OCTO BER 2017 www.cscfamily.org Phone: (610) 584-4480

Dear Church Family,

Many of us appreciate special occasions, dates upon which we celebrate an event in history. October 31st will mark the 500th year of the Protestant . It is on this date that took matters into his own hands and called the church back to the .

Luther listed 95 areas where the had departed from Biblical orthodoxy. By nailing these items in written form on the church doors at Wittenberg, he began a movement that continues today. Protestants make up about 37% of Christians, about 11% of the world’s population, a number that is over 800 million.1

To be Protestant in the classic sense, is to have a high regard for the Bible as ’s written word. is the that the Bible alone is the authority for our . Luther’s testimony at the Diet of Worms in 1521 stated: Unless I am overcome with testimonies from Scripture or with evident reasons- for I believe neither the Pope nor the Councils, since they have often erred and contradicted one another; I am overcome by the Scripture texts which I have adduced, and my conscience is bound by God’s Word.2 This was in the context of the church of Rome which affirmed that religious authority came from Scripture and church tradition. What popes and councils had decided in the past, defined what the Roman Church would teach. Against the background of human authority, the Reformers taught that the Bible was divine authority.

Luther and others such as Calvin, Zwingli and , called the church back to the Bible. Alister McGrath states, Scripture was seen as embodying the commands and promises of God, thus giving it a status over and above any purely human document. The phrase sola scriptura, ‘by Scripture alone’ expresses the basic Reformation believe that no source other than Scripture need be consulted in matters of Christian faith and practice.3 Some verses that speak of the Scriptures as God’s guide for our lives are the following:

Deuteronomy 4:2: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.”

Proverbs 30:5: “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar.”

Jesus prayed in the garden in John 17:17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

The Reformers believed we needed to get back to the Scriptures as the guide for our faith. To appreciate the Bible, one must read it; study it and meditate on its contents. I hope that you will make a new commitment to read your Bible daily, and that God would show you His wisdom as you hunger for His word.

In His Love, Pastor David

1 http://www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/global-christianity-traditions/. 2 http://www.5solas.org. 3 McGrath, Reformation Thought, (Oxford: Blackwell, 1999), 61. Greetings from the Netherlands!

Dear Family and Friends in Christ,

Greetings again from the Netherlands. As I write, it is pouring outside. This has been the wettest September that we have had in our stay. Hopefully, your weather is much better.

We are in the beginning of our fall semester at the school. Once again, there are students from many nations who are here with us. This year, however, there has been more of a shift in our student body. We are attracting more students from Central Asia, particularly from Pakistan. I believe that they are with us as a result of several reasons. Pakistan is known to be one of the countries in which persecution takes place the most. It is fourth on the watch list for organizations like Open Doors that measure Christian persecution. (If you are interested in the mission organization Open Doors, you can find it on the Internet at: www.opendoorsusa.org).

Pakistan is approximately 95% Muslim. In Pakistan if anyone utters anything that could be seen to be derogatory against the Muslim prophet Mohammed, he or she can be thrown in prison, receive a fine, or even worse. Besides the blasphemy law, Christians have been targeted due to their difference with the majority Muslim nation. Pakistan is a difficult place to be a Christian.

Many Christian groups experience persecution in Pakistan. Christian groups that have a history in Pakistan may continue meeting openly, but they are affected by stringent rules and constant monitoring. Unfortunately, these communities suffer frequent attacks. Muslims who convert from suffer persecution from radical Islamic groups, families and neighbors. In Pakistan, violent persecution is frequent. Christians are targets for murder, bombings, abduction of women, rape, forced marriages and eviction from home and country.

Our students from Pakistan have come to us because they have not been able to find suitable Christian training in their country. One student has told us that if he could have found Christian education that had a high enough standard, he would have remained in Pakistan.

