GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH 4201 Stoudt’s Ferry Bridge Road Muhlenberg Township, Reading, PA 19605
Telephone 610-926-4201
Pastor Thomas H. Reinsel. Interim
email:
Number 7July/August 2016
From time to time out Bishop writes Pastoral letters for each member to read. On June 15, 2016 Bishop Zeiser wrote to each one of us. Therefore with much empathyI enclose Bishop's Zeiser's letter of concern –
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The recent mass shootings in Orlando bring deep sadness to our hearts because of the lives lost, the families and friendships broken by the death of these innocent victims, and the pain and suffering that continue for those who survived the horrific hours of gunfire and madness. There is sadness too overthe steady repetition of events like this. Like you, I want to see the murder, indeed the slaughter of innocents,come to an end in America and around the world. I condemn the violence; I deplore the bloodshed. Anger is a growing with each new mass shooting. I worry about this development and how it will work to fracture our society. It is an anger fueled by political rhetoric, a rhetoric I fear is spilling into faith conversations in an unhelpful way. Now more than ever, the anger must be addressed for the sake of bringing peace to the soul of this nation. The current course of political affairs in the U.S. is not getting us anywhere near the place we need to be. My appeal is that we begin calling for a truce in the battle over hard social issues like firearms, immigration, and racism – a truce that will provide the opportunity to start a new conversation based on the hope for peace that we hold in common.
I cannot effect such a truce in the realm of our national political environment, but I do encourage it in the context of congregations in this synod. Members of Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod congregations are angry, perplexed, and frightened by recurring events that defy civility, diminish the value of life, and draw lines between groups and cultures. Despite the challenges that can arise, I hope congregations of this synod will take time for truce-based, faith conversations about the hard social issues. Such conversations give people a chance to define their common hope for peace and a chance to speak out with a broader message of reconciliation in their community.
The good news of God’s love in the Risen Jesus Christ, and the grace-centered teachings of the Lutheran Confessions, provide us with incredibly powerful tools for healing in our congregations and, by extension, in the communities where our congregations are located. Healing always affords an important step forward.
Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the LORD. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug…For the LORD will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places…joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.
(Psalm 51:1, 2)
Peace be with you.
Bishop Samuel Zeiser
WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS(These services all begin at 9:30AM)
Sunday, July 3rd – God is the source of our nourishment. Our Lord’s invitation to “take and eat ... take and drink” is a repeated one. In the holy eucharist, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven. The readings for today are: Isaiah 66:10-14, Psalm 66:1-9, Galatians 6:[1-6] 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20. Come join us for our Fourth of July celebration service. We are going very patriotic!
Sunday, July 10th – To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God’s mercy in responding to one’s neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the “gospel that has come to you”—namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today: at the font, at the altar, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you. The readings for today are:
Deuteronomy 30:9-14, Psalm 25:1-10, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37. This week we will have a contemporary service. Please come & here our band.
Sunday, July 17th – Perhaps the church, at its best, is “all ears.” Almighty God urges the faithful, again and again, to “listen up!”—to heed the word from above. So it was with Abraham and Sarah, with Mary and Martha, and the early church at Colossae. So it is today as we join the assembly to hear the word of God, the words of life. The readings for today are: Genesis 18:1-10a, Psalm 15, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42.
Sunday, July 24th – Persistence in prayer evoked the admiration of Jesus and wins the attention of the Lord when Abraham intercedes for Sodom. The life of the baptized—to be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus the Lord—is to be rooted in prayer. God hears and answers prayer and so strengthens God’s own. “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.” The readings for today are:Genesis 18:20-32,
Psalm 138, Colossians 2:6-15 [16-19], Luke 11:1-13.
Sunday, July 31st – Today’s texts offer instruction and encouragement for all who are occasionally overwhelmed by the “unhappy business” of life. Jesus urges us to take care and be on guard against all kinds of greed. We who have died with Christ in holy baptism have also been raised with him and are encouraged to elevate our thinking, seeking the “things that are above.” To that end we seek the sustenance of the Lord’s supper and the encouragement of God’s word. The readings for today are:Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23,
Psalm 49:1-12, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21.
