Pastor’s Page : Balance
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary has 9
definitions of the word balance. Most involved
weights and counter-weights. Definition 9 is “mental
and emotional steadiness.” And while physical
weights aren’t mentioned in this definition, there is
weightiness to this kind of balance.
In This Issue
I seem to be forever searching for balance in my life. And given
conversations I have had with people I don’t seem to be alone. We try to
balance work and time-off; work and family; the needs of family
members versus our own needs; different aspects of our jobs are weighed
against one another; personal and family needs are viewed against the
needs of others; church commitments are juggled with school demands;
teams and organizations take time away from family… . Balance is often
elusive, yet often desired.
Highlights . . . . . . . . 3-6
In my own quest I have been trying to take a meditation class at the
YMCA. My schedule only allows me to attend one of two sessions a
week but that one session is being incredibly beneficial. Now, I have not
mastered the art of meditation but even as I struggle to watch not control
my breathing and other aspects of the process I am so grateful got the 75
minutes of stoppage in my week. It takes a bit of an effort involving
picking up my mom so she can people watch in the Y lobby while I am in
class but it is so worth it. It occurs to me that this idea of a change in
routine, this stoppage, is profoundly important, whether or not I am ever
able to successfully (whatever that means) meditate during an entire
session.
Gather Together. . . 6-7
The season of Lent is what liturgically helps give us balance. We
have the excitement and wonder of Christmas and the pageantry and depth
of Holy Week and Easter along with the holidays of Pentecost, Epiphany,
Reformation, All Saints. Advent helps us slow down a little, but it is Lent
that encourages stoppage and a change in routine. Lent encourages us to
really consider what it means that God’s own son, Jesus, was born and
lived among, chose to die for us and was raised from the dead. We know
the promises accomplished by this but Lent challenges us to truly consider
the cost.
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Pastor’s Page. . . . . .
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Council Notes . . . . . . . . 2
Committee
Easter Egg Hunt
3
Vacation Bible School 3
Confirmation
4
Choir Schedule
5
Lent/Easter
6
Opportunities to
Diners
6-7
Family Game Night 7
Correspondence.. . . . . . 7
Around the Church &
Community.. . . . . . . . . . . 8
Pink Flamingos
8
Did You Know . . . .8-10
Opps. to Serve . . . . .
10
Birthdays &
Anniversaries. . . . . . . . .11
Prayer Concerns. . . . . . 12
Upcoming Events . . . . .13
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . 14
Whether we “give something up,” add something to our normal spiritual routines or simply
participate in worship and activities that are intentionally different, Lent is the incredible opportunity
to find balance in our spiritual lives and allow that balance to infuse all we are and all we do with a
God-given peace. Our special Ash Wednesday, Sunday, Holy Week and Easter series about the
parables uses traditional worship forms and some non-traditional ones to help us see these amazing
stories in new ways. The music of Lent poignantly allows us to hear and sing songs with different
harmonies that bid us to look deeper as words and music help us focus. Special devotional materials
give us additional things to consider. We gather with sisters and brothers from other congregations
Wednesdays and on Good Friday as our worship practices take on additional components.
It’s pretty amazing that these additional or different offerings don’t weigh us down but rather
free us up to consider ourselves as children of God, gifted by the sacrificial life and death of Jesus.
Balance is achieved by positioning counter-weights. Lent, with its’ intentional slowness which
sometimes leads to a kind of stoppage, is a necessary counter-weight that helps us find balance.
That balance then enables us to more fully participate in the bounty of life, to live in abundance
which is God’s hope for all of us. Balance provides us with wholeness, shalom, peace.
Pastor Diana
Church Council
Church Council met on January 19th
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Highlights of the meeting included:
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New members being present.
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Approval of Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports.
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Discussion by Kara Mendenhall of her new role as our Mission Interpreter and plans were made
for her first presentation to the congregation to be Feb. 22.
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Discussion of the Pastor’s Report included the resumption of family game nights and the
upcoming Book Club meeting.
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Planned for Care and Witness’ annual collection for College and Grad Student Love Boxes.
