THE MESSENGER ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 147 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York 11701 Church Phone: 631-264-0763; e-mail: [email protected] Parsonage: 631-598-0257; Fax: 631-264-0372 Reverend David W. Anglin, Pastor Mr. David Thomas, DELTO Vicar Mr. Phil Johnson & Mr. Steve McDonald, Deacons Mr. Russell Brand, Director of Music St. Paul’s Website: stpaulsamityville.church Sunday Services: 9:30 and 11:00 Contemporary Communion Services: Wednesday at 7:30 and Saturday at 6:30

VOLUME 90--NO. 10 OCTOBER 2019

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR: Luther and the Horror Film I ran into an odd pattern a few years ago. It began one October when I was watching a few old scary movies from the 1930s. I noticed an actor named Irving Pichel—he played a homicidal psychopath in Murder by the Clock and the vampire’s assistant in Dracula’s Daughter. The name seemed vaguely familiar. When I looked him up I was rather shocked—this relatively minor horror actor went on to direct what is probably the greatest film biography of Blessed Martin Luther, the classic 1953 Martin Luther film. (In that film, Pichel also played the Lutheran theologian John Bugenhagen—a long way from Dracula’s daughter’s assistant!) Then it occurred to me that Joseph Fiennes, who played Luther in the 2003 film (shortly after helping to snatch the Oscar away from Saving Private Ryan by starring in Shakespeare in Love), had gone on to play a semi-evil Roman Catholic priest in American Horror Story: Asylum. (Luther haters would probably see those two roles as practically identical!) At this point I was really intrigued. How many connections between Luther films and horror films are there? The answer turns out to be—almost beyond counting. The Luther in the 1953 film, Niall McGinnis, played a Satanist priest in Night of the Demon (aka Curse of the Demon), one of the greatest horror films ever made. Stacy Keach, the Luther in the American Film Theater version of John Osborne’s play, also appeared in The Man with the Screaming Brain (not one of the greatest horror films ever made). Jonathan Pryce, Luther in Martin Luther, Heretic, played Mister Dark in Something Wicked this Way Comes. Night/Curse of the Demon also featured Maurice Denham as an ill-fated professor. Denham played Luther’s spiritual father von Staupitz in not one, but two films (the American Film Theater Production and Martin Luther, Heretic). Bruno Ganz took on the Staupitz role in the 2003 film—a few decades after he played Jonathan Harker in Werner Herzog’s remake of Nosferatu. Tetzel, Luther’s arch-foe, was played in 2003 by Alfred Molina (who was also in Species), in the American Film Theater production by Hugh Griffith (who also was in the Dr. Phibes movies), and in Martin Luther, Heretic by Clive Swift (who played in a version of Dr Jekyll and Mister Hyde). Perhaps most epic of all, Max Schreck, the vampire in the 1922 version of Nosferatu (perhaps the greatest horror film of all time) played Luther’s opponent Alexander in the 1928 silent German film Martin Luther. (And weirdest, perhaps, is Leon Askin—General Burkhalter from Hogan’s Heroes. He played Luther on Steve Allen’s Meeting of the Minds, and also appeared as Herr Waldmann in Young Frankenstein). The most recent film, Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World, is narrated by Hugh Bonneville, who played in Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. The Luther, Padriac Delaney, acted in Dark Touch. And…finally…Rosemary’s husband in Rosemary’s Baby is an actor who serves as Albert Finney’s understudy in the Broadway production of John Osborne’s Luther. (And I will now resist the temptation to look up any horror movies that Albert Finney may have been in!) Okay…well, all that is kinda weird. But does it mean anything? Or is it all just random coincidence? Actually, in a world controlled by an almighty God, there probably are no random coincidences. So what possible message could this strange interlocking of Luther cinema and horror cinema have for us? Remember what day the Reformation began? October 31, 1517! The date that we call Halloween! A date when we tend to think about spooky movies. But it’s also the date when Blessed Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg. Luther, of course, was not dealing with vampires and werewolves. He was dealing with a church that had gone astray on the issue of forgiveness. People were encouraged to look to the relics of the saints rather than the merits of Christ for their hope. All Saints Day was when the veneration of relics reached its high point—and the day before All Saints is All Hallow’s Eve, i.e., Halloween. So the interchange between Luther film and horror film is a reminder of the day when the Reformation was born—the day that Luther posted his defense of Christ as our source of hope. Even more importantly, this cinematic link reminds us of one of the major themes in Luther’s teaching: the defeat of the Devil. Jesus saves us by dying for our sins on the cross—He also saves us by crushing the Devil’s power. We are guilty—our souls are stained with sin. But we aren’t just guilty—we’re also enslaved. We are captives of the Devil. Christ’s task is to wash away our sins…but also to liberate us from the Devil. The two tasks are related—after all, it’s sin that gives the Devil power over us. By taking away our sins, Jesus breaks the Devil’s power. The signature Lutheran hymn is, of course, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” (also known as “The Theme From Davey and Goliath”). Interestingly, this hymn is not about sin and guilt, important as those concepts are in Lutheranism. No, it’s about the world being under the Devil’s power…how we need a champion to defeat the Devil for us…how Christ comes to be that champion…how His victory is our victory. Lutheranism, then, is not about forgiveness alone, but also about the crucified Christ breaking Satan’s power through His cross. So the cross-fertilization between Luther cinema and horror cinema reminds us of a great Lutheran belief: the Evil One has been defeated. It’s odd that in this same month we have the birthday of Lutheranism and a scary holiday. But maybe it’s not so odd after all. The scary holiday reminds us that evil forces are afoot; and the Lutheran birthday reminds us that Jesus has triumphed over evil!