Please pray for some of our Pakistani students, Yasir Saleem, Huma Gill, and Zara Akhter. All three are fine Pakistani believers. They will be returning to Pakistan upon completion of their studies. Ask the Lord to prepare them for serving Him in a challenging country.

With Christian Greetings, Drake, Andrea, Henry, Abigail, and Samuel Williams

P.S. Our eldest son Henry is engaged to Laurie Harris from Oregon. Laurie attends Wheaton College, like Henry did. A December wedding is being planned in the Chicago area.

Mission agency address: European Christian Mission. P. O. Box 1006. Point Roberts, WA 9828

 OUR LANSDALE CHURCH DEDICATES NEW PIPE ORGAN

The February 1927 Schwenkfeldian contained this interesting news of celebration summarized here.

“This pipe organ is material evidence that the people of this congregation have music in their hearts,” said Rev. H. K. Heebner, pastor of the , as the Lansdale congregation dedicated its new pipe organ with special services, Sunday, January 9th, 1927, afternoon and evening. Members of Schwenkfelder churches from all parts of the North Penn section as well as churchgoers of other denominations attended. Every available seat was filled and a number of spectators stood in the back of the church.

“Buying a musical instrument of this kind,” said Rev. Heebner, “is not merely a case of having sufficient money to make the purchase. The desire to spread the Christian by the aid of music is necessary before any group of people can feel the need for a pipe organ.”

Music, he explained, is the fifth elemental need of mankind. Needs of the human being in order of importance, are: “Food, clothing, shelter, friendship, and music.”

Choirs from other Schwenkfelder churches assisted the Lansdale congregation in the dedicatory services. Churches represented by choruses were: Worcester, Towamencin, Palm, and Philadelphia. The largest of these choruses was that of the Palm Schwenkfelder congregation, which included more than twenty-five musicians. This choir gave an excellent rendition of the famous “Hallelujah Chorus,” by Handel. Although lack of electrical current prevented the organ from being used during the first part of the program, the new instrument played its first notes when the congregation united in singing the Dedicatory Hymn, after the formal dedication services was read.

The Dedicatory Hymn, composed especially for the occasion by Rev. L. S. Hoffman, pastor of the Lansdale church [as well as Worcester and Towamencin], is as follows:

While we meet with one accord—Abba Father. To adore Thee blessed Lord;—Lord and Master. Draw Thou near us while we pray,—Precious Saviour. And abide with us for aye.—. We have brought a token fair.—Great Son of God. To enrich this house of ;—Son of David. We would use it verily,—True King of kings. Only to commune with Thee.—Lord Christ . Now we dedicate to Thee,—Most Holy God. This Pipe Organ, rev'rently;—Lord of Glory. May it ever in this place.—Great Redeemer. Bless Thy Name through notes of praise.— Our Messiah. Bless dear Lord the gift we bring.—Faithful Shepherd. And our lives, a thank off'ring;—Mediator. Teach us Lord through service Thine—Thou Prince of Peace. To attain Thy Joys Divine.—Emmanuel.

Many other greetings and special music were shared as well as a meal between the afternoon and evening services. The article concluded, “Our Denomination congratulates our Lansdale brethren upon their enterprise so happily crowned with success.” Even though the Lansdale congregation has since disbanded, parts of this organ continue to inspire through the members of our Central Schwenkfelder Church.

Caspar’s Corner is provided monthly to The Schwenkfelder Church by the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center WCF News (Women’s Christian Fellowship)

Wow! Wow!

A huge THANK YOU filled with gratitude from the Bakery/Country Market Committee to all you bakers, canners, cookie makers, and crafters! We had a wonderful array of varied items in each area thanks to YOU! It was a beautiful day, crowds were abuzz, and we were so greatly appreciative of your donations. YOU made our booths successful!

A special SHOUT OUT to Amelia for making our move to the Community Center a success, and a personal note of heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stepped in to help this year and pick up where I could not! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! L.S.

If you missed out on the opportunity to purchase Piccalilli or some homemade with love jellies or jams, it is not too late! There is some in the church office!