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Learned about the upcoming mid-week and Sunday Lent services. Our Savior will host the first
Lent service Wednesday, February 25 and on Sunday mornings we will be having a special series
for worship.
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Agreed for future meetings to be held the 3 rd Monday of the month.
Next meeting: March 16th, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
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Committee Highlights
Care and Witness
Thank you for your generous donations to Love Boxes for our College and
Graduate students. 5 boxes were filled with all kinds of treats, a Valentine’s
card signed by congregation members and Lent devotions.
Christian Education
Sunday School
Sunday school continues for Elementary Youth with Pr. Diana and Brenda Henwood sharing teaching
responsibilities. Brenda has been teaching in February and Pastor Diana will teach in March. There
will be no class Easter Sunday and the Resurrection Roll class will happen March 29 th .
Adult Class continues with Dr. E. Wray Bryant teaching the Gospel of John in March and May. Pastor
Diana will teach the adults in April.
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4th, 11:00 a.m.
We are going to hold our Easter Egg Hunt the Saturday before Easter in
hopes of avoiding weather issues. Once again we will send flyers to Cedar Heights Elementary School
and advertise on Facebook and via word of mouth invitations. Please start bringing in donations of
small, wrapped candy. (Remember it needs to fit in plastic Easter Eggs.) Please plan on inviting folks
and helping with this outreach event.
VBS
VBS will be done in conjunction with the First United
Methodist Church and held at Crossroads Monday - Friday,
June 15-19,2015. VBS meets from 6:00 - 8:30 pm each evening. Planning has
begun. Pr. Diana is working on the Preschool Bible study portion. The Theme
is Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power. Registration
is on-line and is available through the St. Peter’s website and paper forms will
be available in March. T-shirts will be available for purchase. More details and
a list of donated items needed will be available soon. Next planning meeting
will be Tuesday April 7th at the Crossroads center.
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Confirmation
2015 Catechism Schedule
DATE
PLACE
SUBJECT
Sunday March 1
First Lutheran
Lord’s Prayer & Prayer 2
Saturday March 21
St. Peter’s (?)
Service Day
Our confirmation students this year are Travis Barker, Dylan Igo and Calvin Ruffner.
Book of Faith Club
March 8
Altars of the W orld by Barbara Brown Taylor
March 29
The Physical Death and Resurrection: A Surgeon’s View by Dr. Jose J. Norberto
Graduation Celebration
W e have 2 graduating seniors this year, both from Lancaster High School: Breeonah
Spires and Kyler Messner. A date in June will be set for a celebration.
Property Committee
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The Fair Avenue Sign will be painted in the spring.
MirrorScapes has been doing snow removal as needed on Sunday mornings,
Tuesday evenings, Friday and Saturday mornings.
Thanks to folks for pitching in when needed with shoveling, salt, replacing light
bulbs, etc.
Thanks to everyone who helps with worship planning, preparation and execution.
Thanks to all who participate in our various ministries. Thanks to our leaders
who make sure things run well and enable us to do and be and serve to the best of
our abilities. Thanks to the altar guild for the way they enhance worship with
seasonal decorations and for all their work during the year. Thanks to Sharon
and Bonnie for their participation with us in ministry. Thanks Everyone!
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Worship and Music Notes
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Discussed the recently completed Advent and Christmas services
Chose liturgical settings for Epiphany and Lent and made plans for the Easter
services.
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Plan to participate in the joint mid-week Lent services and the Good Friday
vigil.
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Chose a special series for Sundays during Lent, Holy Week and Easter: the Parable of Lent.
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Talked about the summer schedule and planned to use WOV Service of Word and Prayer at 10:30
services from week after Trinity Sunday - Rally Day.
Next meeting: End of summer to plan for fall and winter.
Choir Calendar
March 2015 thru May 2015
March
1, 8, 15,
22
March
29
April
3
Good Friday
No Practice
April
5,
Easter
No Practice
April
12, 19
No Practice
April
26,
Practice
Practice
Palm Sunday
May
3, 10, 17, 24
May
31
Practice
Come to the Tomb
Practice
End of choir year
No Practice
M ake me a Channel of Your Peace
Thanks Dana, Carlene and the choir for the dedication and commitment to making a
“joyful noise to the Lord.” Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Thanks to all who helped with and attended the First mid-week Lent service we hosted.
