Luther Memorial Church • 225 West Tenth Street • Erie, PA 16501 • 454-0106 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.luthermemorialonline.org Luther Memorial Academy • 220 West Eleventh Street • Erie, PA 16501 • 454-0106
Volume 48, Issue 2 March 2021
SUNDAY WORSHIP We are well underway in the season of
8:15 & 10:30am In-person Worship Lent, and although many parts of Lent held in the Main Church may not seem normal to us, for me, this 10:30am Service available on Facebook Live may be the most meaningful season of 12:00 noon Services available on LM Lent I have had in recent years. Let me explain. As we Website and YouTube. began Lent, we heard of Jesus being driven out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. We learned that WEDNESDAY LENT SERVICES Page 2 wilderness is not a preferred place to go, but it is EASTER FLOWER ORDERS Page 4 important for our lives, because it rips away those things that are not important, and focuses on what gives life, the CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Page 7 Word of God. Throughout this pandemic we have had much more time in smaller groups of people, maybe WOMEN OF THE ELCA Page 8 feeling like a wilderness. We look forward to gathering with larger groups and resuming so much of what makes VACCINE INFORMATION Page 9 life enjoyable. But I have found that my faith has
LUTHER MEMORIAL ACADEMY Page 12 deepened over this past year, as I have felt more
dependent on Jesus like never before. My soul, like the
Psalmist, has thirsted for the Word, and in our time of STAFF wilderness we have been refreshed through the water Pastor ~ William E. Coleman that Jesus has provided. [email protected] Cantor ~ Walt Gaber Another learning experience for me is a reaffirmation [email protected] that faith is to be taught, modeled and shared in our Christian Education ~ homes. Luther Memorial Church walks with you and Beth Keller your family, but our time with you is limited. Yet, when [email protected] we take what is given to us from our church communities Sarah Prylinski and bring them into our home, powerful faith experiences [email protected] happen. For the first time, each person of Luther Coordinator of Care Ministry/Visitation Memorial Church, no matter the age, has access and Parish Nursing ~ Linda Graffius, RN (anytime) to what is being taught, preached and shared [email protected] at Luther Memorial Church. I take comfort in knowing Care Ministry ~ Jan MacInnes that if one of our youth is struggling one evening, he or [email protected] she can listen to Evening Prayer. Or if one of our older Parish Manager ~ Miriam Scheid members is isolated and lonely, they can worship from [email protected] home, if unable to get into the church building. And Secretary ~ Norma Buerk finally, as disciples of Jesus, we can send a link of [email protected] something offered at our church to a friend who needs to Luther Memorial Academy: hear the Gospel shared at Luther Memorial Church. Administrator ~ Christopher A. Paul On April 4, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, [email protected] and yet remember that before Jesus was raised from the Secretary ~ Amanda Fried [email protected] dead, Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead.
Jesus commanded him to come out of his tomb. As we all Bethany Outreach Ctr. ~ Mabel Howard await better days ahead and the return to our active in [email protected] person community, it will feel like Jesus is calling us out of our tombs, and thanks be to God for that!
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Luther Memorial Church Sunday Morning Worship
Luther Memorial Church council, during its Tuesday February 9, 2021 meeting, decided to re- open our building for worship and ministry activities on Ash Wednesday, February 17 with all the safety measures in place as done previously. Please remember that all services and studies will continue to be provided online.
Sunday services will be held in person at 8:15am and 10:30am in the main church. The 10:30am service will continue to be offered on Facebook live and will also be available to watch on Luther Memorial Church’s YouTube channel and church website at www.luthermemorialonline.org at 12:00 noon or any time after. To find Luther Memorial Church’s YouTube Channel search for “Luther Memorial Church Erie PA”. To watch the service on Luther Memorial Church’s website go to the “Resources & Online Worship” tab and then click on the “Sunday Morning Worship, Daily Prayer and Bible Study” tab.
Wednesdays in Lent
Lenten worship services and bible studies (once posted) are available to be watched at any point during the day convenient for your schedule, which means an evening Lenten program will not be held. We will not be having a Lenten meal this year. It will be missed, but we will look forward to resuming that next year.
