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Welcome to Millcreek Lutheran Church!
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– Welcome to our website –
God is Love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
May 2012
Hey Kids: Check out the new online feature by clicking on "Bible Kidz"
Please listen to radio station WLBR 1270 AM for church cancellation notices. You may also go online at WGAL.com or watch WGAL (8) on TV; although WGAL says it will only be on TV in case of major snow storms, major being undefined. You can also check with Pastor B. or our council president, Gene Flory. We will also get the word out through our information chains the best we can.
Pastor B’s Message
Saturday, May 5 is our church yard sale. I trust you have been busy clearing out your attics, basements, and sheds for treasures to donate towards it. An article later in the newsletter supplies the details on how to do this, where and when, etc.
The question that came to my mind was “why do we still have these treasures stuffed away in these various places?” There are many answers to that question. Here is a list of mine. I’m sure some of them will apply to yours.
1) Something we used when the kids were young, but now they are grown up and we have no use for it.
2) Something from my childhood that has sentimental value. I don’t use it, but can’t let it go either.
3) Something I used to be interested in, but other interests have replaced it.
4) Something I no longer have time for.
5) Something that needs repair, which I planned to do, but never got done.
6) Something given to me, that I’ve never found use for.
7) Something I don’t use now, but I’m certain I’m going to need someday, so I better hold onto it.
Do these sound familiar? They also are familiar to me as expressions of why some people are not involved in the life of our or any congregation. Please read the list again. If any of those reasons apply to your spiritual relationship with God, and your connection with the Millcreek congregation, I invite you to prayerfully consider a re-evaluation of them for your life. We at Millcreek would welcome the opportunity to help you transform your connection to us from a relic of the past to a living, meaningful essential of your present. Give us a chance to convince you that what is offered here is not only worth holding onto, but beneficial to you every day.
We believe the spirit of our living Lord is alive and at work in our ministry here. We believe if you come, you will feel it.
Hoping to see you,
Pastor B.
...............Upcoming Events...............
Saturday, May 5, from 7:00 – 2:00, the Church Yard Sale will be held at at the home of Charmayne and James Balsbaugh (route 501 south of Reistville). Breakfast and lunch items will be served, and baked goods will be sold. Items for the yard sale may be dropped off at Charmayne’s Friday night before the sale or that morning. If you need someone to pick up your items, please be in touch with Pastor B. The same applies for baked goods. We appreciate your support through donating, purchasing, or both. You can replace old treasures with new ones! All money raised through the sale goes to the church.
Sunday, May 6, CHURCH COUNCIL will meet after church.
Sunday, May 6 will be the one and only VBS staff meeting. All involved are welcome to join us for lunch after church. Please RSVP to Tammy. She is also collecting plastic and metal coffee cans and toilet roll tubes. Place in boxes in Narthex.
Sunday May 6, our Youth Groups will be mini-golfing at Yogi’s in Lebanon. We will meet at the church at 1:30. The youth will also be walking in the Relay for Life Walkathon May 18-19. (See more relay news later in the newsletter.)
Church Breakfast:
Saturday, May 12th
8:30 a.m. at
Country Fare
Sunday, May 13 is the deadline for receiving boxes of 16 or 24 crayons to contribute to school kits that will be put together at the Lower Susquehanna Synod Annual Assembly. You may place the crayons in the box underneath the Narthex table by the wall.
Monday, May 14 at 6:30, the Mother-Child Banquet will be held. Doors will be open at 6:15. This year’s entertainment will be music by Jesse Baker. Ticket prices are as follows: 0-2 years old- free but must have a ticket, 3-10 years old-$5, adults-$8. Tickets will be sold in the Narthex every Sunday through May 13 after church—see Gene Flory. Volunteers are needed to help with set up and serving.
Wednesday, May 16 at 6:30, the Evangelism committee will meet. If you would like to be a part of the committee, see Pastor B. or Betty Schware.
We continue to save ink and toner cartridges and old cell phones for recycling. Collection bins for the above, and donations for Habitat for Humanity of small building supplies and tools, can be placed in the bins in the hallway leading to the multi-purpose room. If you are donating larger items such as cabinets or large quantities of anything, please contact Roy Hoglund at 866-6023 to arrange for pick up.
Sunday, May 27, four young people of our congregation will be received as confirmed members: Sara Bentz, Rebecca Tice, Stephanie Sheetz, Jewl Madara. We invite your prayers and support for them that day.
Sunday-Thursday, June 24-28 at 6:30 PM Vacation Bible School. Spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors.