Things went very well. It was good to gather with our sisters and brothers
from other Lutheran congregations.
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SUNDAY MORNING LENTEN SERIES
During Sunday morning worship we will be using this series that focuses on a biblical parable
that connects to Lenten themes.
Week 2 - “Receive the Treasure: The Hidden Treasure and the Priceless Pearl”
Week 3 - “Receive Mercy: The Good Samaritan”
Week 4 - “Receive Grace: The W orkers in the Vineyard”
Week 5 - “Receive Forgiveness: The Prodigal Son”
Palm Sunday - “Receive Love: “Lost Sheep”
Maundy Thursday - Seder Meal and Worship at St. Paul, North Berne
Good Friday - “Receive the Sacrifice: “Land Owner and the Tenants.”
Easter Sunday Sonrise 8:00
Easter Sunday 10:30 - “Receive Eternal Life: “W ise and Foolish Builders”
MIDWEEK LENT SCHEDULE
Date
3/4
3/11
3/18
3/25
Soup and Salad - 6:00 p.m.
W orship - 7:00 p.m.
Place/Preacher
Calvary/Pr. Diana
St. Paul, N. Berne/Heinz Raidel
Emanuel, Hide-A-Hills/Janice W inters
St. John, Logan/Merlyn Seitz
Good Friday Vigil - St. Peter’s 12:00 - 3:00
Pastor Diana and Dana have the Prelude and First W ord Segment
Easter Breakfast will be held between the two services on Easter. Sign-up sheet will be
posted later.
Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 4
Start bringing donations of small wrapped candy
Opportunities to Gather Together
Diners on a Budget
Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.
Frisch’s Restaurant
Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 p.m.
Castaways
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Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 p.m.
Cherry Street Pub*
*We will discuss the feasibility of this site during the March Diners. Their largest table seats 7 and with
the exception of this table which may be reserved during the week the rest of seating is on a first come,
first serve basis.
Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 p.m.
Tiki Restaurant
Family Game Night
Bring a snack to share and your favorite game.
Friday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.
Knitting Group*
The knitting group meets Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. at Our Savior. All skill levels are
welcome. *All crafters are welcome to bring their projects, such as crocheting, cross
stitch, etc., and enjoy the fellowship.
Our Special Project is being rescheduled for Thursday, March 5. Payton Harvey will be
teaching us how to “arm” knit a cowl. You will need 2 skeins of bulky yarn (6 or 7) any color
and scissors. Come join us!
Correspondence
The new Daily Bread devotional is now available in the narthex.
Thanks so much for the filled backpacks for shelter clients. We can’t tell you how much we (and our
clients) appreciate you thinking about us at this time of year! Becky Longneck, Lutheran Social
Services
Christmas card were received from the Southern Ohio Synod, Bishop Dillahunt and her Staff;
Lancaster Community Band; and RBC Ministries.
Thanks were received from Pastor Diana, Dana, Sharon and Bonnie for the Christmas gifts.
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Around the Church and Community
Pink Flamingo News and Events
Spaghetti Dinner
April 11, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Terry Webb VFW on Perry Street, $7 per person.
Tickets and more details available soon.
Manicure For a Cure
Saturday, April 25, at R Beauty Bar, W Fair Avenue.
Mobile Mammography until will be onsite in the parking lot. Registration
required.
Other events currently being planned include Christmas in July, Tupperware Party and 50/60's Dance in
the Fall.
Relay for Life
Relay for Life event at the fairgrounds will be from 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, until
8:00 a.m. Sunday morning. More details to follow.
Did You Know . . .
Dylan Igo is currently playing indoor soccer in Zanesville in preparation for his spring soccer season and
he also made the honor roll.
Caleb Igo made th honor roll and is also playing indoor soccer in
Zanesville.
Jayla George recently went to see Frozen on the extreme screen at COSI. (There may have
been dancing involved.)
Logan George is practicing and playing basketball this winter.
Noah and Ezra Ashbaugh have been enjoying snow days.
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Michael Gugel-Bryant is completing his Sophomore year at Capital University. He
was recently chosen to be a student OL, orientation leader, for Capital.
