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 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 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 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-

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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!

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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

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Church Council Highlights 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. This will require fundraising. Each family will pay $200. Café meets the 3rd Thursday of each month—the next meeting is Thursday, Sept 20.

Trustees—Tony Martino, Ed Lorenz & Larry Rindfuss Carpet issues resolved and invoice paid. A risk inspection was completed and a report is forthcoming. Another Emergency Response & Security Team training will be in late October. Larry had parking lot sealed. Handicap signs are on the way. Shed was also enclosed. Cross spotlights on the roof will be replaced with new LED lights. A walk- through will take place to finalize the budget figure for 2019. Crashbars installed on red wood door.

Board of Ed—Kim Castiglione Sunday School is underway– calendar, teachers & classrooms are all in place. Teacher meetings will be 10/14, 2/3, 5/5 at 11am. Loose change offerings from the children will continue . Remind 101 program & newsletter in effect to communicate with parents. The token program will continue. Fall Mission project will be making blessing bags. Beth Lasky, Lois Will, Grace Stever & Laura Tirone are taking on the pageant this year.

Shepherd’s Staff—Sharon Weigel Nothing new to report.

October Mission & Ministry

Each month we highlight a specific mission and ministry of St. John’s.

St. John’s Men’s Group meets the first and third Saturday of every month at 8am in the Café area for faith- sharing conversation, coffee and pastries. Men of all ages are invited. For more information talk with Tom Bluhm.

Hananiah Lutheran Church Hananiah is our Lutheran mission to the east side of Buffalo under the leadership of Deacon Antwan Diggs. The church, also the site of Buffalo Lutheran Employment, is located at 900 Genesee Street which was the site of a marijuana growing and manufacturing site that was raided by drug enforcement officials several years ago and deeded to the church with the promise that the building would be used to bring hope and help to the community. With the help of grants from LWML, Buffalo Lutheran Church Extension Society and extensive volunteer labor, about one-third of the building is now being used by Hananiah for worship, offices and Christian Education. Please keep the members of Hananiah and their mission in your prayers throughout this month as they seek to be Christ's presence in challenging and sometimes dangerous situations.

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DATE RADIO BROADCAST ALTAR FLOWERS Tom & Sue Bluhm 9/2/18 In celebration of their granddaughter Allyson’s marriage to Sean Flager. May they have a long and happy life together! Caroline & David Coffed In celebration of their 52nd Wedding Anniversary; 9/9/18 In loving memory of brother Richard & sister Patsy; and also, in celebration of many September family birthdays! Harold & Patti Hutchinson Jim & Dawn Brennan 9/16/18 In memory of his wife Nova and in memory For the blessing of celebrating their 50th of Thomas Gibson. Wedding Anniversary on August 3, 2018.

Pat Schlebus John & Jane Marone In celebration of what would have been Lee’s 9/23/18 For the blessing of family and friends. 71st Birthday. “Happy Birthday, my world was so very blessed because of you.” -Pat

9/30/18 Sponsored by the People of St. John’s in thankfulness for blessings received

Worship services from St. John’s have been heard on WXRL 1300 AM for over 50 years. This has been a wonderful minis- try opportunity and partnership with our friends at WXRL and numerous people have been touched by the Gospel through it. 2018 Sign Up Charts for Radio Broadcasts and Altar Flowers are posted on the bulletin board in the office hallway. Please fill in available spaces and then take a moment to fill out a sheet for the office for your dedication for anniversaries, birthdays, memories or other messages. Thank you to all who are willing to sponsor radio broadcasts and/or place flowers on the altar and so enrich our ministry here at St. John’s.

THANK YOU!

In September Dawn Smith stepped down as THANK YOU! Council Secretary to begin Graduate School. A very special thanks to Dawn for her dedi- Ed & Charmaine AfterBuffalo would like to cated service and many blessings on her new beginning! say: “Thank you for the gift received from someone here at St. John’s! Our faith family here is a blessing!”

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Ministry and Opportunity

In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

As we begin to look ahead to the end of the year and reflect back on the months that have passed I hope that you have experienced God’s blessings as you have given of your time, talent & treasures.

