From the Pastor
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The Official Publication of St. John’s Lutheran Church—Depew New York From the Pastor Dear Friends, We’ve been announcing it the last few weeks now… On October 19th, we will be trying out a new event here at St. John’s! We’ve done chili cook-offs, Taste of St. John’s, Outdoor picnics, Trunk-n- The Mission of St. John’s Treat, and Holy Smokes, but this year is grounded in the pres- we are going to give an Oktoberfest ence of Christ in God’s celebration a try! Word and in the Sacra- ments. We are called by I am personally very excited about this the Holy Spirit to spread new and different opportunity for us the Kingdom of God to get together as a church family. through ministering to all Now, I fully understand that there of our members and shar- might be concern about a church hav- ing the love of Christ with ing such an event, so I thought it all people by preaching the might be important for me to address a true Word of God, provid- few things that might be of concern. ing ongoing Biblical educa- tion for spiritual growth Why an Oktoberfest? Oktoberfest is a celebration that began in Munich Germany in and reaching others with 1810. The first Oktoberfest was actually a wedding celebration in which the whole God’s love in all we say or city was invited to participate in. But for us today, it has become an opportunity for do. people to celebrate German heritage while enjoying good food and drink such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato Salad and some beer (or another beverage of Weekly Worship choice). Above all though, it is a time to come together to enjoy each others compa- ny. A word often associated with Saturday Evening Oktoberfest celebrations is the Ger- Blended man word gemütlichkeit which as I 4:30pm understand means– a feeling of friendliness, coziness or comfort. Sunday Morning Why Oktoberfest at St. John’s then? Traditional It’s simply an opportunity for us to 8:30am be together in the comfort of our Sunday Morning church building with people we en- Contemporary joy being with. 11:15am Wait a Minute... Beer at the church? Sunday School Yes, it is a first for us at St. John’s. 10:00am But are we doing something contrary to what the Bible teaches / something Worship Broadcast WXRL– 1300 contrary to the Christian faith– that’s the big question! In the Bible we see examples 11:00am of the use of “alcohol” in association with various celebrations and events (The Pass- The Journal, october 2018 over– Mark 14:23, the Wedding at Cana– John 2:10). In addition, our German Lutheran heritage also has examples of beer being used in the context of fellowship (Luther’s wife brewed it, Luther would have used it at his “Table talks.”) In the Bible, Psalms 104:14-15 says: You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart. If I understand this correctly, when it comes to alcohol beverages they can be viewed as a gift for us to enjoy. The act of consuming alcohol in itself is not wrong. The problem is over indulgence and drunkenness. Our Oktoberfest celebration will include beer and as I understand it, it is acceptable for us to have it here at St. John’s so long as drunkenness is not ones motive– and that certainly SHOULD NOT be the case for anyone attending this fellowship event. Who can attend? While we are always striving to be a welcoming community and want for all people to be in our midst, sometimes it is important for us as a congregation to have events that celebrate our belonging and events that celebrate each other. The reality is, because of our three different weekly worship times, in a way, we sort of have three different congregations. Therefore, it is so very important that opportunities be made for us to come together as a congregation of one– to enjoy each others company and build bonds with each other. Not only that, since there will be beer available for those who wish to enjoy it- in moderation- the event is intended for those who are members of the congregation ONLY. There are numerous fellowship activities throughout the year that we open up to friends and the general public– not to mention we have three worship ser- vice each weekend that are open to anyone each week!!! Why a set cost? Through our various ministry groups we budget funds to cover numerous ministries and events through- out the year, but sometimes larger events require us to ask for a specific