God loves you and so do I! Pastor David W. Anglin Happy October Anniversary! 1st: Phil ♥ Loretta Sprance 36 years 3rd: Mark ♥ Linda Mather 37 years 9th: Joe ♥ Elizabeth Todaro 20 years 13th: Paul ♥ Debra Durante 29 years 14th: Carmine ♥ Sue Guarnieri 47 years 15th: Robert ♥ Jessica Upham 13 years 16th: David ♥ Mary Johnson 20 years 20th: Dominick ♥ Melissa Lichioveri 8 years Wesley ♥ Beverly Powell 29 years 24th: David ♥ Carol Hayle 21 years 26th: Randy ♥ Laura Osofsky 17 years Willard ♥ Ruth Prostka 62 years (WOW!) 27th: Bruce ♥ Gale Heithaus 51 years 28th: Bob ♥ Angelina Mowad 41 years

HAPPY OCTOBER BIRTHDAY!

2nd: Emilia Bosch; Russell Brand; 17th: Jill Gately Jean Camp 19th: Jaime Beardsley and Elizabeth 4th: Edmund Lange Todaro 5th: Mark Bergen; Thelma 22nd: Andy Franzmann Hawxhurst 24th: Mark Epps 6th: Walter Bukowski; Margaret 26th: David Johnston; Lisa Povey; Ketcham; Christine Milonas Diane Rovery; Jason Serina; 7th: Carmen Holloman Pastor Alan Steinke 8th: Olivia Weber 28th: Erin Holzwarth 9th: Mary Hyland 29th: William Burrell and 10th: Edmund Hajek Adam Waterhouse 12th: Diana Gaeding and Craig 30th: Martha Gavey and Ronald Smestad Gavey 16th: Harold Olsen Halloween Birthday! Jacob Liers ST. PAUL’S IS ALIVE...WITH THE SOUND OF

MUSIC. Choir rehearsals are in full swing. It’s definitely not too late to join the fun! We always welcome new members– enthusiasm is all you need. Here are the three opportunities to get involved and raise your voice (or bells) to the glory of God. We hope you consider one of them!