Douglas Gugel-Bryant recently competed in a soup cook-off at the church he attends near
NEOMED. He did not win, but the fundraiser raised over a thousand dollars for the pharmacy
that serves an under-resourced population Akron where he volunteers.
Calvin Ruffner was on the high honor roll for the second grading period at General
Sherman. He is currently preparing for Science Olympiad competition. He received a
VIP award for perfect attendance and his high game in his recently completed bowling
league was 176.
David and Isabelle Johns are supportive grandparents. Their grandchild was featured in the Lancaster
Eagle Gazette sports section. He is the captain and a senior starting basketball player
for Fairfield Union. He and his brother Ben will soon be preparing for baseball
season.
Mike and Carlene Ayers grandchildren continue to be involved in a variety of activities.
Sidney Wilson is performing in Winter Guard and will be in the high school drill team starting this
spring. She has finished her training as a nurse’s aide in preparation for nurse’s training when she
graduates. Sidney will be joining the track team this spring.
Christine Wagner continues to sing in the high school choir and will perform in a minstrel show at
Millersport the 1st of March. She will be taking college courses during her junior and senior years.
Christine received the highest rating of 1 in Class A at the District 15 high school ensemble
adjudicated event in January.
Michael Wagner is playing winter soccer at the field house in Zanesville and will play
spring soccer at Alt Park in Baltimore.
Travis Barker, grandson of Bill and Marianne Cox, is an expert of Minecraft and is active in
our confirmation program.
Mary Ann Cox recently completed (after 25 years) a 180,000 stitch double knit
knitted Christmas afghan.
Mandy Lavey has been performing in two levels of competition cheering
squads. They received 1st and 2nd place at a recent competition in Pickerington.
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Kyler Messner a senior at Lancaster High School and is conditioning and
practicing for baseball season.
Breeonah Spires is finishing her senior year at Lancaster High School and can
also be found at Kroger East.
Ethan Jones is active in his fraternity at Muskingum College where he is
completing his junior year.
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Opportunities to Serve
Friends-in-Need
Friends-in-Need are still available whenever we are needed, so call if you
need to make a trip and cannot drive to your destination. Our cars are
safe, comfortable and raring to go, and rest assured, we’ll go that extra
mile if we need to. Call Marlene Oliver, 653-0917.
Lutheran Food Pantry
If you are interested in contributing to the Lancaster Food Pantry,
their wish list includes:
Hot chocolate
Muffin Mix
Jello
Oatmeal
Small jars of Instant Coffee
Canned Fruit
Pork & Beans
Canned Soups
Sugar (small bags)
Tea Bags
Crackers
Pastas
Flour (small bags)
Boxed side dishes
Tuna
Spaghetti Sauce
Looking Ahead: Thanks to everyone who worked at the Lutheran Food Pantry. We will let you
know when our next time to serve is coming near. If you have questions or would like to
volunteer, please contact Carlene Ayers.
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Birthdays
March
April
2
May
8
Gloria Boyer
Eric Jones
6
10
Jared McCabe
12
Elizabeth George
18
Ralph Volkwein
17
Roger Hiles
21
Ruby Hamm
20
Alvida Denton
25
Steve Shouldis
27
Alison McCabe
29
Ruth Jackson
29
Andrea Ruffner
31
Linda Burgoon
30
Dylan Igo
Harry Lane
Anniversaries
May 28, 2006
Elizabeth and Jerrod George
Our birthday and anniversary list needs to be updated. If anyone is willing to take on this
task, please see Pastor Diana.
A new flower chart has been posted. Thank you for your support of
this ministry. Bills will be sent by Ye Olde Lancaster Flowers for
weekly flowers and seasonal flowers.
A MANIFESTO for
A SIMPLE LIFE
Eat Less, Move More
Buy Less, Make More
STRESS LESS, LAUGH M ORE
Feel Blessed, Love More
Find a quiet spot
every day and
breathe
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Prayer List
March 1, 2015
We will be praying for these groups of people on a rotating basis during worship on Sunday mornings.
Please take this insert home to use in your personal prayer life.