Wednesdays in Lent – February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24
Worship Service 12:05pm – In Person / Facebook Live Bible Study 12:50pm – In Person / Facebook Live
Worship Service 2:00pm – On YouTube and Church Website Bible Study 2:00pm – On YouTube and Church Website
Holy Week and Easter Services
Service arrangements for Holy Week and Easter are being discussed by our Worship and Music Committee. Services will be held in our main church. Details will be finalized soon and our service schedule will be shared with you through bulletins and email. Please know that you are always welcome to contact our church office for information.
Hamloaf for Easter Dinner
A delicious and easy Easter dinner – just thaw, pop in the oven, and your tastebuds will thank you! Continuing to support local companies, Gahr’s is located in Titusville, PA.
Orders for hamloaf will be accepted through Sunday March 21. To place an order: o Order forms are located on the tables at each entrance o Contact our church office at 454-0106, ext. 221 or o Email at [email protected]. Cost: 1 lb. hamloaf @ $5 / $2 lb. hamloaf @ $8. Delivery: Orders will be ready for pick up on Sunday, March 28.
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Church Council 2021
We give thanks for our congregational leaders. Please keep our Luther Memorial Church Council in your prayers throughout the year so they may lead with us with wisdom and faithfulness.
Les Fobes (President) John Bartlett (Vice President) Mark Lechner (Secretary) Greg Kern (Treasurer) Dorothy Overberg (Asst. Treas.) Vicky Blasco Emma Chaffee Ann Flick David Griswold Joe Helm Mark Howell Ken Kraut Dorothy Overberg Stan Rose Michael Snider John Tell Pat Young
Video System Volunteers
In anticipation of our new cameras and online worship streaming capabilities we will be in need of people trained to help lead this during the worship service. If you are interested in being a part of this group, or are interested in hearing more about it, please contact Pastor Coleman.
Opportunities for Continued Connection to Luther Memorial Church
Sunday Morning Worship – In-person worship at 8:15 and 10:30am in the main church. The 10:30am service will be on Facebook Live at 10:30am, and then the recording will be posted to the Church Webpage and YouTube Channel by 12:00pm. Tuesday Morning Prayer – Live on LM Facebook Group page at 9:00am, and available to watch a recorded version on the Church Webpage and YouTube Channel. Thursday Evening Prayer – Live on LM Facebook Group page at 6:00pm, and available to watch a recorded version on the Church Webpage and YouTube Channel.
Holy Communion Practice for those Worshipping from Home on Sunday Morning
At Luther Memorial Church we are grateful to provide the option of worshipping from home or worshipping in the building, and to allow each person to make the best decision for themselves, but there is a real loss for those unable to come to worship in the church building on Sunday morning, as they are unable to receive bread and wine from the Lord’s table. Understanding that the bread and wine is a sustaining gift from Jesus that is blessed and received in community, we now have available bread and wine in individual packets that, after being blessed on Sunday morning during our worship, will be available for those worshipping from home to pick up at the church during the week. The intention is that you take home enough bread and wine for each member of your family for the month. During our worship service, those worshipping from home would set before them the consecrated bread and wine, and then receive the bread and wine when those who are in person for worship do. To make arrangements to pick up the bread and wine from the church please contact Linda Graffius by email at [email protected], Norma Buerk by email at [email protected], or by calling the church office at 814-454-0106, ext. 221.
Magic Fingers Grace Group
Oh, we are excited! We are now able to get together in our church parlor and enjoy one another’s company as we create our beautiful yarn projects. Our first gathering was February 23 and we will continue to meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. It will be wonderful to see each other again. So, please join us; bring your yarn, wear your masks and we will see you on March 9 and 23 at 10:00am.
If you have questions on how to knit, we’re here to help. Please let us know if you are low on yarn and some can be dropped off to you. Please contact Jan MacInnes, 454-0106, ext. 233 or the church office, ext. 221 with any questions.
Page 4 EASTER FLOWER ORDER FORM
Orders Appreciated by Sunday, March 21
As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord on Easter Sunday, April 4, we also remember friends and loved ones with beautiful spring flowers for the chancel. We invite you to order lilies, hyacinths, tulips, azaleas or hydrangeas; each in a 6” pot. To place your order, please use the form below and return it, with the correct remittance, to the church office no later than Sunday, March 21. Thank you.
Due to Covid, flowers will not be delivered to our homebound this year. It is requested that all flowers ordered be picked up following the 10:30 service on Easter Sunday morning or during normal office hours. Thank you.
