Chris have been an important part of the lives of so many of our St. Paul youth, and we look forward to this opportunity to reminisce and say thank you! We welcome your help with this celebration.  If you have any pictures of Sunday school or youth events through the years, or would like to make a financial contribution toward the cost of the event or a gift, please contact Susan Faulkner in the church office, or any member of the planning committee: Sue Hookway (hookways@ptd.net ), Carolyn Masey (masey1@ptd.net ), Tammy Jo Stetler (stetlers@ptd.net), or Cindy Wingenroth (coachw@dejazzd.com).   Thank you!
 
ANNUAL ST. PAUL CRAFT FAIR will be held on Fri. Nov 18th and Sat. Nov. 19th.   The cost is $25 for an 8 ft. table.  Please see the Small Groups sign up book (craft section) for vendor applications or contact Carol Miller at 627-0535 or email cdmiller@dejazzd.com.  Applications are due by Oct. 1st.  All information is on the application.
 
                                                    CHILDREN, YOUTH and FAMILY
 
BY HEART CHALLENGE:  Kids!  This summer, you’re invite to participate in Deacon Emily’s “By Heart Challenge.”  Memorize your grade’s assignment and recite it Deacon Emily by TODAY, August 14th.  You’ll then be given a ticket to the By Heart Party on Sunday, August 21 5:30 at the Nikoloff’s pool!   There are papers on the table in the narthex with your grade appropriate assignment.  Ask Deacon Emily for some memory tips. 

YOUTH SERVING COMMUNITY MEALS:  The youth will be assisting with the preparation of community meals on August 18.  We had so much fun back in June, we wanted to do it again!  Interested or questions?  Contact Lori Nikoloff (lnikoloff@stpaulllititz.net; 626-4709).

RALLY DAY:  Mark your calendars for Sept 11.  On this day we will kick-off the Sunday School year.  We are still in the planning stages, but this should be a great way to start off the year – and a great Sunday to invite friends!
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED: We have openings for Sunday school teachers for the 2nd and 3rd grade class, the 7th and 8th grade class and the senior high Breakfast Club. You will be working with the other teacher(s) in the classroom to create your own Sunday morning schedules for teaching. It is very flexible. Please call the office 626-4709 if you are able to help.
 
HOLY COMMUNION INSTRUCTION:  Pastor Rob will offer First Communion Instruction this fall.  The age at which children commune varies greatly from church to church (or even within a church) and so Pastor Rob would like some time to understand the traditions of this congregation.  When the new Children, Youth and Family staff begin working this fall, we will develop guidelines and instruction for children and their families regarding receiving the bread and wine during Holy Communion.

WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAYS: Wednesday Evenings, thru August 24 at 6:30 p.m.  This is an interactive, intergenerational, outdoor “camp style” worship for families.  Following worship, there will be a faith formation activity (Legos, crafts, etc.) and the evening will end with a time of fellowship and snack.
 
 
 
                                                                        Financial Update
This summer the Church Council is making significant changes to the finances and staffing at the church.   These decisions are based on two mandates we heard from the congregation:
•  Ensure financial stability:  This includes aligning expenses with revenues, repaying our debts and managing the Capital Campaign.
•  Ensure ministry capacity:   This requires aligning staff resources to help us grow as a church in worship, faith, fellowship and outreach.
Toward that end, Council has committed to
- Hiring a visitation pastor to work part-time.
- Replacing the retiring Christian Education Director with two or potentially three staff members who have narrower job descriptions.
- Reducing our administrative and custodial hours.  This is a very difficult decision and the details of this continue to be worked out.
- Establishing a sub-group of council that is looking at how to handle repayment of debt, the current budget and the capital campaign.  The hope is that by the October Stewardship drive, we can have a unified proposal for the congregation.
We realize these are a significant number of changes.  Thank you for your patience, generosity and support during this time.  While these decisions are difficult, we are confident in God's faithfulness and the future of ministry in Christ's name at St. Paul.   
In Christ, St. Paul Church Council
***
HELPING WITH STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE COMMITTEES:  Both Stewardship and Finance Committees have some extra projects they are undertaking this fall.  If you are interested in helping with a project or serving on these committees, please see either John Bell (669-9560; jsbell@ptd.net for finance) or Dave Bingaman (665-5265 bing1@windstream.net)
 
 SIMPLY GIVING:   There are countless benefits to being a member of the St. Paul family and these benefits continue whether or not we are here to make a financial contribution.  Go to the church website and register for SIMPLY GIVING through Access My St. Paul so that St. Paul always receives the amount you have committed to give. If you have difficulty registering, Call John Bell at 669-9560. 
**If you choose to give electronically, a laminated offering card is available in the pews. The cards include a QR code so you can make an immediate contribution through your smart phone. As an act of worship, you may place the card in the offering plate in lieu of a physical contribution.
 