Homebound
Rita Whipps
Goldie Brannon
Ruby Christy
Marjorie Kinser
Ruby Hamm
Military
Andrew Novak
Tiffany Miller
Karl Zelonetz
Ty and Erin Farmer
Trevor Griffith
Jesse Atkins
Sarah Farley
John Knoke
Wayne Lewis
Alex Vasquez
Milo Whipps
Jordan Lambert
James White
Ongoing Long Term Concerns
Chester Clum
Susy Hoffman
Karen Gardner
Rosie Boone
Leslie Schmeltzer
Richard Jones
Truman Bradley
Peggy Wilhelm
Tracy Evans
Ralph Volkwein
Jay Parker
John Burns
Ron Probasco
Recey Cline
Pat Leslie
Steve Ash
Linda Wagner
Beth Shoemaker
Peter Stewart
Jim Turner
Henry Nichols
Tim Hunckler
Peter Domville
Phyllis Kessler
Brooke Evans
Eleanor Smith
Jim Kowalski
Randy Davis
Ruth Jackson
Nanette Spence
Tiffany Kohler
Lorren Foster
Jeffery Lane
Haberland Family
June Slonaker
Shawn Rooney
Alex Pothast
Angel Emmert
Karen Preston
Cody Hines
The Cline Family
Lydia
Butch Haberland
Harry Lane
Fred Thompson
Current Concerns
(Those mentioned in church on Sunday will remain for several weeks or longer while in treatment
or therapy.)
Linda Burgoon
Betty Bowman
Pat Nicolia
Ann Hiles
Joe Oslanzi
Mike Oliver
Jeanie Harter Kuhn
Ruth Jackson
Bill McIntyre
Theodore Petry
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Marlene Oliver
Helen Lane
William Gittings Family
Cindy Ferguson Family
Standing Events Dulcimer Club- 2nd and 4th Mondays 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Lancaster Community Band-Tuesday evenings 5:30 - 9:30 pm
Knitting Group - Thursday evenings 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
W eight W atchers-Fridays and Saturdays 8-10:30 a.m.
Choir Practices: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Choir Sings:
April 5, May 31
April 26
May 3, 10, 17, 24
March
Sunday
March 1
TBD
Confirmation Retreat, FELC
W ednesday
March 4
6:00 p.m.
Calvary, Soup
7:00 p.m.
W orship
Thursday
March 5
7:00 p.m.
Knitting Group, Special Project
Friday
March 6
6:30 p.m.
Family Game Night
Sunday
March 8
after worship
Book of Faith
Tuesday
March 10
6:30 p.m.
Diners, Frisch’s
W ednesday
March 11
6:00 p.m.
St. Paul, North Berne, Soup
7:00 p.m.
W orship
Thursday
March 12
7:00 p.m.
Knitting Group
Monday
March 16
6:30 p.m.
Church Council
W ednesday
March 18
6:00 p.m.
Emanuel, Hide-A-W ay Hills, Soup
7:00 p.m
W orship
Thursday
March 19
7:00 p.m.
Knitting Group
W ednesday
March 25
6:00 p.m.
St. John, Logan, Soup
7:00 p.m.
W orship
Sunday
March 29
after worship
Book of Faith
Thursday
April 2
TBA
Seder Meal/W orship, St. Paul, NB
Friday
April 3
12:00-3:00 p.m.
Good Friday, St. Peter’s
7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, Our Savior
Saturday
April 4
11:00 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday
April 5
8:00 a.m.
Sonrise W orship
9:00 a.m.
Easter Breakfast
10:30 a.m.
Easter W orship, End of Series
Saturday
April 11
4-7 p.m.
Pink Flamingo Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday
April 25
TBA
Pink Flamingo Manicure for a Cure
Tuesday
April 14
6:30 p.m.
Diners, Castaways
Tuesday
May 12
6:30 p.m.
Diners, Cherry Street Pub**
Mon.- Fri.
June 15-19 6-8:30 p.m.
Vacation Bible School, Crossroads
Sat. - Sun.
June 27-28 2 p.m.-8 a.m.
Relay for Life
*These are dates listed in this newsletter. Additional events/changes may be added.
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