Friday June 29 at 7:30 PM, the story of JONAH, at Sight and Sound Theatre. Katie has reserved 25 seats to see the new production. Give your payment to her ASAP to reserve your seats. Katie is hoping to fill all seats and have all money in by May 6th. There is no bus, but carpooling can be set up if needed. Talk to Katie if you would like to share a ride. She can be contacted at 717-866-9606 or 717-926-6132 for more information.
Prices are:
Children, ages 3-12 $19
Teens, ages 13-19 $29
Adults, ages over 19 $46.55
.................... OUR 50th! ..................
September 16, 2012 is the 50th anniversary of Charter Sunday, the day Millcreek officially became incorporated as a congregation. That day, Elias Newmanstown, St. Paul Richland, and St Paul Millbach, merged as one. We are going to celebrate that great coming together with a special Sunday morning service that day. The Rev. Michael Cooper-White, president of Gettysburg Seminary, will be preaching. We will also have a special service the Wednesday night before. Of course, we will be eating together after each service. More details will be upcoming as we move closer to the date.
As part of our 50th celebration and remembrance, we are inviting all members and former members of Millcreek to consider a donation of $50.00 towards the church. You are certainly welcome to donate more. We are hoping that anyone whose life has been touched by the ministry of Millcreek over these past 50 years and before, will respond in this way to support our ongoing ministry, and the 50 years to come.
Junior Youth Group Service
The JUNIOR YOUTH led our church service on March 18. Music was provided by Matt Sonnen’s Praise Band, which included Michelle Evans. Pictured leading the congregation in song are left to right: David Madara, Connor Pennington, Rebecca Tice, Jewl Madara, Beth Tice, and Pastor B.
DO YOU THINK YOUR CHILD WILL EVER NEED TO SAY A PRAYER?
Every day our children are bombarded with messages to put themselves first, to attain all that they can attain, and that they are entitled to everything they earn. Jesus’ message of justice, mercy, and love is often saved for Sunday mornings only…which can easily lead to Sundays Only disciples.
What can we do to help our children grow into strong, faithful, lifelong disciples? Certainly we can read the Bible, attend Sunday school, watch Veggie Tales DVDs, listen to marvelous sermons, and talk about Jesus at home, but discipleship, following Jesus, is best learned by example and experience. One of the best ways that children can do this is through attending camp at Kirchenwald and Nawakwa.
At camp, children live in Chirstian community with many different people. The counselors lead the campers in daily prayer, Bible study and worship, and give the campers opportunities to ask questions and to “try on” new faith opportunities, like offering a prayer. Campers are encouraged to be who God created them to be, rather than fit into the world’s idea of who they should be.
The Lutheran Camping Corp. has been training disciples since 1929. They’re good at it. And they have always seen themselves as an extension of the ministry of the congregations they serve. They will help us teach the children of our congregation what it means to be Children of God and how to live faithfully. They will help us teach our children to pray.
................. Lebanon County Christian Ministries ................
On Friday, April 13, the Lebanon County Christian Ministries- ELCO Branch officially opened. A food bank and weekly hot lunches are offered at the ELCO branch, located in Livingstones Congregation’s building (the old community center). The Food Bank hours are Mon. 2-6, Wed. 9-1, and Fri. 11:30-1:30. Those wishing to receive food must first make an appointment for an interview on one of those days. This can be done by calling 717-949-1485. Hot lunches will be served every Fri. from 11:30-1. All are invited to share in the food and fellowship at the lunches. Pass the word that this new resource is available.
Lebanon County Christian Ministries has an opening for a Client Services Assistant. The position is part-time (30 hours /wk.), Mon.-Fri. The incumbent will also be expected to work at least 6 Saturdays each year.
The main duties of the position are: a) Assist in preparing orders for the Free Noon Meal Coordinators of participating churches/groups. b) Provide the necessary coverage, as needed, for delivering meals as part of the Free Noon Meal Program. c) Assist, and be readily available to the volunteer meal teams using LCCM’s facility for the Free Noon Meal. d) Monitor all client activity during the meal, while ensuring a safe environment for all. e) Be ultimately responsible for the cleanliness of the kitchen and dining room after each meal. f) Receive and maintain inventory (to include food and paper products) for the Free Noon Meal, while keeping a safe and clean environment in the noon meal stock area. Inventory should be maintained by using LCCM’s bar-coder system. g) Assist, as needed, in receiving and maintaining inventory for the Summer Food Program. h) Be readily available, when needed, to prepare, cook, and serve the Free Noon Meal when volunteers are not available.
This position is available now, and we would like the qualified candidate to start as soon as possible. Interested individuals should contact Troy Williams at 717-272-4400 ext. 210 or by email troy@lccm.us.