Sunday, Aug. 7th – Jesus says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God’s promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part today in assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear. The readings for today are:Genesis 15:1-6,Psalm 33:12-22, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40.
Sunday, Aug. 14 – The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today, in the assembly, we are surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in the Holy Communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” The readings for today are:Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82, Hebrews 11:29--12:2,
Luke 12:49-56.
Sunday, Aug. 21st – Remember the sabbath day. Call the sabbath a delight. This is the Lord’s day, and the Lord will do for us what the Lord does: feed us, forgive us, help and heal us. Rejoice at all the wonderful things God is doing. The readings for today are:Isaiah 58:9b-14, Psalm 103:1-8, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17.
Sunday, Aug. 28th - Invited and inviting—that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace in holy baptism we have a place at the banquet table of the Lord. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still. The readings for today are:Proverbs 25:6-7,
Psalm 112, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14.
YOU ARE PRIVILEGED
As Christians, we are entrusted and to look after things, including our abilities, relationships, “possessions,” and finances. We call this being a steward. To be a steward is to be in a place of high esteem and responsibility. To be God’s steward is a privilege like few others. Let us use this privilege to the glory of God.
The Stewardship Committee
Report on council meeting June21, 2016
Council meeting was short on this evening. There were only three standing committees that had their summer meetings, and three support committees that had met and will continue to meet during the summer.
One highlight of the council meeting was council unanimously agreed to award the Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church Scholarship to Matt Havens. We plan to make this presentation on July 3rd during worship service that Sunday.
A financial note: projected deficit for June is $4,311.60.
Finance committee’s recommendation is to hold $2,019.50 of current bills. (We can hold these without penalty) and borrow from Line of Credit for the rest of bills. (Congregation received a gift of $2,000.00 last month to go directly to pay down Line of Credit, this was accomplished) This month we will again borrow from Line of Credit, this is not ideal, to say the least.
Council would like to thank W/ELCA for their gift in honor of Father’s Day.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
Respectfully,
Lynn Shollenberger
Part time, enthusiastic and compassionate Preschool Teacher needed for our 3 year old classes at
Good Shepherd Preschool
for this coming school year ('16/'17), with Teaching Credentials preferably in the field of Early Childhood. Experience in a preschool program is desirable and current clearances a must. Good Shepherd Preschool is run by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Our 3 year old classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, morning and afternoon. Job runs from late August to very beginning of June. If you are interested or know someone who would be an asset to our program or if have any questions, please contact Diane Rothenberger at or 610-926-0274. Resumes welcomed!
LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
All married couples, regardless of how long you have been married, are invited to participate in a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend to be held at the Spruce Lake Retreat in Canadensis, PA in the Poconos. The dates for this weekend are Sept. 16-18 this fall. The retreat lasts from Friday evening at 8 p.m. to Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. The experience includes two nights lodging and five meals. A donation of $100.00 per couple is asked, plus each couple is invited to give an extra donation so that couples in the future will have the opportunity to attend this enriching event.
Your editor and his wife have gone on such a weekend a good number of years ago and can attest to its value. It needs to be stressed that this retreat is not for marriages that are in some kind of difficulty, but rather it is an experience to enrich an already solid marriage. More information and reservations for the weekend can be made by phoning Fred and Sue Schamber at 724-325-3166 or by email at . It would be advisable not to wait too long to make contact as these retreats usually fill up rather quickly once the dates are announced.
ADULT MINISTRY FESTIVAL
Many of us will remember the not-so-good-old-days of learning Luther’s Small Catechism by rote as we went through confirmation classes. You might be interested in taking part in a very different approach to the same subject in a special event to be held on Sat., Oct. 8th at Nativity Lutheran Church, Allentown. The title for this event is “Luther: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.” The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and registration includes lunch.
The keynote speaker for the day will be the Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert, retired professor of Reformation history at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and editor/translator of the edition of Luther’s Small Catechism that is widely used across the Lutheran church in North America today. His keynote address will be: “Luther’s Catechisms for Adults: Tasting Them Again for the First Time.”
