The Monthly Epistle
The VOLUME 58, ISSUE 9 Monthly Epistle SEPTEMBER 2014
PLAN NOW FOR WEDNESDAY EVENING SERVICES HOMECOMING 2014! beginning Wednesday, September 10 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary Homecoming 2014 at St. Paul's will be on Sunday, September 14, at 10:30 a.m. Rev. DJ Each Wednesday, starting on September Lura will be proclaiming God's Word to us. 10, St. Paul’s will offer a mid-week chance We are also happy to have Mack Williams, to refresh your spirit. son of St. Paul's, sharing his musical talent A Worship Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. with us again this Homecoming. in the Sanctuary, lasting between 30 and 45 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will be minutes. celebrating its 184th anniversary. We welcome everyone to come and Homecoming dinner will follow in the worship with us! picnic shelter. Invite family, friends and former members now to be with us for this special occasion on Sunday, September 14. This is a wonderful time to renew old relations, update what is going on in the lives CONFIRMATION CLASSES for rising of others that have been special to us, and to 7th-8th graders will begin Wednesday, make new relationships. Plan now to be a September 10, at 7:15 p.m. with a parents part of our Homecoming! and Confirmands meeting in the Conference Room with Pastor DJ. Each Wednesday the Confirmands will meet at 7:15 p.m. in the Conference Room with few exceptions. RALLY DAY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Please remember to join us for Sunday School RALLY DAY on September 7. This will be the beginning of the NEW SUNDAY HELP IS NEEDED IN KINDERGARTEN AND SCHOOL YEAR here at St. Paul’s. It’s a NURSERY SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES! If great opportunity to invite friends and you are interested in helping with either of family members to join our Sunday School these classes during Sunday School (9:30— program. 10:20 a.m.) please contact the church Sunday School teachers will be office. installed during worship.
ReClaim Hymnal Worship: Why the changes?
Dear Faithful in Christ,
"The ReClaim Lutheran Hymnal for Church and Home includes worship services that help pastors and congregations raise up their children in the evangelical Lutheran faith. Consistent use of these services helps shape people in their faith." -Dr. Gracia Grindal, Editor-in Chief, ReClaim Lutheran Hymnal for Church and Home
How we worship shapes what we believe. Martin Luther understood this as the motivation behind changes he made to the Roman Mass during the Lutheran Reformation. For Luther, the center of the Christian worship service is what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. This is the reverse of our tendency to see worship as what we do for God. Therefore, when working on an Evangelical form of worship, Luther sought to remove any hint that what we brought to worship, except our repentant hearts, should be celebrated.
The ReClaim Hymnal was born out of a recognition that the clarity of Martin Luther's understanding of the worship service was being lost in modern Lutheran churches. Lutheran worship over the last 30 years has come in line with the liturgical revival of Vatican II in the 1960s, and this is reflected in the Green Hymnal.
The worship services found in the ReClaim Hymnal hold to what is sound and authentic. Lutheran worship in English appeared first in what is known as the 1888 Common Service. Prepared by a committee of American Lutherans who consulted the best Evangelical services of the sixteenth century in Germany, the 1888 Common Service became the most widely used service among Lutheran churches in the twentieth century. To remain faithful to that witness, the ReClaim hymnal is an update in the language and music of the 1888 Common Service, and is a clear confession of traditional Evangelical worship. The Holy Communion Service contained in this resource is an updated version of the oldest Lutheran service, traced back to Luther's order of worship.
2 So what has changed in the order of worship from the Green Hymnal and why? The ReClaim Hymnal intentionally avoids any ceremony connected with the bringing forward of "gifts." The reason being that it can confuse the proper direction of worship. The proper direction of worship is top-down from God to the people, not people to God.
The changes from Green Hymnal worship to ReClaim worship: 1. There is no Eucharistic prayer (including the passing of the peace) as well as any no- tion that we somehow participate in the death of Christ. 2. There is no ceremony around the giving of our tithes and offerings (generally called the offertory and offering prayer), so as not to inadvertently teach that we bring anything to worship worthy of celebration aside from a repentant heart. The offering is still an im- portant part of worship and our discipleship, and is located during the Anthem, but it is not processed to the altar. This removes any confusion in the direction of worship: Worship is what God does for us. Not what we do for God. 3. There is no closing hymn to end the service. The worship service ends with the bene- diction, which is God's Word of promise and blessing for you. This means that we end worship being blessed by God, rather than giving praise to God through singing. Fol- lowing the benediction, the congregation follows the Procession (primarily the Cross of Christ) as followers of Jesus Christ into the world, active in our discipleship until we gather again.
In 2007, St. Paul's Lutheran Church decided to invest in the efforts of ReClaim Resources to print a new hymnal that was uniquely focused on evangelical Lutheran worship. After seven years of research and development, we received 75 pre-purchased copies of the new hymnal in 2014.