                                                          Keep Noah's Ark in St. Paul
Many of you saw the Ark that Joe Doster built as part of St. Paul's Senior Shepherd Program. Joe had put the Ark up for silent auction through Outback Toys in Lititz. The auction runs until the Craft Show scheduled here at St. Paul in November. The Ark would make a valuable addition to our collection of St. Paul artifacts. A number of St. Paul members have demonstrated a willingness to become benefactors and are willing to contribute to “take the Ark off the Auction Block.” If you are interested in being a benefactor to keep the Ark as a part of our church, you are welcome to join the fund drive for the Ark. It will take at least $500 to take the Ark off the auction block and retain it here at St Paul. If your generosity helps exceed that amount, the additional monies will be used to help fund the Senior Shepherd program for the upcoming year. The fund drive will last until September 25, 2016.  Make your checks payable to St. Paul, complete the following form, place your donation in an envelope, and return it to the church office by September 25, 2016.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take the Ark Off The Auction Block Fund
 
Name_______________________________ Phone#___________________
 
Email Address__________________________________
 
Donation $_________ Note on Memo line on your check “Ark Fund”
 
If you have questions... please contact Tom Reinfried at 717-371-7302 or tfreinfried@gmail.com
 
 
 
 
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS   Today     8:00 a.m.                     10:00 a.m.  WORSHIP IN THE PARK
Acolyte                                                                                                  Worship in the Park
A. Min.                   Jenny Bitzer                                                                         
Lector                    Jenny Bitzer                                                          Worship in the Park
Com. Asst.             Needed                                                                  Kathy Ross
Greeters                                                                                                Ann & Keith Ahlers
Altar Guild             Evelyn Balmer, John & Linda Bell, Deb Herr
Com. Bread           Kelly Perkins
Flowers                 
Nursery                                                                                               Worship in the Park
Lights/Snd.                                                                                        Worship in the Park
Ushers                                                                                             Craig Wagaman’s Team 12 (Park)
 
 
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS   August 21
                                 8:00 a.m.                                                                        9:30 a.m. 
Acolyte                                                                                                  Hayden Eby
A. Min.                   NEEDED                                                                  Wayne Gongaware
Lector                                                                                                    Mallory Weiss
Com. Asst.             Needed                                                                  3 NEEDED
Greeters                                                                                                Al & Deb Rothermel
Altar Guild             Nancy Weiss, Debbie Herr, Bethany & Audrey Hovan
Com. Bread           Kelly Perkins
Flowers                  Jane & Peter Brye
Nursery                                                                                                  Kate Martin, Jen Maryniak
Lights/Snd.                                                                                            Don Campbell
Ushers                                                                                                  Wayne Gongaware’s Team 14
 
 
Blessing of the Backpacks – Aug 24
 
Join us for worship on Wednesday night, August 24 (6:15 PM).  We will have a “Blessing of the backpacks.”  Children will receive a cross and be prayed for as they head into the new school year.  This is a great way for children and youth to know that God goes with them into the new school year.


​
THE ST. PAUL CHRISTIAN EARLY LEARNING CENTER (CELC)
 
Scholarships:  CELC has pre-K scholarships available for half-day and full-day Pre-K children.  If you are interested in enrolling your child and would like the help of a scholarship, please stop by the CELC office or email Karen Schaeffer at karen@stpaulcelc.org.
 
Positions available:   The CELC has staff openings for the fall, including for teacher positions.  Questions?  Stop by the CELC office or email Karen Schaeffer at karen@stpaulcelc.org
 
Willy Wonka:   The CELC children will be putting on a performance of Willy Wonka at 3 PM on August 18.

                                                                                              



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  • Welcome
  • Mission & Ministry
    • Our History
    • Empty Bowls
  • Staff & Leadership
    • Pastor Rob's Sermons >
      • Lenten Journey of Faith
      • Freedom of a Christian
      • Small Catechism
  • Online Office
    • Calendar
    • Newsletters
    • Facility Usage
    • Annual Report
    • Access "My St Paul"
    • What is "My St Paul?"
  • Giving
    • Preserving the Possibilities
    • Endowment
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