Pastor & I are looking forward to Consecration weekend in November this year and have decided to com- pile another booklet similar to the “My Faith Story”. This booklet that Pastor put together with articles supplied by you was very inspirational. Now we are asking for stories about your serving story and how God has blessed you as you serve one another.

We have many folks in our congregation whose occupation involves serving the public such as nurse, mu- sician/singer, police officer, teacher, EMT and restaurant owner/worker. The story does not necessarily have to be about your occupation, but any way that you have been blessed by serving others. Please submit your article to Pastor via e-mail, if possible, or a handwritten story to Pastor or me. Let’s be inspired by how God is blessing us as we bless others.

Respectfully, Laura Tirone

Sunday School Notes Looking Ahead... Please note the following changes to the worship Reminder for Parents: Please return the schedule for 2018 and 2019 ‘Family Information Sheet’ as soon as possible. This information will provide us with the most • There will no longer be a New Year’s Eve Ser- up to date info to contact you in vice or Sunrise Service due to a steady the case of an emergency during decline in attendance over the years. Sunday School.

Sing for Joy to the LORD! Sign Up for Remind 101: Text

stjohns67 to 81010. This will Choir is looking for new members! send quick text message remind- ers to parents when there are St. If interested, please contact Lois John’s morning programs in Will for more information! church, family services, token exchange Sundays and when Sunday School is not meeting.

Blessing Bags: Sunday School will be making Ministry Opportunity blessing bags again for people in our communi- ty who are in need. More info to come. Pastor is looking for individuals who might be inter- ested in helping out as a member of a creative wor- ship team. The group would meet periodically to Cafe discuss creative ideas to enhance worship. Let Pas- tor know if you are interested! Thursday October 18th, 2018 at 6:00pm

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Happenings and Community Events

Training Opportunity

Reconciliation Training Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center 9324 Lake Shore Road Angola, NY 14006 October 15-18, 2018. Three separate Reconciliation Trainings will be available from Ambassadors of Reconciliation and hosted by Pioneer Camp & Re- treat Center. For more information, visit aorhope.org/ eventcalendar or call 844-447-2671.

Faith United Methodist Church is offering a free musical event featuring The Trouble Notes, a Gypsy Fusion band, on Tuesday, October 9th from 7:30-9:30pm.

Tickets are free but space is limited.

See Community Events page on bulletin board for ticket reservation information. MEJDI Tours Faith United Methodist Church ~ 5505 Broadway, Lancaster

Pastor Mike Blackwell will be leading a Holy Land Tour next Summer (7/9/19-7/17/19). Deadline Join Pioneer Camp & Retreat for their 11th an- to register is March 11, nual Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser on Octo- 2019. ber 26th at Kloc’s Grove in West Seneca! Tick- et sale proceeds will go towards Camper Schol- arships to give inner-city children, individuals with developmental disabilities, and military youth, and families the opportunity for a week- long Christian camp experience. See bulletin board for ticket purchase information.

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BIRTHDAYS 1 Carol Adragna 17 Don Kelm Richard Brandenburger Alvin Bauer Todd Sweeney Diana Smith John Munzel Jr. 18 Paige Szczesek 2 Autumn Thurnherr 19 Mya Silakowski Kayla Borowski Ryan McKee ANNIVERSARIES 3 Craig Keating 20 Michael Stever 1 Kyle & Jennifer Sharpe Sadie Reel Levi Wolfe-Chadwick Bryan & Colleen Park 4 Renee Matuszak 21 Sue Bergum 2 David & Nicole Miller Noah Snow 22 Wayne Shafer 6 James Sugg Bryan Delano 4 Harold & Patti Hutchinson Kailyn Schmidt Daniel VanDewark 5 Daniel & Susan Vriesen 7 John Kozlowski Jr. 23 Thomas Farry 6 John & Nancy Sweeney Phyllis Hanson Cherie Lysiak 8 Laurel & Patrick Schunk 8 Erika Ekstrum 24 Shannon Schulz 9 Ernie Reitzel Lillian Schultz Scott & Kim Castiglione Patricia Dwyer Veronica Vogel Kevin & Nina Wright 10 Eric McNatty 25 Evan Herbold 9 Jason & Jamie Bluhm 12 Amy Krupa Cynthia McKee Bryan & Emily Mayback Maureen Sweeney 27 Dianna Kozlowski 11 Gerald & Jean Radder Paul Varga Alex AferBuffalo Rebecca Hojnacki Steven Szczepanowski Nathan & Sarah Hoffman 13 Aliza Hojnacki 28 Ava Marsh 13 Richard & Kim Knauber 29 Joanne Kistka April Radder 15 Rick & Rebecca Mayback Jamie Mondo Richard Thurnherr III Justin & Dana Besch Finley Cray Brooke Mayback 17 Hans & Irmgard Hartung 14 Kyle Tirone James Pandolfe Jr. Daniel Hojnacki Richard Sharpe III 20 Richard & Karen Lund Darlene Derylak Lauren Yaskow 22 Joe & Betty Cavaleri 15 30 Braxton Doxey Terri Holtz Greg & Pam Harla 31 Harlan Sorrentino Shelley Matthews 28 Paul & Sue Pijacki Brett Anthony Dyke Madison Spencer 16 Cheryl Esquilin