In addition to Dr. Wengert’s presentation, there will be different workshops from which you can select two: (1) An in-depth look t Luther’s Catechism for Parish Life, (morning only); (2) A visit to Luther Land, (afternoon only); (3) Open to the Spirit Bible Study; (4) Luther and his music--more than just German chorales; and (5) Keeping Senior Citizens Fit.
The registration fee for the whole event, which includes lunch, is $15.00. Deadline for registration is Sept. 15th.
For more information, you may contact Grant Wickert, 484-671-2579 or . You may also contact Ron Mordosky at . If enough interest is shown from our congregation, we can certainly consider car pooling.
Note: 2017 represents the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, when Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. There will be several ways this milestone is celebrated. This event is a great way to get a “jump start” on the special year that lies ahead!
RECYCLED TEENAGERS
The Recycled Teenagers (Senior Citizens) will meet at the pool at Madison Reed Farm on Tuesday, July 5th and Tuesday, August 2nd from 10 a.m. until noon. Bring a bag lunch. We will eat at Barbara Huegler’s home following our time in the pool, and enjoy fellowship together. See you there!
Christian Education
If you have volunteered to help with VBS this year please plan on attending a very important training session on Sunday July 10th right after church in the conference room! We will need all your help with ideas and brainstorming to help make this year’s VBS a week for our children to remember and cherish! Please see Rachel or Kristin with any questions! Thank you again so very much for volunteering your time to help bring GOD into our children’s lives as well as the children of our community!
If you can’t help during the week at all during VBS but would still like to help out in some small way; please watch the bulletin for announcements for supplies that are going to be needed! Please also help to spread the word of our VBS event!
College Ministry
August is the time for our college students to return to school so please, please, please email me at with your child’s college mailing address. If you think I already have it please send it to me again just to be sure I have the correct address just in case anything may have changed. I don’t want anyone to miss out on getting mail from us and letting them know we are thinking of them. In your email please include their mailing address, year of college they are in, what they are studying, and their birthday. Any other interests they have that you would like to share would also be appreciated! This program is for commuters as well as living on campus students and also any military service personnel.
I hope you are all having a great summer so far! I would like to send a very special THANK YOU to all who supported our 50’s Drive-In Diner! The youth ministry committee would like to send a special shout out and thank you to Gary O’Brien for getting us the Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and French Fries! Without his support for so many of our events we would be lost! Also thank you so much to Denton Buckley, Sr., Doris Canonico and Michael Knarr for their help in the kitchen and on the grill! We very much appreciate all your help you gave us! Your support is very much appreciated!
Please make note of our activities that we have scheduled yet for the summer. We would love to have you join us! It is very frustrating when you plan so many fun activities and then have only one or two sign up to attend. If you have never been to a youth event please give us a try! We love to have a great time. Please bring mom and dad along as well to see what we are all about! Your friends are also always invited to come along. You don’t have to be a member of Good Shepherd to come join us for Youth Ministry events!
We have decided to take a break during the summer with our youth nights on Thursday evenings but don’t fret we will bring them back again in the fall!
If you just finished 7th grade or higher I know Rachel and Kristin would be grateful for any free help you would like to give during the week of Vacation Bible School from July 25th - July 29th from 8:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. If you just finished 5th or 6th grade you are more than welcome to join in the adventure of our VBS this year as a student yet. Please don’t miss out on what is looking to be a great week!
If you ever have a question with a youth event please don’t hesitate to contact me on my cell phone at 610-207-0699. If I am not able to take the call at that moment please leave me a message and I will get back to you.
If you are on Facebook be sure like us and follow us at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Youth Group! Remember Youth Ministry is open to youth from 5th grade and up including our college kids! God doesn’t have an age limit to enjoy his love and neither do we!
Please have a very safe and Happy 4th of July! Please don’t forget to thank God for your freedom today as well as say a prayer for our service men and women as well as their families’ who are making the ultimate sacrifice so we can still enjoy our freedom every day!
Kathlynn
Aka Mama Knarr
“The Awakening” Praise Band