______flowers in memory of:
______
______
From: ______
______
______flowers in honor of:
______
______
From: ______
______
FLOWERS: PLANTS:
# Lilies Ordered ______# Azaleas Ordered ______
# Hyacinths Ordered ______# Hydrangeas Ordered ______
# Tulips Ordered ______
Total Number of flowers ______X $7.50 = ______Total Number of plants ______X $16.00 = ______
(Please make checks payable to Luther Memorial Church)
Daylight Savings Time
Be sure to turn your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed on Saturday, March 13. Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 14.
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From Michael Snider
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
It seems like just yesterday, but also a lifetime ago that I was joined by family and friends at a service on Sunday morning to be installed as an Authorized Lay Worship Leader. In reality, it has been only about 15 months. Embracing this moment, and with so much love and support from our wonderful congregation, I was ready to embark on this adventure towards hopeful future ordination. My first opportunity to lead worship would fall on the second weekend in March, which became the same weekend that the COVID-19 pandemic started to become reality to many of us in northwestern Pennsylvania. Church was canceled, as were the opportunities to lead worship elsewhere for the foreseeable future, businesses were closed, and people were asked to remain in their homes. In our time of trial, our fear of the unknown, God again finds a way to show his love for us, and to shine a light on our situation. We, as a church, found new ways to gather, worship together, and provide ministry to all. My first sermon was given in front of a camera, in an empty Luther Memorial sanctuary, and broadcast on YouTube during lent of last year. Over the summer, I led worship to a parking lot full of people sitting in their cars and lawn chairs, and also behind a parishioner’s home in a large field in Franklin. Worship may have been quite different this past year, but we were still church together. Since becoming a Lay Worship Leader, I have been officially entranced into the T.E.E.M. Program (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) by the ELCA, and the Northwest Pennsylvania Synod, and will continue on a path toward ordination. I have taken a class in Systematic Theology in September 2020, and recently completed a class in Old Testament Scripture. These were both completed through the United Lutheran Seminary, and conducted virtually through Zoom. I will also begin a class in April for New Testament Foundation, offered through the synod, and led by our Bishop Emeritus Ralph Jones. I could not be in the T.E.E.M. Program today without the efforts of Bishop Jones, who designed a program to offer preparation classes to those without a college degree. I was blessed to take part in the pilot program for the T.E.E.M. Preparation classes, also led by Bishop Jones, shortly before his retirement. Due to the success of the pilot, this set of prep classes is continuing to be offered through the synod, and will allow others, without a college degree, to begin their ministry journey. The pandemic has caused problems in our lives, but also opened doors for new ways to communicate, worship, learn, and be together safely. The fact that seminary classes can be offered completely through a virtual format has afforded me the chance to take a class, complete the needed assignments, yet still be home to help with the kids, and continue some semblance of normality in our lives. I need to recognize and thank my wife, Meghan, and our children, for all their love, encouragement, flexibility, and support through this entire process, and also for providing material to be used in my sermons. I thank my mother, my sisters, my brothers-in-law, and my niece and nephews for always pushing me to do what I was inclined to do since I was in first grade, to become a pastor. Lastly, I thank all the members of Luther Memorial Church. The church body is family, and I am grateful to be a small part of this continuously moving and growing ministry. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, and I encourage anyone with questions about my faith journey, or questions about how to become involved in the T.E.E.M. Program, or the prep classes, to please contact me.
In Christ,
Michael Snider [email protected] 814-602-7036
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Thank You’s
Care packages were mailed to our military servicemen and women in January. As always, we thank everyone for their generosity and kindness to this very important and caring project of Luther Memorial. A thank you was received by Technical Sergeant Andrew Watson, United States Air Force. Andrew is the grandson of John and Arlene Evans. He also sent his picture which is located on the table under the video screen. He writes:
Jan MacInnes and the Luther Memorial Church Congregation:
Thank you very much for the gift card this holiday season. It’s always heartwarming knowing about individuals who support military members. Your kind gestures and words mean more than you know.
Technical Sergeant Andrew Watson, United States Air Force
Dear Caring Team:
Thank you so much for the lovely basket the church gave to us last week. It was very much appreciated (obviously Russ was very happy to not have to cook). Everything tasted wonderful and was such a nice surprise!
While our year has been tougher than most, knowing that we have your support and prayers has made it a little easier.
