The Newsletter Of

The Newsletter of St. Peter Evangelical Contemporary Worship Lutheran Church Saturday 5:00 p.m.

7834 Eastern Ave. Sunday Worship Baltimore, MD 21224 10:00 a.m.

410-288-0537 Sunday School 410-284-0336 (fax) 8:45 a.m. [email protected] Rev. Vicki L. Hamel, Pastor www.stpeterlutheraneastpoint.org Valerie Adelung, Minister of Music

Vol. 85 MARCH, 2013 No. 03

In Lent we are encouraged to engage in various spiritual disciplines to help us draw nearer to God, and to assist us in pondering Christ's journey to Jerusalem where suffering and death awaited him. I'd like to offer the following prayer as an aid in this process. It's actually verse six of the hymn "The Holy Trinity," which a former parishioner described as resembling a "funeral dirge" because of its tune. At any rate, these words have supported me in both good times and bad, and I hope they do the same for you.

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger. UPDATE ON COMMUNION PROCEDURE AFTER EASTER Many of our members are having increasing difficulty using the steps going up to the chancel to take communion at the rail, and then going down more steps to return to their seats. Out of consideration for these sisters and brothers who still want to take communion with the rest of the congregation rather than receive it individually in their seats, the worship and music committee has recommended implementing continuous communion after Easter. HOWEVER, WE WILL CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE COMMUNION AT THE RAIL THE LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH. To work out some glitches we have experienced previously with continuous communion, the committee came up with a system that should make this process flow smoothly. There will be a table in the middle of the center aisle with trays of empty cups for wine and prefilled cups with grape juice. When directed by the ushers, communicants will walk from their seats to the center aisle, forming two lines. People in each line will move forward and take a cup before proceeding to the pastor and an assistant who will each distribute bread to people in one of the lines. Those in the line on the left will turn to another assistant on the left who will pour wine into their cup. Likewise, people in the line on the right will turn right and receive their wine from an assistant at that station. After communing, each member will walk toward the side aisle where they will place their empty cup in a basket or tray there before proceeding down the side aisle to their seat. We will go through a "dry run" one Sunday before Easter to illustrate this procedure. In the meantime, Pastor Vicki, Doug, Valerie or Mary Campbell would be happy to address any questions or comments you may have. ("Hail to the Chief" plays softly in the background.) In March we salute the president of the congregation--Carol Bostwick--as our volunteer of the month. Having grown up in the Eastpoint community, Carol has been an active member of St. Peter most of her life. She fondly remembers the leadership and mentoring of older members, many of whom have passed on, when she was growing up in the church. As an adult, she stepped into a number of roles in the ministry of the congregation. She has taught Sunday School; served on the Board in the early nineties as Director of the Day Care Center, not in the day to day work but in its overall operation; she helps with the special Bible Schools; has served as Financial Director and continues to be active on the finance and stewardship committees; is a member of Ruth Circle; frequently participates in Bible studies offered at church; is part of the Craft Group; and now oversees the Manna Locker--the church's food pantry--by establishing procedures, recruiting volunteers, keeping statistics to report to governmental agencies, and organizing distribution of holiday food baskets for the needy. Carol raised her two children, Jenny and Jake, at St. Peter too, and now brings her grandson Victor (the newest love of her life) to church activities. Some of her personal interests include making jewelry, including many articles sported by ladies of the church, collecting Longaberger baskets, scrapbooking, travel, entertaining, and doting on her two cats. She enjoys "luxury" camping, not in a tent but rather in a fully equipped camper with all the amenities. Take a look sometime at the frequently changing elaborate designs on her nails. And if you engage Carol in conversation even for just a few minutes, you will be delighted by her exceptional sense of humor. Not surprisingly, as a loyal Ravens fan her favorite color is purple. Carol is an attentive and loyal friend, someone you could call upon for help at the last minute. She enjoyed playing softball, and in fact has an underlying athletic and adventurous spirit. You might not suspect it, but friends divulge that she has recently gone white water rafting, jet skiing, and parasailing. And while we're revealing secrets, let it be known that Carol despises bugs. When confronted by any creepy, crawling creature, we could summarize her reaction with the phrase--"It ain't pretty." Recently retired, Carol now finds herself with less free time than she had while working full-time. But we are grateful she so generously gives of herself, her many talents and gift of diplomacy, to the work of the church. So we take this opportunity to express a hearty THANK YOU to Carol, devoted servant of the Lord! The Book/Movie Group has selected the book The Education of Little Tree to discuss at its next meeting on Thursday, March 21st, 6:30 p.m. This book is readily available at libraries, or can be ordered (new or used) on Amazon. The book tells of a boy orphaned very young, who is adopted by his Cherokee grandmother and half-Cherokee grandfather in the Appalachian mountains of Tennessee during the Great Depression. “Little Tree”, as his grandparents call him, is shown how to hunt and survive in the mountains, to respect nature in the Cherokee Way, taking only what is needed, and leaving the rest for nature to run its course. Little Tree also learns the often callous ways of white businessmen and tax collectors, and how Grandpa, in hilarious vignettes, scares them away from his illegal attempts to enter the cash economy. Granma teaches Little Tree the joys of reading and education. But when Little Tree is taken away by whites for schooling, we learn of the cruelty meted out to Indian children in an attempt to assimilate them and of Little Tree’s perception of the Anglo world and how it differs from the Cherokee Way.