Today at St. Paul's, what was old has become "new" again. And that which is new feels strange. It takes some time to get used to it. I grew up using the Green Hymnal. In fact, I can barely remember the Red Hymnal! And for me, the rhythm of the ReClaim worship at times can feel odd, because I am still discovering it.
But the promise of God "for you" in its words is absolutely true. It is more clear than the Green Hymnal in teaching that the proper direction of worship is from God coming to us through the Word. It is more faithful to authentic Evangelical worship passed on to us from Luther's time. It DOES confess boldly the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ for sinners: announced to you, given for you, washed over you, placed on and poured through your lips; as pure gift apart from anything you do. And in the end, that is what truly matters when we gather for worship: hearing and receiving the promise of forgiveness in Jesus Christ alone through faith. Evangelical worship plants and cultivates your faith through the Word of God, coming to you, right where you are. From God to you. Come, let us worship! Amen!
Peace in Christ, Pastor DJ 3 THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CONGREGATIONAL CLOSED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, ICE CREAM SUPPER FOR LABOR DAY. Come join us for the Congregational Ice Cream Supper on Sunday, August 24, at NOMINATING COMMITTEE 6:00 p.m. in the Picnic Shelter. Everyone is asked to please bring a churn of ice cream or Nominating Committee, consisting of: Eric a dessert. The Fellowship Committee will Barringer, Diane Day, Steve Holland, Alan provide drinks. Come and let’s cool off on Powlas, Dick Smith, and Wayne Taylor will these hot days with some delicious ice cream meet Sunday, September 7, at 6:00 p.m. in and great fellowship. the Conference Room with Pastor DJ Lura. At the meeting the committee will be preparing a list of nominees for the The Evangelism Committee will meet congregation council to be voted on at the Sunday, September 7, at 4:00 p.m. upcoming annual meeting. THE BAZAAR IS COMING! A LL S TANDING C OMMITTEE Mark your calendars for Saturday, CHAIRPERSONS (Christian Education, Evangelism, Family Life, Finance, Property, November 8th, from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Social Ministry, Stewardship, and Worship St. Paul's Women will host our bi-annual Fall Bazaar, but we need help from everyone to & Music) WILL MEET ON Sunday, make this event a huge success! So whether September 21, at 6:00 p.m. IN THE you cook, bake, can, sew, knit, wood work, or CONFERENCE ROOM. IF YOU ARE UNABLE any of those other crafty things- we need TO ATTEND PLEASE HAVE A MEMBER OF you!!! YOUR COMMITTEE COME IN YOUR PLACE. The Lutheran Men will be providing All Standing Committees (Christian breakfast and the Lutheran Women and Glen Education, Evangelism, Family Life, Amos’ famous chicken meals will be for sale Finance, Property, Social Ministry, for lunch on. Pre-sale tickets will go on sale Stewardship, and Worship & Music) of the during the month of October for $8 per plate. congregation will meet on Sunday, The profits from the Bazaar will go towards September 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the financing the Women’s work in the church Fellowship Hall to look at our ministry and community throughout the year. needs and goals for the coming year and to Remember we only have a Bazaar every other come up with a new mission budget for the year, so we need to bring in as many crafts, year 2015. The Finance Committee will baked goods, raffles, canned goods, as meet at 5:30 p.m., half hour before this possible to keep us in good shape. meeting. The Church Council will meet So put on your thinking caps, and get those following the 6:00 p.m. meeting to finish good works going. Working together we can preparing the 2015 Budget. do GREAT THINGS.
4 ROWAN HELPING MINISTRIES Upcoming Events/Activities
St. Paul's and the Girl Scouts donated to the Sunday, August 24 ROWAN HELPING MINISTRIES 15+ Blessings of the Backpack at 10:30 a.m.
pounds of Paper Goods for the month of July. Congregational Ice Cream Supper Thank you all for your continued support and at 6:00 p.m. in the Picnic Shelter. ministry! Please bring a churn of ice cream or a dessert.
RHM item for September is Diapers Saturday, September 6 though any item donated is accepted. The Children’s Choir Pool Party at 3:00 p.m.
shelves are bare and they could use our Sunday, September 7 assistance in filling them. Rally Day
Lutheran Women’s Business Meeting Pastor DJ Lura, Alan Beaver, and Dick at 5:00 p.m. (Guest speaker)
Smith will be attending the 14TH ANNUAL Nominations Committee at 6:00 p.m. GATHERING of Lutheran Congregations in Wednesday, September 10 Mission for Christ. The Annual Gathering begins the Evening Services at 6:30 p.m. will be held from October 5-8, in Des Moines, IA. Thursday, September 11 Women of Faith at 11:00 a.m. A Theological Conference will be sponsored by LCMC through the Institute for Annual Lutheran Men’s Fish Fry at 6:30 p.m. Lutheran Theology before the Gathering in the Picnic Shelter.
which Pastor DJ will be attending. Sunday, September 14 Homecoming followed by covered dish lunch The Family Life Committee will meet in the Picnic Shelter.
Sunday, September 7, at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, September 18 Friendship Club at 10:30 a.m.