Country Fair’s Flower Booth

The Fresh Flower Booth was extremely successful this year because of the contributions of many volunteers. Thank you to the entire congregation for your generous contributions of flowers and “greens.” The creativity of our arrangers is truly amazing. The arrangements were gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your time and wonderful talents in arranging and selling flowers, tabulating money and assembling and cleaning the worksite. Remember to express appreciation to the following merchants for their generous donations of fresh flowers: Acme Sav-On Market, Costco Wholesale, Giant Food Store, Shop Rite Supermarket, Wegmans Food Market, Weis Market, Rhoads Gardens, Enchanted Florists, O & F Farms, Plaza Florists, and Younger & Sons Floral Wholesale. Through our sales, we were able to raise a considerable amount of money for missions, bring joy to many people, and enjoy Christian fellowship, while working together. It is such a pleasure to work with each of you for this common goal.

Portia Potts, Rosalie Smith, Elaine Heist, & Stacy Clark-Stephens

Shoe Box Update: Fillings – Fillers - Facilitator

There is a box under the Buchanan mail slot for any donations of appropriate items that can become “FILLINGS” for “FILLERS” who pack shoe boxes (info pamphlets are in the slot). Give or take as suits your effort. You can also “FACILITATE” the “travel” cost of boxes packed by others with a check to Samaritan’s Purse that will be assigned to group boxes. Envelopes are part of the pamphlets and can be returned to the slot.

Our ingathering date is on or before NOVEMBER 5th!

Central’s Youth Programs

AWANA is for youth entering Kindergarten through 5th grade. They meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Central Community Center.

WIRED is for youth entering 6th – 8th grades. They meet at the Anders Youth Suite and the Central Community Center on Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

CRAVE is for youth entering 9th – 12th grades. They meet at the Central Community Center on Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

For more information about our Youth programs, please see our website at www.cscfamily.org or call the church office to speak with our Youth Pastor.

OCTOBER WIRED AND CRAVE MEETINGS OCTOBER Anders Youth Suite/CCC 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. AWANA MEETINGS st 1 Regular Wired & Crave CCC 6:30 – 8:00 pm th 8 Wired/Crave Campfire Night (CCC only) 15th Regular Wired & Crave 4th Regular Meeting th 22nd Regular Wired & Crave 11 Bring a Parent Night 18th Bonfire & Hayride 27th – 28th Wired & Crave Triple Treat All-Nighter 25th Regular Meeting 29th Regular Wired and Crave

Upcoming Events: Wired Breakaway Retreat October 6th – 8th

IF YOU HAVE NOT REGISTERED AND WANT TO GO, CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE IMMEDIATELY! If you are registered, plan to meet at the CCC at 5:00 p.m. on the 6th for pizza dinner and departure. Pick up will be Sunday at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Wired & Crave Campfire Night: October 8th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Come on out to the Central Community Center for a roarin’ bonfire in the fire pit!

AWANA Bring a Parent Night: October 11th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Bring a parent to Awana tonight so they can see what it is all about!

AWANA Bonfire & Hayride: October 18th, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Dress for the weather, we will be having a hayride and campfire night at the outdoor fire pit!

Wired/Crave TRIPLE TREAT ALL-NIGHTER! October 27th-28th from 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 a.m. This is going to be the night you will NEVER FORGET! The most insane all-nighter we ever had returns! We will be traveling by bus all night to Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt, Ultrazone Laser Tag and then back to the church for breakfast! All students in grades 6-12 are invited and please, invite all the friends you can find! We have 48 seats on the bus so let’s fill them all! Cost is only $60 for all of this! Don’t miss out. If cost is an issue we have scholarships and payment plans available. Make sure to sign-up!