Hopefully things will start to get back to normal soon. Thanks again. It was appreciated more than you know!
Amy & Russ McDougall (Amy McDougall is the daughter of Sylvia Johnson)
Dear Linda:
On behalf of my family, thank you for your sympathy, prayers and support during this difficult time. Your gift was incredibly thoughtful and meaningful to me. While in Pittsburgh I have my shawl and cardinal to bring me comfort when my family can’t. You are a dear friend to my family. I am blessed to have the Luther Memorial family to lean on. Please also share my thanks with Norma. Wishing you peace and health,
Ellie Cadden (Ellie’s mother, Melanie Cadden, died December 18, 2020)
Dear Luther Memorial:
I should have said thank you for the lovely basket Pastor Coleman delivered to me at Christmastime. Everything was so good. This thank you is late but wanted all to know how thankful I am to you and Pastor Coleman.
Nancy Varner
Dear L. M. Family:
Thank you for the flowers, food and well wishes. From the home-made soup to the bagged lunches, the love and care put into each item was greatly appreciated. Mindy not having to cook a meal during some of my worst days made all the difference. We love our church family. Thank you so much.
Matt Boyd & family
Dear Luther Memorial:
Many Thank You’s for everything the church has done for me . . . the love, food and caring. Many thanks!
Love, Marge Johnson
Dear Food Ministry:
Thank you for all of the food you made for us when we were quarantined. It was very good.
Anthony, Carlo & Patrick Cimino
Page 7 Christian Education
Story Bibles for Our Families
We invite you to stop in to the church office and pick up your own Spark Bible for your children. Each Sunday Pastor Coleman is providing a special service just for our children. In that service he will read from one of the stories in the Spark Bible. Each Sunday a new lesson (story) will be read, and it is our hope that our families have a Spark Bible in their home so they are able to follow along as Pastor shares the Children’s Sermons. And, maybe during the week, this Bible will be read from time to time in your homes. If you do not have a Spark Bible we ask that you contact Norma in the church office, 454-0106, ext. 221. There is no cost for these; we feel that it is important every family has one for their children to read and learn.
Zoom with Children’s Church
Children’s Church continues to Zoom each Wednesday evening at 6:30. We will not gather together on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. Families meet weekly from 6:30-7:00pm using our familiar Spark curriculum so everyone can follow along during our time together. Materials are emailed prior to each Wednesday gathering. This is a wonderful way for all of us to stay connected. We are able to gather in person for worship each Sunday, but we hope to see you for a mid-week chat, too. Our upcoming gatherings are:
March 3 March 10 March 24 March 31
Youth on Zoom
Pastor Coleman will not hold Zoom gatherings with our 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th grade youth during the month of March, but our get-togethers will continue for April and May. Our confirmation class Zoom meetings are at 1:00pm on the following Sundays.
April 11 – 7th Grade April 18 – 8th Grade April 25 – 9th Grade
Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday
Luther Memorial Church’s 10th grade students will be confirmed on Pentecost Sunday during the 10:30am service on Sunday, May 23, 2021. Pastor Coleman will be contacting those students to be confirmed well in advance of the service to discuss the details of this special day.
Confirmation Camp at Lutherlyn
Luther Memorial Church’s 7th, 8th, and 9th graders will be attending Confirmation Camp at Camp Lutherlyn from June 13 to June 17, 2021. Information will be sent to all parents and students about the details of Confirmation Camp. Please mark these dates on your calendar.
Camp Lutherlyn News
Regular Summer Camp for All Ages
With great excitement and careful planning, Lutherlyn is preparing for Summer Camp 2021! Registration for 2021 starts on February 1. Lutherlyn will continue to adjust their schedule and plans following all American Camp Association and CDC guidelines. Camperships are available for all who need assistance. The current guidelines allow Lutherlyn to operate at half the normal capacity. The tentative 2021 Summer Schedule is available at www.lutherlyn.com/summer. More details will be added as they become available.
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Women of the ELCA
W/ELCA Board Meeting Tuesday Circle
Women of the ELCA will hold their Board Tuesday, April 6 at 4:00pm Meeting on Tuesday, April 6 at 3:00pm in the Church Parlor church parlor. All safety protocols will be followed.