Thank you. Troy E. Williams, Executive Director, LCCM.
Hey Kids: Check out the new online feature by clicking on "Bible Kidz"
...............Church Library...............
In honor of Mother’s Day, the Book selections for May will feature women of the Bible and books of particular interest to women. Check out both fiction and non-fiction, serious and funny. Be inspired by women!
................REPAIRS ?????...............
Please contact Pastor B, a member of Church Council, or David Mock with the Property Committee to tell them your suggestion (s) for needed repairs in the Church.
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Improvement Fund Envelopes...............
Improvement Fund envelopes can be found in your church envelope box. Envelopes for 2012 are already here with the Improvement Fund envelopes in them. We will take them out of the box in our order for 2013. If you want to bring the extras with you to church and put them on the narthex table, we will be able to use them again.
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Evangelism Committee...............
Next meeting will be meeting March 29 at 6:30 PM. (April meeting: April 18 at 6:30 PM.)
We continue to save ink and toner cartridges and old cell phones for recycling. Collection bins for the above, and donations for Habitat for Humanity of small building supplies and tools, can be placed in the bins in the hallway leading to the multi-purpose room. If you are donating larger items such as cabinets or large quantities of anything, please contact Roy Hoglund at 866-6023 to arrange for pick up.
Holy Baptism and New Members
Receiving the Sacrament of Holy Baptism during the March 25 service is Devon Louise Rosengrant, daughter of Jeffrey and Jennifer Rosengrant. Jeffrey and Jennifer were also received as new members along with Devon’s siblings, Kyle and Jordan.
Also welcomed as new members of the Millcreek spiritual family were Lauren Sweitzer and sons Nolan and Brayden, and Sandy Hartranft and sons Andrew and Addan.
............... Recovering Members and Friends...............
Mary Andrews, Amanda Barry, Kathy Bollinger, Lee Breidigam, Grace Bricker, Linda Brown, Sandra Brown, James Bucher, Christine Bucks, Jean Capretti, Serenity Cash, Becky Christman, Janet Cox, Bob Derr, Melanie Doss, Dan Ebling, Mike Erby, Amy Esler, Jennifer Falasca (Strickler), Shirley Fox, Ed Frazier, Cathy Friede, Julie Gemmel, Brandon Grabe, Brook Grabe, Julie Grabe, Ted Gromis, Bob Hainley, Mary Hancock, Mark Hawley, Robert Hefner, Vi Hepler, Melvin Hernly, Amy Hine, Beryl Hoffman, Gene Hoffman, Alyssa Jackson, Shirley Jackson, Shirley Kahl, Chris Kantner, James Kantner, John Kantner, Michael Kauffman & Family, Chris Keener, Linda Kellenberger, Lary Keller, Carrie Kendall, Dan Kopko, Kathy Leedy, Elaine Lengel, Erin Little, Alec Lloyd, Donna Madden, Ed Marinak, Andrew Marshall, Dean Martin, Amy McCartney, Edna Meyer, Mary Meyer, Gordie Meyers, Frank Mihalik, Emily Miller, Josh Miller, Ray Miller Sr., Richard Miller, Ruth Miller, Bob Mills, Barbara Mock, Sharon Mohl, Judy Montgomery, Patty Myers, Jane North, Dale & Lynn Ober, Mary Ellen O'Donnel, Harvey Patches, Mike Patches Jr., Linda Petrys, Philip Polynone, Karen Quigg, Brian Ream, Harold Romberger, James Sak, Betty Schaeffer, Greg & Deb Schware, Zachary Shade, Ann & Kevin Shallcross, Tina Shott, Robert Shirk, Captains David & Neely Joe Sinnk, Bryan Sites, Andy Snyder, Spang Crest Residents, Florence Shirk Spindler, Irene Starner, Carl Steiner, Joe Stevens, Cindy Strauss, Gerry Strickler, Tony & Jane Strickler, the Taylor family,Stan Templin, Roy Tice, Mary Lou Tillman, Matthew Urey, Brooke Valdez-Cruz, Tristan Valentine, Kareen Vracarich, Dawn Wagner, Katrina Wagner, Wilber Wagner, Loretta Walmer, Collin Weaver, Mary Wentzel, Deb Wenrich, June Wenrich, Shirley Whitehead, Ben Witter, Gabby Witter, Sandy Wolf, Stewart Wolf, Richard Wolfskill, Michael, Jr. & Aaron Yiengst.
...............College Students...............
We need college addresses for MLC students!