BAD WEATHER POLICY IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER DURING SERVICE TIMES PLEASE TUNE INTO TV STATIONS WJZ-13 OR WMAR-2 FOR OUR CHURCH CANCELLATION NOTICES OR CHECK THE ST PETER WEBSITE www.stpeterlutheraneastpoint.org, Twitter – http://twitter.com/stpeterlutheran or FaceBook - http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=st.+&init=quick#!/profile.php? ref=profile&id=100000799575284 UNLESS YOU HEAR OTHERWISE, ACTIVITIES AT CHURCH WILL BE CANCELLED ON DAYS WHEN THE BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED. PALM/PASSION WEEKEND, March 23 & 24 – 5:00 p.m. & 10:00 a.m. PROCESSION WITH PALMS AND PALM CROSSES And READING OF PASSION NARRATIVE

NO WEDNESDAY SERVICE DURING HOLY WEEK

MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 28 – 7:00 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY, March 29 – 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, March 30 – Congregational Prayer Vigil, All Day (Please Note: There will be no Contemporary Worship Service)

EASTER SUNDAY, March 31, 2012 EASTER CELEBRATION WITH HOLY COMMUNION – 10:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL – 8:45 A.M.

Thanks to my St. Peter family for all their cards, calls and prayers during my recent illness. It is very much appreciated…..Walt Sueck

To the St. Peter Family, We the families of Lynn Hartman want to thank Pastor Vicki and the congregation of St. Peter Church for their attendance at the funeral and the many cards and donations in Lynn’s name. She is one of God’s special angels now. Don’t forget to tell your families how much you love them every day….The Hartman & Krug Families

Dear St. Peter Lutheran Church: Your gift is greatly appreciated, and like a cup of cold water will go a long way to bring joy and help meet the needs of our residents. Your thoughtfulness will make a significant difference in the lives of others….Thank you for your support and love of our residents…With sincere thanks, Glenn Scherer, Executive Director, Augsburg Lutheran Home & Village IS THIS THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE?

PASTOR: Praise the Lord.

CONGREGATION: Hallelujah

PASTOR: Can we please turn our tablet PC, iPad, cellphone, kindle Bibles to 1 Cor. 13:13. And please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon.

PASTOR: Let us pray, committing this week into God's hands. Open your Apps, BBM, Twitter and Facebook and chat with God.

PASTOR: Please have your credit and debit cards ready as we shall now take tithes and offerings. You can log on to the church Wi-Fi using the password Lord909887.

Ushers circulate mobile card swipe machines among the worshipers. Those who prefer to make electronic funds transfers are directed to computers and laptops at the rear of the church and those who prefer to use iPads are allowed to flip them open. Those who prefer telephone banking are allowed to take out their cellphones to transfer their contributions to the church bank account.

(The holy atmosphere is truly electric as the cellphones, iPads, PCs and laptops beep and flicker!)

[Announcement]

SECRETARY: This week's cell meetings shall be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual group chatting takes place. Please don't miss out. Thursday's Bible teachings will be held live on Skype at 1900hrs GMT. You can follow your Pastor on Twitter this weekend for counseling and prayers. God bless you and have a wonderful week ! WORLD HUNGER NEWS!