SYLO Bash: November 5th 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. All 6th – 12th graders, come on out to Sally House’s house for lunch, singing, bashing pumpkins and other games. Please bring any un-carved pumpkins that you want to smash! Cost is $0 and friends are welcome!! Dorian choir will be held immediately afterwards and there is no regular Wired or Crave meetings that evening. 2017 Church Family News

Births, Birthdays, Weddings & Anniversaries Celebrated, Congratulations to: LOHSE – Nathan R. & Rebecca J. (Shenkle), on the birth of their twin daughters, Ava June and Cecelia Ruth, on Saturday, August 26th. CLEMENS – Emily K., who celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday, August 27th. KOCHER – Ellis S. and Miriam N., on their 61st wedding anniversary on Friday, September 1st.

Sympathy is extended to: HUNSICKER – the family of Dorothy Ann, who passed away on Thursday, January 19th.

The United Schwenkfelder Choir is celebrating their 87th OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH year of music ministry and will begin its annual fundraising We would like to take this opportunity to shower our campaign on Monday, October pastors with cards and notes telling them…and their 5th. Our fundraiser provides spouses...how much they mean to us! This expression of almost 60% of our revenue. gratitude was greatly appreciated by our ministers last year, so please take a little bit of time to bless each of All contributions are recognized by printing the donor's them again with words of encouragement and thanks! name in our program. The Patron level requires a Email addresses for the pastors are listed below, or feel free to send a card to their homes or the church office. contribution of $5.00 or more. The Contributor level requires a contribution of $10.00 or more. Sponsor level David McKinley – [email protected] requires a contribution of $25.00 or more. The Business Brian Allen – [email protected] Card level requires a contribution of $35.00 or more along Julian Scavetti – [email protected] with your business card which will be slightly reduced and printed in our program. LAMPS BIBLE STUDY Members of the choir will be in Fellowship Hall after both The Ladies' AM Prayer and Study group meets on worship services in October to receive your Wednesdays until May at 9:45 -11:00 a.m. in Fellowship contributions or you may give your contribution to any Hall. We will study Beth Moore's DAVID:Seeking a Heart United Schwenkfelder Choir member at any time. Our Like His. fund drive will close on Monday, November 6th so that we have sufficient time to compile and print all of the names ALL ARE WELCOME to join us at any time during the in our program bulletin. The concerts take place on year. Please use the handicapped entrance. Sunday, December 3 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

United Schwenkfelder Choir President, Dennis Alderfer

CHRISTIANITY 101

Would you like to deepen your The Red Cross has been very busy with blood understanding of what it means to be a drives and reaching out to those people affected Christian? No matter where you are in by the recent hurricanes. Thank you to everyone your faith journey, you are invited to who came out to support the recent blood drive participate in Christianity 101, an at our church. We saw familiar faces as well as interactive class that covers such topics new ones who said that they really wanted to as belief, ethics and devotions. The class help in any way they could, saw our sign out meets for 13 weeks during the Sunday front and just decided to come in. Normally the School hour, from 10:15 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. blood collected locally stays local, however that in Room 2-3, on the second floor behind may not be the case this time. Thank you ever the balcony. All are welcome - If you are so much to everyone who helped with this interested in joining Central Schwenkfelder Church, this class is successful drive---our callers, custodial staff, one of the requirements. If you would volunteers, office staff and of course, our like any more information, please contact donors. We (Linda, Barb, and the Red Cross) the church office. cannot thank you enough for your support.

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE 9:00 Traditional Worship 10:10 Sunday School 11:15 Informal Worship OCTOBER 2017