If you have questions about our women’s group, Our Circle is open to all women, and we welcome
please contact Pat Young at 455-7736 you to contact Pat Young, President, at 455-7736,
or our church office, 454-0106, ext. 221, with any questions.
Deborah Circle Pennies for Poverty
Our circle meetings will begin again on: As a continuing project to aid women and Tuesday, April 6 at 12:00 noon children in crisis, special containers for Church Parlor donations to “Pennies for Poverty” are located by the doors to the Main Church and For more information on the Deborah Circle, Faith Chapel. Our women’s groups thank please contact Judy Johnson at 833-4600. one and all for your donations of coins and
dollars.
Thank You from W/ELCA
Women of the ELCA extends a huge Thank You to Walt Gaber and the music ministry of Luther Memorial Church for their part in bringing beautiful worship hymns to our annual President’s Conference. As usual, Walt went over and above to make sure the music was available online to the organizers in Chicago and in top notch form.
Each year in February, all Women of the ELCA Presidents from the 9 Regions of the U. S. gather in Chicago to share all that is W/ELCA. This includes Lutheran Women from Maine to Hawaii, Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between. However, this year the Conference was held virtually over 3 days; February 18, 19, and 20 and included not only the Presidents, but Synodical Board members as well. Approximately 300 Women registered for the event, including Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. On our final day, we participated in a Thankoffering service and were blessed to have all the hymns sung by our Luther Memorial choir, greatly enhancing the worship experience. I was so proud to say that I belong to such a wonderful church with an awesome music ministry.
Pat Bellingham, President Synodical Women’s Organization NWPA
A word of thanks to our choir members for taking part in this ministry of music: Patricia Boyd Molly Gaber Carol Carlson Mary Laver Bob Banks David Ruler Jonathan Gaber Ken Kraut Otto ‘Skip’ Meyn
Words from Bishop Eaton: We are rooted in tradition but radically relevant! The mission of our Church: Activate each of us so more people know the way of Jesus and discover community, justice and love.
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Self-Care
There has been a lot of attention lately about caregivers; especially nurses, doctors, other healthcare workers, clergy and family caregivers to take care of themselves while caring for others. Nurses weren’t taught the importance of this when I went to school. I’m not sure it is included now, but should be. The term self-care is only about 10 years old. I learned about the term in my Faith Community Nurse course. The reason I’m addressing this subject is that I am going to do a little self-care for myself. I have decided to not write full newsletter articles for March and April. I will, of course, still be doing everything else that is involved with Care Ministry and Health Ministry. We all need to do some self-care and it seems especially important during this time of quarantine so I invite you to join me in being kind to yourselves. Here are just a few suggestions:
Get enough sleep Read Eat well Or just relax and do nothing! Exercise Sometimes when we give up Meditate/Pray something we tend to add Journal something. Don’t!
Take care and stay well!
Blessings, Linda Graffius, RN Faith Community Nurse
Vaccine Contacts
Many have been attempting to find information on how and where to obtain the Covid-19 vaccine. Below are contact phone numbers and websites which will help:
AHN (St. Vincent) 814-CONNECT 814-266-6328 AHN.org UPMC(Hamot) 844-UPMCVAC 844-876-2822 vaccine.upmc.com LECOM 866-LECOM19 866-532-6619 lecom.eventbrite.org
Food Pantry Donations
Always appreciated are donations for our food pantry. There are many items that are kept at Luther Memorial for those that stop in and need immediate assistance. A large portion of your donations are taken to the Bethany Outreach Center for use in their food pantry. Below are some suggestions when you are gathering donations to drop off: Boxed/powdered milk is a treasure Tuna & canned chicken Macaroni & cheese Nuts Cereal Crackers (all kinds) Pasta & sauce Peanut butter Canned vegetables Jelly Soups Sandwich bread (can be frozen until needed) Fruit in cans or plastic cups Feminine hygiene products Granola bars Kleenex Instant mashed potatoes Toilet Paper Spices, including salt and pepper Diapers Coffee and tea bags
Canned goods that have pull tabs are best as not everyone has a can opener. Please be sure to check expiration dates on all items donated. Thank you.