Following is a breakdown and total of funds given by our congregation for World Hunger in 2012. This does not include money and materials for the Soup Kitchens and Manna Locker which also feed the hungry. Hunger Weekends $ 341.64 Thrivent Matching Funds 150.00 Youth Souper Bowl Offering 160.55 Hunger Calendar Boxes 492.77 WELCA Thankoffering 579.48 Budget Line 300.00 Miscellaneous Offerings* 522.04

Total $2,546.48

*(Such as Memorials, Bazaar, Thanksgiving Eve Service & Board of Directors Offering)

In 2010 this congregation gave $5,559.55 for World Hunger. In 2011 we gave $3,661.14. As you can see we gathered over $1,000.00 less in 2012. I’ve been told by some that people are tired of giving to World Hunger. I would hope that is not true. We must always look to Jesus for his example of meeting the needs of the people. To those who continue to give faithfully and generously, I say thank you so much. God loves a cheerful giver.

Sincerely, Vivian Bold World Hunger Coordinator

CALLING ALL WOMEN!!!

Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity in filling your Thankoffering boxes all last year. It paid off for World Hunger. Although only 25 women in our congregation participated, a total of $579.48 was given for World Hunger. Imagine how much we could have gathered if all the women had taken a hunger coin box and filled it. All women who are members of St. Peter are automatically members of WELCA, the women’s organization of our church. Please remember WELCA offers monthly Bible studies, a Spring gathering, a Christmas Dinner with Secret Prayer Pals and various other projects each year. Women who are not members of St. Peter but worship with us are welcome at all our activities, and we appreciate your offerings to World Hunger. Coin boxes for 2013 are available in the back of the church or see Vivian Bold or Bunny Robl. Please come and join us in fun and fellowship.

Yours in Christ, Vivian Bold WELCA Treasurer Our next Men’s Bible Study will be March 4th at 7:30 p.m. All men are invited to join us.

Tom Flink

ST. LUKE'S WELCA ANNUAL PRAYER BREAKFAST Saturday, March 9th, breakfast served promptly at 9:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1803 Dundalk Ave., Balto., MD 21222. Guest Speaker will be the Rev. Sandra Alexis of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. There will be a performance by the Puppet Ministry of St. Peter’s Church. Donation is $7.00. For reservations please call 410-284-0783.

UPCOMING BUS TRIPS SPONSORED BY ST. LUKE'S 1) SHADY MAPLE RESTAURANT and NAYLOR WINERY April 17th – Price $45 Bus Leaves St. Luke’s 9:00 a.m. Bus Returns to St. Luke’s 6:30 p.m.

($10.00 deposit required with balance due March 22nd.) For reservations or information call 410-284-0783

2) BROADWAY: Now and Forever All the hits of your favorite shows! We'll also visit Kitchen Kettle Village for 2 hours of shopping and then on to GOOD & PLENTY RESTAURANT. May 23rd – Price $78 Leave St. Luke’s, 1803 Dundalk Ave. – 8:00 a,m, - Return 7:00 p.m.

($10.00 will hold your seat with balance due April 20.) For reservations or more info call: 410-284-0783 WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU

If you have anyone you would like to add to the Prayer List, please fill out a “Remember in Prayer” slip in the pew rack, or call the church office, 410- 288-0537. Please sign your name as the person requesting prayers in case there is a follow-up.

February 2013

Marge Ard Jaykobb Hill Laura Pharr Richard Ard Craig Jones Michael Redman Mike Barnes Peter Kantorsky Betty Riden Davis Barkley Mandy Kent Wayne Sautter Anna Bowler Beatrice Keiser Marie Schehlein Margaux Chrystal John King Garnet Stevens Bill Clark Betty Knight Robert Tankersley Lynn Clark Dawn Kulczycki William Tankersley Chris Copeland Dolores Lynch Shonda Waybright Jan Albert-Elliott Ed Lynch Denise Heath-Winter Keith Fewster Marilyn Lynch Jaxon Yeagy John Harris Eadie Mehring

Also pray for those listed below who are in assisted living or nursing facilities and are no longer able to come and worship with us. They enjoy hearing from members of the congregation, so your phone calls and cards are truly appreciated.