SUNDAY 1 MONDAY 2 TUESDAY 3 WEDNESDAY 4 THURSDAY 5 FRIDAY 6 SATURDAY 7 (Rev. David preaches) 9:15 Staff Meeting (FH) 9:30 MOPS (CCC) 9:15 Women’s Bible Study (CCC) 9:00 Men’s Bible Study (AYS) 9:00 Sunday School for all 9:45 LAMPS (FH) 10:30 BLENDED WORSHIP SERVICE World-wide Communion Mission Moment: Tui Shishak 5:30 Choir Rehearsals (see schedule 12:00 ALL-CHURCH Luncheon (FH) below) 7:00 Schmooze, News… (CCC) 6:15 Cub Scouts Den Mtg. (PRIM, 6:15 363 Worship (CCC) 5:00 Wired BREAKAWAY, drop off 5:45 Dorian Choir (CCC) 7:00 Celebration Brass (JR) 7:00 North Pennsmen (FH) MID, BLUE, MERE) 7:00 H. Days Committee (ACR) at CCC 6:30 Wired & Crave (AYS,CCC) 7:30 United Choir (SANC/FH) 7:00 Deacons Prayer Mtg. (PRAY) 6:30 AWANA (CCC) 7:00 BoM Finance Comm. (QUILT) 7:00 Cub Scouts, reserved (FH) 6:30 Small Group, A. Koehler (MERE) 7:30 Chancel Bells (PP) 7:30 Brd. Deacons (MERE) 7:00 Prayer Meeting (PRAY) 7:15 Worship Band (STAGE/FH) 7:00 1st Fridays resumes (CCC)

(Pastor Brian preaches) 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 (NO HAPPY DAYS TODAY) 9:30 MOPS (CCC) 9:15 Women’s Bible Study (CCC) 9:00 Men’s Bible Study (AYS) 10:30 Schwenkfelder Ministerium 9:45 LAMPS (FH)

**BREAKAWAY pick up at Anders** (ACR) 2:00 Schwenkfelder Tea @ Approx. 2:30 p.m. Peter Becker

5:30 Choir Rehearsals (see schedule below) 5:45 Dorian Choir (CCC) 6:30 AWANA Bring a Parent Ngt. 6:15 363 Worship (CCC) 6:30 Wired & Crave Campfire (CCC) (CCC) 6:30 Bethel Bible (BETH) 6:30 Small Group, A. Koehler (MERE) 7:30 United Choir (at PALM) 7:00 H. Days Committee (BLUE) 7:00 Women’s Retreat Mtg. (ACR) 6:45 Small Group, M. Beatrice (ACR) 7:30 Chancel Bells (PP) 7:00 North Pennsmen (FH) 7:00 Prayer Meeting (PRAY) 7:15 Worship Band (STAGE/FH)

(LAITY SUNDAY) 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9:30 MOPS (CCC) 9:15 Women’s Bible Study (CCC) 9:00 Men’s Bible Study (AYS) 9:45 LAMPS (FH) 2:00 Meadowood Service 3:00 School of Christ & Fall General 1:00 WCF Bakery-Country Mrkt. Conference (FH, SANC) Mtg. (FH) 5:30 Choir Rehearsals (see schedule below) 4:00 SLHC Finance Comm. (ACR) 6:15 Cub Scouts Den Mtg. (PRIM, 5:00 Peter Wentz Fall Dinner Mtg. 5:45 Dorian Choir (CCC) MID, BLUE, MERE) (FH) 6:30 Wired & Crave (AYS, CCC) 6:00 MOPS (CCC) 6:30 AWANA Bonfire & Hayride 6:15 363 Worship(CCC) 6:30 Small Group, A. Koehler (MERE) 7:30 United Choir (FH) 7:00 Schmooze, News… (CCC) (CCC) 6:30 Bethel Bible (BETH) 6:45 Small Group, M. Beatrice (ACR) 7:30 Chancel Bells (PP) 7:00 North Pennsmen (FH) 7:00 Prayer Meeting (PRAY) 7:15 Worship Band (STAGE/FH)

(Rev. David preaches) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 INFANT DEDICATION 9:30 MOPS (CCC) 9;15 Women’s Bible Study (CCC) 9:00 Men’s Bible Study (AYS) 12:30 Private Family Gathering (SANC) 9:45 LAMPS (FH)