Chancel Choir: This is more or less a traditional church choir under the tutelage of Music Director Russell Brand. The Senior Choir participates in every 9:30 a.m. Sunday service and rehearses each Thursday evening from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Handbell Choir: This friendly group is always willing to help eager newcomers learn how to play handbells, as is, of course, their fearless leader, Russell Brand. These inspiring music-makers offer special performances approximately six or seven times a year. Rehearsals are held each Thursday night from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Young at Heart Choir: Led by Pastor Anglin on his guitar, this folksy ensemble performs contemporary Christian songs at every 11:00 a.m. Sunday service. (A brief rehearsal is held before the service, so this group could be a convenient option for those who are interested in joining a choir, but are usually busy on weeknights.) If you’d like to join one of these choirs, don’t be shy...call Russell at 631-225-9359 or see Pastor (as the case may be).They’d be delighted to hear of your interest. Health and Wellness class

We will meet most Saturdays at 9 a.m. in the Lesslie Room through mid-December. We cover different topics each week. Did you know our members have lost 15, 25, even 60 pounds? Our class participants are also reducing their medications and seeing their metabolic numbers get better. They are able to accomplish this by learning what the best eating habits are and how to embrace a healthier lifestyle. (Hint: the popular low-calorie, low-fat diet is actually completely unhealthy.) So come on down and find out how to build your health shield and feel more energetic. We are a warm, welcoming group. Part of the secret to our success has been the support we extend to one another. Our classes are fun, as we share successes, challenges, and bounce ideas off of one another. This course is free, not only to our church members, but to friends and family members as well. That may seem hard to believe, but it’s true. Nobody’s selling vitamins or gym memberships, or anything like that! We show up, we laugh and learn, and we go home armed to live healthier and happier. That’s it! For more details, please call John Vercelletto at 631- 357-2911 or email him at [email protected]. Or just show up at the next meeting, which is October 5. We’d be happy to see you! A reminder to current and new participants: October 5 is the day of the Apple Fest, so our parking lot won’t be accessible. Please allow a few extra minutes to walk to the church. St. Paul’s has a new website and email addresses!

Our new website is ready! The url is www.stpaulsamityville.church. Our new website has lots of perks our old one didn’t. You will now be able to:

 Donate electronically as often as you like  Watch Pastor’s sermons  Download and read The Messenger  Sign up for email notifications (We don't spam, of course.)  Register for our events  Stay up to date on all St. Paul's activities  Check the prayer list (coming soon)

Please take a look! Please send your feedback to John Vercelletto at [email protected], as he’s still tinkering with it.

We have new email addresses as well: Church Office: [email protected] Pastor: [email protected]

ONLINE GIVING IS NOW AVAILABLE

Forgot your envelope? Tired of having to remember your envelope? St. Paul’s has instituted online giving as an option for those who are interested.

Now you can go to http://stpaulsamityville.church/give/ to give either a one- time donation or set up a recurring contribution. You can donate to any fund you would like. You can safely set up an account and change or cancel your donations at any time. You can use a debit/credit card or an ACH withdrawal from your bank account.

This simple means of regular giving can allow the church to better manage its finances and helps you to budget your expenses as well. Please email John Vercelletto at [email protected] if you have any questions, or encounter any difficulty using the online tool. SERVING IN THE LORD’S HOUSE THIS MONTH

Communion Assistants: Saturdays– Oct. 5: Louis Lafayette Oct. 12: Steve McDonald Oct. 19: John Mix Oct. 26: Louis Lafayette Sundays–9:30 Oct. 6: Randy Osofsky Oct. 20: Bill Carmen Sundays–11:00 Oct. 6: Bob Mowad Oct. 13: Bob Mowad Oct. 20: Phil Johnson Oct. 27: Phil Johnson

Altar Guild Oct. 6: Gileen Allocca and Linda Kolbe Oct. 13: Ginger Lee and Marlene Thomas Oct. 20: Kathy Koop and Dorothy McMillin Oct. 27: Kathy Marren and Kathy Marshak