Hedi Devine Rosalie Molz Augsburg Lutheran Village Riverview Care Center, Rm 610 6825 Campfield Rd, Apt 10-G 1 Eastern Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21207-4634 Baltimore, MD 21221

John Harris Lois Cole Heavenly Home Riverview Care Center, Rm 613 22 Chandelle Rd 1 Eastern Avenue Baltimore MD 21220 Baltimore, MD 21221

April Issue March 15, 2013 MARCH BIRTHDAYS 03-01 Shirley Hisker 03-02 Thomas Flink 03-03 Nicole Jansen 03-06 Meaghan Magurn 03-07 Justin Kuiken 03-09 Marilyn Lynch 03-09 Shirley Love 03-13 Robert Michaud, Jr. If someone’s name is missing, adult or 03-21 James Grap Sunday School child, 03-24 Barbara Jenkins please call the Church 03-27 Phil Rutledge Office at 410-288-0537 03-28 Valerie Adelung or e-mail 03-30 Doris Huber [email protected] so we can update our 03-30 Christine Marshall records. Bulletin and Flower Memorials

Congregation members continue to sponsor bulletin and flower memorials in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special person.

Weekly Flowers (either 2 altar vases or 1 large arrangement) - $25. Weekly Bulletins - $15 – PLEASE CHECK THE SIGN-UP CHARTS ON AN EASEL AT THE REAR OF THE SANCTUARY FOR OPEN DATES.

Saturday, March 23rd, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Bible Stories, crafts, music, puppet show and food!

See Phyllis Schmitt or Nancy Hammond to sign-up MARCH 2013

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS & CANTORS: COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: Doug Tomecek 410-686-9270 Doug Tomecek 410-686-9270 3 -- (WA) Lillian Tomecek 3 -- Marie Gellert (C) Patricia Hipchen 10 -- Joseph Myers 10 -- (WA) Angela Carpenter 17 -- Jean Jansen (C) Valerie Adelung 24 -- Sherri Hart 17 -- (WA) Brian Bichell 28 -- Marie Michaud (C) Susan Neumeister 31 -- Bunny Robl 24 -- (WA) Mary Flohr (C) Patricia Hipchen GREETERS: 28 -- (WA) Mary Campbell Lorraine Ward 410-288-1013 (C) Mary Campbell 3 -- Joan Sarynski 31 -- (WA) Jan Jones 10 -- Cindy Titus (C) Valerie Adelung 17 -- Doris Huber 24 -- Joan Sarzynski ACOLYTES 31 -- Mary Catanzariti Doug Tomecek 410-686-9270 3 -- (A) Hunter Jones NURSERY ASSISTANTS: (C) Ophelia Bartuah Doug Tomecek 410-686-9270 10 -- (A) Courtney Russell 3 -- Tracy Russell (C) Adrianna Kinsella 10 -- Phyllis Schmitt 17 -- (A) Lindsey Rivera 17 -- Donna Barnhart (C) Gavin Mooney 24 -- Tracy Michaud 24 -- (A) Mary Johnson 24 -- Deborah Miller, Melissa Miller (C) Gabrielle Weiser 28 -- (A) Sabrina Michaud ALTAR GUILD: (C) Tracy Michaud Marie Gellert 410-288-4278 31 -- (A) Hunter Jones 3 -- Bunny Robl (C) Moses Johnson 10 -- Bea Thomas, Robin Goodwin 17 -- Marie Gellert LECTORS: 24 -- Mildred Albanese, Margaret Krug Doug Tomecek 410-686-9270 28 -- Marie Gellert 3 -- Gabrielle Weiser 31 -- Beverly Flohr, June Grap 10 -- Marie Gellert 17 -- Bunny Robl HOST/HOSTESS: 24 -- Mary Campbell Linda Heath 410-282-1731 28 -- Beverly Flohr 3 -- Lillian Jones, Susan Neumeister 29 -- Marie Gellert 10 -- Jan Jones, Elaine Funk, Linda Heath 31 -- Vivian Bold 17 -- Doris Huber, Mary Clark 24 -- Sue & Rob Weber, Donna Barnhart If you would like to serve your Lord 31 -- No Fellowship through any of these ministries, please call the person listed next to the ministry title. Note: Anyone interested in becoming a Host or Hostess, we need you! See Linda Heath