2:00 Schwenkfelder Fellowship @ Dock 5:00 Adult Life Bible Study (LIB.NURS) 5:45 Dorian Choir (CCC) 5:30 Choir Rehearsals (see schedule 6:30 Wired & Crave (AYS, CCC) 7:00 Brd. CE (ACR) 7:00 Zion Choral Rehearsal (SANC) below) 6:15 363 Worship (CCC) 6:30 Wired/Crave Triple Treat 6:30 Small Group, A. Koehler (MERE) 7:30 Chancel Bells (PP) 7:00 Brd. Missions (BETH) 6:30 AWANA (CCC) 6:30 Bethel Bible (BETH) All-Nighter (CCC) 6:45 Small Group, M. Beatrice (ACR) 7:30 United Choir (FH) 7:00 North Pennsmen (FH) 7:00 Prayer Meeting (PRAY) 7:15 Worship Band (STAGE/FH)

(Rev. David preaches) 29 30 31 REFORMATION SUNDAY 9:00 H. Days, reserved (NARX) ** WEDS. CHOIR SCHEDULE 9:30 MOPS (CCC) 5:30 – 6:30 Junior Choir (JUNIOR RM.) 3:00 Zion Choral Concert (SANC) 5:45 – 6:30 Genesis Bells (PP)

6:30 – 7:00 Celebration Brass (FH)

5:45 Dorian Choir (CCC) 7:00 – 8:00 Brasswind (FH) 6:30 Wired & Crave (AYS, CCC) 8:00 – 9:30 Chancel Choir (SANC) 6:30 Small Group, A. Koehler (MERE) CD’s of the 9:00 a.m. worship service are available for a 7:30 Chancel Bells (PP) 7:00 Schmooze, News… (CCC) 6:45 Small Group, M. Beatrice (ACR) 7:30 United Choir (SANC) 7:00 North Pennsmen (FH) $1 donation; simply call the church office to order. Pastor David’s sermon manuscripts are posted on a blog entitled “Central to Life” and found on the church’s website www.cscfamily.org as well as www.davidmckinley.me Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid The CENTRAL FOCUS Permit #465 Central Schwenkfelder Church Bulk Rate Lansdale, PA 19446 2111 S. Valley Forge Road Lansdale, PA 19446 www.cscfamily.org Change Service Requested

Ministerial Staff:

Rev. Dr. David W. McKinley, Senior Minister Brian C. Allen, Interim Associate Minister Julian A. Scavetti, Youth Pastor

The CENTRAL FOCUS is a monthly newsletter published for the members and friends of the Central Schwenkfelder Church.

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MODERATOR’S CORNER

Dear Church Family,

Now that summer is over, vacations are done, and we are back into the fall schedule, I would like to give you an update on the church health assessment and planning process that we have begun with “The Center”.

We think this is an exciting time for us as a church as we consider the future God may have for us. We plan to give you periodic updates so that you know how to pray specifically for our needs and you will know how you can help when the time is right.

Our Catalyst Team has been established and is up and running. The “CAT” team is made up of six well-established and dedicated church members and two of our ministers. The group represents a broad range of church experience and a solid commitment to Central, with each member bringing a unique perspective to the discussion.

The Catalyst Team has been meeting monthly and has met twice with the Center to review the report from the surveys, and to start discerning the priorities for the future of Central. The data provided through your surveys and interviews are proving to be highly valuable. Thanks again to all who participated.

We are following a well-designed process to reveal from all the data the three most important priorities for Central to be pursued over the next 36 months. We hope to have a recommendation to Church Council around the New Year. If approved we will be using the winter months to get the specific details in place. Knowing what to do is one thing, knowing how and when to do it is another. By this spring, we hope to have the plan in place. No doubt, we will be creating opportunities for you to ask questions about what we hope to do and why.

We covet your as we work through this process. God is at work and we need the spiritual protection and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we discover how God wants to shape our ministry in the future.

Yours in Christ, Vernon Seipt, Moderator