Please forward names and new addresses to the Evangelism committee, so they can help keep track of them while on their new adventure.
............... Acolyte Schedule...............
May 2012
May 6- Jared Swingholm & Matthew Bentz
May 13- Kirsten & Kaitlyn Sweigart
May 20- Alexis Thomas & Brett Flory
May 27 Pentecost-Alyssa Keath & Adrianna Sonnen
Any questions, please call Debbie or Pastor B. You are expected to trade if you need to change. For a last minute change due to illness, please call the church Sunday AM at 610-589-2570.
We appreciate your willingness to serve the people of Millcreek.
.............. Church Breakfast ...............
Saturday, May 12th.
8:30 a.m. (new time) at Country Fare
 
Serving Our Great Nation:
LCPL MICHAEL J. STOUDT
New Address: VMGR 352 Det A (S-3)
Unit 41147
FPO AP
96427-1147
Lt JG STANLEY KAHL
No permanent address at this time.
Lt JG JOSH WEIDMAN
41 Elmwood Ave. South Portland, ME 04106
Former Pastor Rodgers’ New Address: 1206 36th Ave. East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
............... Happy Birthday to You! ...............
May
2 Gerald Wolf
Gene Flory
6 Beth Sova
Mitchell Derr
9 Jonathan Kurtz
Rachel Mock
10 Lourdes Kahl
12 Christopher Layser
13 Patrick Derr
Jarad Glucksnis
14 Theodore Gromis
Jack Kahl
20 Robert Stettler
21 Lori Goss
22 Monica Griffe
Roarke Singer
Evan Glucksnis
24 David Engle
26 Alex Sova
27 Cory Sholly
Eleanor Kline
30 Robert Hainley
31 Pastor Beckhardt
Jillian Zerby
If you are not included on the birthday list, please submit your name to us by putting the above slip in the Newsletter mailbox in the church office, calling 717-866-6023, or emailing us at: singer.hoglund@gmail.com. Anyone who wishes to printout/read the newsletter online www.millcreeklutheran.com, and be removed from the mailing list, please contact Beth Tice at 610-589-2570.
MILLCREEK LUTHERAN CHURCH RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM'S NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS
1. MOTHER’S DAY FLOWERS: The Relay for Life team will be taking pre-orders for Mother's Day Flowers from Royers through April 15. The bunches of mixed flowers are $4.00, $5.00 or $6.00. Order ahead by seeing Theresa or Katie at church, or by calling Katie at 717-866-9606 or 717-926-6132, or Theresa at 717-679-5831. The flowers will be available at church on Mother's Day (May 13).
2. LUMINARIA: If you would like to honor anyone touched by cancer through a luminaria, a sheet is included in the newsletter for you. There are also sheets on the Relay table at church. The suggested donation for luminaria is $10. Luminaria are lit on Friday evening, 5/18, at 6pm during the Ceremony of Hope, a powerful time of honor and remembrance. May 13th is the last date for accepting luminaria donations for our MLC team.
3. SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS: From the day of diagnosis, you are considered a survivor of cancer. Survivors and caregivers are also recognized at the Ceremony of Hope on Friday evening, May 18. *Please complete a form on our Relay table.
5. Small change makes a BIG DIFFERENCE: To those who have water bottles, please return them by May 13th. Water bottles are still available to start or keep collecting!
6. RECYCLING: Continues as always! Thank you from the Relay team, and from Mother Earth.
7. THE RELAY WALK: The walk will be held at Cedar Crest on Friday, May 18 at 4pm through Saturday, May 19 at 4pm. We welcome ALL walkers and visitors to our site! The sign-up sheet is in the narthex, or just talk to any team member if you’d like to walk at a specific time.
There will be many fun activities again this year during the Relay. There is a return of the BABY BUGGY WALK on Saturday at 11am. It’s a great time to take a walk with the stroller or wagon! More info on the Relay table.
If you have any questions about Relay and the events, see Katie, Theresa, Deb, Peg, Rachel, Betty Lou, Eileen, or Steph. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!
THANK YOU TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
*If you wish to receive a printable PDF Ceremony of Hope donation form, please e-mail Layne Strickler: designlsd@comcast.net
Treasurer's Report:
CHECKBOOK BALANCE- NORTHWEST BALANCE as of 2/29/12
$491.14
MARCH RECEIPTS $12,909.66
MARCH EXPENSES -$12,628.55
BALANCE as of 3/31/2012 $772.25
MISSION-PLUS SPECIAL PROJECTS
BALANCE as of 2/29/2012
$5,560.87
MARCH RECEIPTS $528.13
February Interest $1.99
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Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
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