amount that will offset the cost and help us avoid a short fall. In this case with the potential of a band or DJ, with the food and beverage being offered, and some other activates being planned– we felt $15.00 was a reasonable and fair amount to ask to offset the cost of Oktoberfest. And offset is just what we hope to do with the funds collected. The money is not in any way intended to be used to turn a profit. The point of the event is fellowship not fundraising. Having said that, Adults are 15.00 per person and kids 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased after services or you can grab tickets by stopping by the office on Monday thru Thursday. You mention kids- What in the world are kids going to do at an Oktoberfest? The kids are very much a part of our con- gregation and should be encouraged to participate in any way possible! Since this is a congregational fellowship event the doors are open to them as well! In working with Kim Lorenz and the family ministry team it is the hope to have “fall” related activities for the kids while they are here…. Apple cider, donuts, bobbing for apples, etc. I hope this helps explain a few things and perhaps answers some questions that you might be having about this event. Again, I am very excited and hope that many of you will consider coming on October 19th. I also understand that some of you may not wish to attend for reasons important to you– and that is certainly respected!! For those planning on attending I look forward to the fellowship, good food and drink with all of you! For those who aren't able to attend– there will be more to come! And of course we always have the main reason for our being here– Worship together each week as God comes to us personally through his Word and Sacraments!!! No better fellowship than that! If I didn't answer questions you might be having about St. John’s Oktoberfest– please come and see me personally! My door is always open!! Blessings to you all! Pastor Galen Ein Prosit, ein Prosit Der Gemütlichkeit! The Journal, october 2018 October Worship Assistants Acolytes Date 4:30pm (Saturday) 8:30am (Sunday) 11:15am (Sunday) 7th Open Lucas Possinger 14th Dylan Pesch Adrian Pacer 21st Open Melody Edwards 28th Dylan Pesch Gaige Hughey Elders 6th & 7th Joe Mondo Betty Cavaleri Joe Mondo 13th & 14th John Fragale Betty Cavaleri Joe Mondo 20th & 21st Barb Perry Betty Cavaleri Joe Mondo 27th & 28th Ken Schabert Betty Cavaleri Joe Mondo Lectors 6th & 7th Joe Mondo Karen Shafer Joe Mondo 13th & 14th John Fragale Sue Bluhm Arianna Lysiak 20th & 21st Barb Perry Karen Shafer Colleen Hurley 27th & 28th Ken Schabert Sue Bluhm Arianna Lysiak 4:30 Saturday Accompanist Radio Broadcasters 6th & 7th Brad Lynch Jim Kless 13th & 14th Electronic Karen Dowdall 20th & 21st Electronic Sue Bluhm 27th & 28th Tichy Family Beth Lynch Altar Guild– Ceil Rowell, Phyllis Hansen, Dorothy Walters September - Official Acts Baptisms Weddings Funerals 9/9/18—Austin Surface 9/1/18—Allyson Bluhm & Sean Flager 9/8/18- Victoria F. Gorenflo (NM) 9/9/18—Ella Bluhm 9/26/18– William Boldt (NM) Financial Director’s Report Fiscal Year 2018, Period 8, As of 9/25/18 (YTD) Current YTD Budget YTD Variance Revenue $188,185.04 $ 182,306.16 $ 5,878.88 Expenditures $169,822.32 $ 182,305.08 $ 12,482.76 Net Revenue over Expense $ 18,362.72 $ 1.08 $ 18,361.64 The Journal, october 2018 Church Council Highlights September 17th at 7:30pm Old Business: Was not discussed. New Business: Discussed replacement of Council Secretary position. In the interim Laura Tirone will fill in for Dawn. Discussed what is covered by the Constitution and the Bylaws regarding personnel and policy. Encouraged Council members to begin thinking about budget lines for 2019. The next council meeting is 10/15 at 7:30pm Board of Elders—Rod Lorenz Acolyte sign-up sheet is filling up. Will work with Praise Band regarding a replacement leader. ECH member recognition is Sunday, October 14. Stewardship—Laura Tirone Nov. 4—Sunday School Stewardship lesson. Nov. 10 & 11– Stewardship Temple Talk. Nov. 17 & 18– Consecration Weekend. Helana Geisen will be providing a report of possible missions. Family Ministry—Kim Richardson Young Hearts group held a pajama party in July at Green Acres Ice Cream on Broadway. Youth group had events in June, July & August. Approximately 20 youth in group. There are 7-10 interested in attending the Youth Convention in Minnesota in July 2019.