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March Birthday Celebrations for our Sunshine Members
Cindy Henry 3/5 Dolores DeMarco 3/9 Nancy Downey 3/9 2506 Azalea Circle P. O. Box 126 P. O. Box 233 Erie, PA 16506 Fairview, PA 16415 Fairview, PA 16415
Emma Braine 3/10 Jim Brown 3/19 Suzanne Franks 3/23 4403 Stanley Avenue 487 Scotch Pine Road 134 Fieldstone Way Erie, PA 16504 Tidioute, PA 16351 Erie, PA 16505
Dee Lasher 3/29 Naomi Smith 3/29 2323 Edinboro Road, Apt. 330C 513 Cherry Street Erie, PA 16509 Erie, PA 16507
March Birthday Celebrations
Walt Gaber 3/1 Chase Chaffee 3/10 Artie Rogan 3/21 Chrissie Seward 3/1 Katie Romba 3/10 Solveig Santillano 3/21 Jessica Wettekin 3/1 Ava Fetcko 3/11 John Steff 3/21 Evan Duran 3/2 C. J. Galloway 3/11 Suzanne Franks 3/23 Don MacGregor 3/2 Lori Hamblin 3/11 Ella Moore 3/24 Jeff Swanson 3/2 John Coffey 3/12 Lois Washill 3/24 Richard Braendel 3/3 Patrick Cimino 3/14 David Leemhuis 3/25 Pam Davis 3/3 Olivia Rieger 3/14 Shannon McAdoo 3/25 Edward Laird 3/3 Patricia Vali 3/14 Jennifer Fried 3/26 Bill Brandt 3/4 Karen Braendel-Kemp 3/15 Marilyn Rositer 3/26 Lori Perry 3/4 Danielle DiCenzo 3/16 Brian Chaffee 3/27 Eva Heckelman 3/5 Brody Carolus 3/17 Mark Chaffee 3/27 Cindy Henry 3/5 Alex Cooney 3/17 Adam Duran 3/27 Eric Lawson 3/5 Linda Graffius 3/17 Madeline Stelmack 3/27 Ryan Cunningham 3/6 Abigail Hallmark 3/17 Thomas Burling 3/28 Ross Walter 3/7 Erin Rositer 3/17 Jennifer Foutz 3/29 Jessica Spaulding 3/8 Chris Romba 3/18 Dee Lasher 3/29 Mitch Stroup 3/8 Jim Brown 3/19 Naomi Smith 3/29 Dolores DeMarco 3/9 Lilly Saxton 3/19 Christopher Sims 3/30 Nancy Downey 3/9 Penelope Witosky 3/19 Renee Steff 3/30 Brady Gustafson 3/9 Matt Zamperini 3/19 Christian Fuhrman 3/31 Lori Kraus 3/9 Karen Michel 3/20 Robert Michel 3/31 Meghan Snider 3/9 Aubrey Warren 3/20 Emma Braine 3/10 Phil Carlson 3/21
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February 2021 Council Meeting via Zoom
1. Minutes of the February 9, 2021 meeting were reviewed and on motion unanimously accepted. Minutes of the January 31, 2021 Annual Meeting were unanimously accepted. 2. Treasurer’s Report – The details of the written report were reviewed indicating that church finances are in fine order. After brief discussion, the report was unanimously approved. 3. Council Members – New council members were introduced; Emma Chaffee, Joe Helm, and Stan Rose. 4. Elections – New Council Officers were elected; President, Les Fobes; Vice-Pesident, John Bartlett; Treasurer, Greg Kern; Assistant Treasurer, Dorothy Overberg, Secretary; Mark Lechner. Synod Delegates were designated; Emma Chaffee and Stan Rose. 5. Communications – Pastor noted that many cards of appreciation have been received and these continue to be shared in the newsletters. 6. Levco Communication – Pastor presented a bid from Levco Communication for new video/streaming equipment for the main church. After discussion it was unanimous to accept the bid of $7,124 for this equipment and installation. 7. Resuming In-person Worship – Discussion was held noting that the Erie County Covid numbers are below 100. It was also noted that several Catholic churches have been open throughout the pandemic without adverse effects. Upon motion, it was unanimous that the church be open for in-person worship beginning February 17 (Ash Wednesday) observing all protocols as the last time we were open for in-person worship. The Ash Wednesday service will be held at 12:05pm, with ashes distributed in the parking lot (“drive-through”). The service will be held at 12:05pm and recorded so that people can watch the video later in the day. Sundays will include services at 8:15am and 10:30am, with the later service being live-streamed for simultaneous or later viewing. Communion will be by bread only. Our at-home communion kits will continue to be available. Luther Memorial ministry groups (only) will have access to the church (as when we reopened last time). 8. Council Meeting Dates – a. March 9, 2021 at 6:00pm via Zoom. b. April 13, 2020 at 6:00pm via Zoom.