Flower Delivery to Shut-Ins Oct. 6: Alicia Johnston Oct. 13: Kathy Marren Oct. 20: Bob Mowad Oct. 27: Mike Bayon

Counters: Oct. 6: Marie McDonald; Steve McDonald; David Thomas; Marlene Thomas Oct. 13: Herb Jaklitsch; Willard Prostka; Barbara Ridings Oct. 20: Gileen Allocca; Linda Kolbe; Eileen Smestad Oct. 27: Kathy Koop; Dorothy McMillin; Kathy Vrooman

Lectors:

Saturdays– Oct. 5: Louis Lafayette Oct. 12: Steve McDonald Oct. 19: John Mix Oct. 26: Louis Lafayette

Sundays–9:30 Oct. 6: Randy Osofsky Oct. 13: Pastor Alan Steinke Oct. 20: Bill Carmen Oct. 27: Jessica Bernius

Sundays–11:00 Oct. 6: Bob Mowad Oct. 13: April Nixon Oct. 20: Phil Johnson Oct. 27: Phil Johnson

Ushers: All Wednesdays: Barbara Ridings All Saturdays: Ginger Lee and Craig Thomas Sunday assignments to be issued shortly.

Acolytes: Sundays–9:30 Oct. 6: Julianna Milonas Oct. 13: Ian Pagan Oct. 20: Justin Holzwarth Oct. 27: Kyra Lee Crossbearer: Joshua Osofsky ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

A FRIENDLY REMINDER: Any announcements to be inserted in The Messenger for November need to be emailed to [email protected], or dropped off in the church office, no later than Monday, October 21. Thank you! ✜St. Paul's Prayer List✜

Please keep these members and friends of our congregation in your prayers.

MILITARY: Will Astacio; Allison Barz; Glen Bednarz; Vincent Berger, Jr.; Leonard Blythe; Cameron Clark; Andrew Cobo; Stephen Cooke; Joe Diliberto; Christopher Harper; Michael Hickey; Frederick Ketcham; Kaitlyn Kessler; Matthew Mazzella; Eamonn McDonough; Cody and Kayla McGee; Richard Moffat; Nelson Montalvo; Nadine Navarro; Marcus Phelps; S/Sgt Porras; Peter Roach; Taylor Roach; Joseph Schonberg; Matt Spencer; Eric Stolz; and Danny Vanbenthuysen

HEALING: Barbara Aguanno; Anthony Aguanno; Fred Anderson; Phyllis Bello; Brock Benjamin; Kevin Burfon; Eileen Capozzi; Jeannie and Ray Cardillo; Pastor Carney; Jack Coyle; Frank Danna; David Dentici; John Dougherty; Frederika Ellis; Robert Engler; Marie Fassuloh; Frank Fitzpatrick; Bill Hoehn; Pastor Michael Hughes; Earline Jefferson; Werner Kohnke; Louis Lafayette; Susan Maglione; Ruth Mahnken; Jim Meehan; Helen Meyer; Kenneth Meyerhoff; Madison Faith Milio; Raymond O’Hare, Jr.; Robert Osofsky; Wendy Pebler; Amanda Prag; Samantha Prince; Peggy Prucha; Ryan Raff; Mary Recca; Michael Reilly; Don Ridings; Fran Rizzo; Roseanne; Richard Rosenbusch; Sandra; Richard Sauers; Beverly Schmidt; Ransford Taylor; Virginia Thomas; June Torns; Chris Weiss; Roger and the Wilmot family; Mike Wilomovski; and Nancy Yander

MOURNING: Harold and family upon the passing of Monica Olsen.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IN ST. PAUL’S MINISTRY IS APPRECIATED!

Monthly Need: $13,333.34

AUGUST 2019 ATTENDANCE CHURCH ENVELOPES August 4 82 $ 2,255 August 11 229 $ 2,767 August 18 91 $ 3,143 August 25 141 $ 2,325

Total: $10,490 Behind: $2,843.34

NEWS WORTH KNOWING...