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6

Office Closed 8a-Men’s 10a– ECH Group group 7p– Praise 7p– Choir 4:30p Worship Band 8p– AA 7:15p– Elders 8p– A.A. 7p– Confir- mation

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

8:30a– Worship 10a– ECH Office Closed 4:30p Worship Columbus Group 10a– Sunday School Day 2:30p—Reiser meet in church Wedding 7p– Praise 7p– Choir 6p– Reiser 11:15a—Worship Band 8p– A.A. Rehearsal 8p– A.A.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

8:30a– Worship

Lutheran Fellowship 10a– ECH Office Closed 8a-Men’s Journal Recognition Group Group Materials 10a– Sunday Due! 7p– Praise 7p– Choir 6p– Café 6p– Oktober 4:30p Worship School Band 8p– A.A. Fest 7p– Confir- 8p– A.A. 11:15a—Worship 7:30p– Coun- mation 11:15a– Teacher cil Meeting 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

8:30a– Worship 10a– ECH Office Closed 4:30p Worship 10a– Sunday Group School 8p– A.A. 11:15a—Worship 7p– Praise 7p– Choir Band 8p– A.A.

28 29 30 31

Reformation Sunday 8:30a– Worship 10a– Sunday 7p– Praise 7p– Choir School Band 8p– A.A. 11:15a—Worship OCTOBER 2018 Family Service

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St. John’s Lutheran Church 67 Litchfield Ave. Depew, New York 14043

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Phone: (716) 683-3947 E-mail: [email protected] Pastor’s e-mail: [email protected] Web: www.sjlcdepew.com

Pastor Rev. Galen M. Purpura Jr.

Organist and Music Director Mrs. Lois Will

Contemporary Music Leader Mr. Brad Lynch

ST. JOHN’S OFFICERS:

President: Ross Contella Board of Education Chair: Radio Announcers: Kim Castiglione Sue Bluhm Elders: Beth Lynch Rod Lorenz (Chair) Youth & Family Ministry Chair: Kim Lorenz Art Benson Jamie Bluhm Jim Kless Betty Cavaleri Stewardship Chair: Debra Wisniewski Bob Chapman Laura Tirone Karen Dowdall

Harold Deutschlander Shepherds Staff Chair: John Fragale, Jr. Saturday Musicians: Sharon Weigel Carol Adragna John Hughey Jim Kless Sunday School Superintendent: Brad Lynch Rudy & Sue Tichy Bryan Mayback Chandra Jagielo

Joe Mondo Altar Guild Chair: Communion Deacons: Barb Perry Betty Cavaleri Eric Brown Ken Schabert Betty Cavaleri Communion Assistants: Board of Trustees: Sue Ehrenreich Tom Bluhm Deann Lorenz Edwin Lorenz John Sweeney Tony Martino Brad & Beth Lynch Jim Kless Jane Marone Larry Rindfuss Erie County Home Fellowship: Karen Shafer Secretary of the Council: Karen Shafer Jim & Chris Sugg Dawn Smith Lois Will Prayer Chain: Financial Director: Beth Lynch Mike Brown ([email protected])

The Journal, october 2018