January 2020 Statistics
ATTENDANCE: In-person worship cancelled due to Covid; services offered on Facebook live at 10:30am, on YouTube and LM website. Numbers below reflect online viewing (2 weeks following) and participants for worship.
10:30 am Worship Participants Facebook live YouTube TOTAL January 3 4 175 62 241 January 10 3 179 45 227 January 17 4 170 40 214 January 24 4 135 61 200 January 31 10 141 43 194
BAPTISMS: None received. HONORARIUM: DAHLSTRAND, JOANNE – FROM: Lakari family (nieces & nephews) FUNERALS: BROWN, Steven – Date of Death: December 30, 2020 / Graveside Service: January 2, 2021 LETTER OF TRANSFER: None received. / Pastor William E. Coleman officiating. NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED: None received.
MEMORIALS: GUNSELMAN, VELMA – FROM: WEDDINGS: None received. Cathie & John Gunselman
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Luther Memorial Academy
Challenge 24
The annual Challenge 24 school competition for students in Grades 4-8 were held in February. Our class champions were Bobby Seelinger (4th), Jaida Fried (5th), Samuel Gross (6th), Brayden Fedak (7th), and Brooklyn th Coleman (8 ).
The finals were held on Monday, February 22, between Samuel Gross and Brooklyn Coleman. When the dust settled, Brooklyn Coleman won and is our Challenge 24 School Champion. Congratulations to Brooklyn and all our competitors!
World’s Fair
The 7th grade is working on the annual World’s Fair. They have been researching different countries of the world and creating displays that show what they have learned. Plans are still being developed to share these displays virtually with LMA students and families in March.
First Lego League Competition
The LMA Lego League team competed in the regional First Lego League competition on Saturday, February 27, 2021. This year’s competition was all done virtually. Our team has been working on their project since late summer in preparation for this competition. It was particularly challenging in this unusual school year.
We are proud to announce that the LMA team won the Innovative Solution Award for their research project on developing an autistic-friendly playground in Cascade Park. The team has been meeting with local officials about making this vision a reality. The team also came in 4th place in the robot runs competition. Way to go Lions!
LMA Lego team members are Ian Gladney, Samuel Gross, Michael Gladney, Lydia Nelson, and Wyatt Noyes.
Spring Break Easter Vacation
Friday, March 12 – Monday, March 15 Monday, March 29 – Monday, April 5
Hoping for a little warmth and just a In a few weeks the Easter bunny will be
touch of spring. making his rounds and we will enjoy our
Easter vacation. Students return to
classes on Tuesday, April 6.
Page 13 M A R C H 2021 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 12:05pm In- 6:00pm person Lenten Handbells worship 7:00pm 12:50pm In- Choir/Handbell person Bible Zoom chat Study 6:30pm Children’s Church via Zoom 7:00pm Worship & Music via Zoom 7 Third Sunday 8 9 10 11 12 13 in Lent 10:00am Magic 12:05pm In- 6:00pm LMA Closed 8:15am/10:30am Fingers Grace person Lenten Handbells In-person Gr. worship 7:00pm worship 6:00pm Council 12:50pm In- Choir/Handbell Meeting via person Bible Zoom chat Zoom Study 6:30pm Children’s Church via Zoom 14 Fourth 15 16 17 18 19 20 Sunday in Lent LMA Closed 12:05pm In- 6:00pm 8:15am/10:30am person Lenten Handbells In-person worship 7:00pm worship 12:50pm In- Choir/Handbell person Bible Zoom chat Study 6:30pm Children’s Church via Zoom 21 Fifth Sunday 22 23 24 25 26 27 in Lent 10:00am Magic 12:05pm In- 6:00pm 8:15am/10:30am Fingers Grace person Lenten Handbells In-person Gr. worship 7:00pm worship 12:50pm In- Choir/Handbell 1:00pm VASA person Bible Zoom chat Study 6:30pm Children’s Church via Zoom 28 Palm Sunday 29 30 31 8:15am/10:30am 6:30pm In-person Children’s worship Church via Zoom