 Cindy Gray is still collecting loose change for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County in the jar in the narthex.

 Pastor Anglin had a busy month! He performed the benediction at the 9-11 commemoration at Amityville’s 9-11 Memorial Park before rushing over to Cedar Beach to offer a prayer at the Town of Babylon memorial. He assisted at Pastor Kern’s funeral at Calvary East Meadow on September 7 and led our service for Pastor Kern on September 15. He led the prayer at the Town of Babylon POW/MIA Vigil on September 20.

 Congratulations to Kyle & Brandy Holloman and Timothy & Dana Tolkach on their recent weddings!

 Pastor Anglin recently got top billing in Newsday! Check out the article featuring his pearls of wisdom on the sacrament of Holy Communion on the bulletin board near the front entrance.

Lutheran Disaster Relief seeks donations to help the hurricane victims in The Bahamas. The need is dire. If you’d like to contribute, please place your donation in a pew envelope clearly marked “Lutheran Disaster Relief.” Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

SAVE MONEY ON CAR INSURANCE...by attending the defensive driving course at St. Paul’s! Classes will meet in the Lesslie Room on Monday, September 30 and Monday, October 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. There’s still time to join the group! You must attend both classes. You can save 10 percent on auto insurance and reduce points on your driver’s license. All are welcome, so let your friends know! The cost is $30, to be paid in cash when you arrive on Monday. Please call Karla immediately at 516- 557-3637 if you plan to go.

Ladies Aid News The Sweet Scent of Harvest is upon us. Please join us for our “Octoberfest” on Tuesday, October 1st at noon. Come and enjoy a lunch of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and applesauce, along with other dishes provided by the committee. Coffee, tea, and dessert will follow.

Ladies Aid Executive Board will meet on Thursday, October 17th at 10:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving Baskets will be prepared by Ladies Aid to make the holiday brighter for some of our members. Donations of non-perishable food may be placed in the bins in the narthex beginning October 27th. We are unable to include unusable expired items. Expired items will be disposed of. Thank you for your generosity.

The Ladies Aid Cookie Sale will be held on Sunday, November 10th. All ladies and gentlemen are most welcome to donate cookies for the sale. Please bring cookies to church on Saturday morning, November 9th by 10 a.m. Thank you for your support.

Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekends This fall, we’ll have two opportunities to enrich our marital relationships. Whether your marriage is practically perfect, or, like many couples, you have struggles, LME Weekends can bolster your relationship—and will be lots of fun as you make new friends. The weekends are October 11-13, 2019, at Hyatt Place in Cranberry, PA (near Pittsburgh) and November 1-3, 2019 at Hampton Inn Berkshires in Lenox, MA. For more information, contact Northeast US Directors of Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber, at 724- 325-3166 or [email protected].

ST. PAUL’S IS GOING TO THE DOGS....on October 6th, anyway, when Pastor Anglin will conduct his annual Blessing of the Animals. So parade your pups, corral your cats, hoist your hamsters, gather the guinea pigs, and bundle your bunnies over to the lawn at 2:00 p.m. for a personal blessing from Pastor. This will be an event to bark about!

RISE OF THE JACK- O’- LANTERNS Join us at this popular event at Old Westbury Gardens on Sunday, October 20. Limited tickets; first come, first served. Adults: $22; children 3-17, $20. We‘ll meet there at 7:15 p.m. Carpooling can be arranged. Call, text, or email John Vercelletto asap: 631.357.2911 or [email protected].

Apple Fest Alert Cortland and Gala and Empire, oh my! It’s that wonderful time of year again, when the air is crisp and so are the apples at the Amityville Rotary Club Apple Fest. Stop by Park Avenue School on Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to snag a case of fresh Grade A New York State apples. Ten varieties will be offered.