TREASURER'S REPORT Saturday, September 20
Family Game Night at 6:30 p.m. The Church Treasurer reports that we were behind ($7,116.18) of expenses for the month Sunday, September 21 of July. We are behind on our ($24,236.73) All Standing Chairpersons at 6:00 p.m.
expenses for the year through July. Working Sunday, September 28 and giving together we will be able to make up All Standing Committees at 6:00 p.m. this difference in a short time. Thanks for your support and love!
Reminder: Church staff meets every Tuesday from 9-10:30 am. -If you call the church at this time, please leave a message and we will respond ASAP. It is essential that the staff meet to receive direction for the upcoming week, prepare for the upcoming months, and discern how best to serve St. Paul's as needs arise. In our weekly meeting we pray for St. Paul's and one another, hear and discern God's Word for us and our church, bless one another, and review and implement our individual tasks for the members and ministries we serve. 5 MEN’S FISH FRY TO FEATURE THE HISTORY OF GOLD HILL
Gold has been an important part of North Carolina’s history since 1799, the date of the first authenticated discovery of gold in the United States.
North Carolina was the nation’s only gold-producing state from 1803 until 1828, and continued as a leading producer until 1848 when gold was discovered in California.
By about 1830, the leading mines in North Carolina were hard-rock mines rather than surface placer operations. Output probably peaked in the early 1830s and again in the late 1840s. The most famous mines in the South were at Gold Hill, where one shaft eventually reached a depth of 800 feet. (Credit: NC Geological Survey)
Gold Hill played an important and prominent role in the history of Rowan County and North Carolina. Fortunately much of that history and many stories of the fascinating people who lived and worked in Gold Hill (many of St. Paul’s family’s ancestors) have been preserved and will be shared at St. Paul’s Men’s annual fish fry on September 11th.
Vivian Pennington Hopkins is owner of the E.H. Montgomery General Store in Gold Hill – built in 1840, and still a hub of activity where people gather to learn of Gold Hill’s past and share authentic bluegrass music. Vivian will bring that history to St. Paul’s and help us relive and understand how gold helped make this area what it is today.
Vivian is Vice President of the Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation, Inc. at Gold Hill, NC. She is the chairman of the Foundation’s Education and Public Relations Department. She is the author of "Gold Hill Ghosts and Other Legends", "Your Guide to Gold Hill Mines Historic Park and the Gold Hill Rail Trail" and is co-author of "Kimball’s Field Guide to Gold Hill-A Layman’s Tour Through Time". She is the editor of "The Gold Hill Miner", a newsletter publication of the Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation, Inc. and is currently writing "Gold Hill, NC - A Pictorial History of the Gold Hill Mining District". Her gold history research focuses on and continues the research of Dr. Brent Glass’s doctoral research on the same topic. Dr. Glass, Director emeritus of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, has endorsed her work and the gold history program. She is a member of the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association. A Wilkes County, NC native, her interests in addition to historic research and writing include the study of bluegrass and old time music cultures of the Southern Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains. She is an accomplished visual artist and plays upright bass. (Credit: NC Humanities Council)
Tickets for the fish fry are $8 ($4 under 12; under 3 free) and will be available starting after worship August 31 and September 7th. We hope you’ll join us in the picnic shelter for this – another great St. Paul’s event!
Supplemental funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutheran for the proceeds of the fish fry have been applied for.
6 Lutheran Men assist with BINGO at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Women’s News… NC Veteran's Retirement Home School Supplies Needed! The veterans at the NC Please join the Lutheran Women in providing Veteran's Retirement Home have necessary school supplies for Koontz showed much appreciation and Elementary School. Many students start the year enthusiasm for the BINGO hour without the needed basics such as paper and St. Paul's Men have provided for them. This pencils. So while the ‘Back to School’ sales are month, the Lutheran Men will be providing the going on pick up some supplies and drop them Bingo on Tuesday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m. off in the Counting Room. We will see that they get to the school so that every student has a OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY is extended to the good start to their school year. family of Carl Rogers Haynes on his death, Items needed include: Pencils, wide rule July 16. notebook paper, composition books, crayons,
OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY is extended to rulers, glue, erasers, Kleenex, pencil pouches, Jared Gordon, Music Director, and his family construction paper, hand sanitizer, etc. on the death of his aunt, Judy Goldin. Lutheran Women Quarterly Meeting will be held on Sunday September 7 at 5:00 p.m. We OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY is extended to the will have a guest speaker from the Family Crisis family of Roy Peeler Bernhardt on his death, Council. Please plan to attend. July 30. Women’s Sunday has been moved to Octo- OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY is extended to ber 5 as a convenience to Pastor Lura. Jill Riley Burton and her family on the death of her Earnhardt, Parish Nurse will be the speaker for brother James Ray Parks on August 6. the day. Lutheran Women will participate in all aspects of the service. A Women’s Choir will Congratulations to Johnny and Ashley present the anthem for the day. If you would be Lombard on the birth of a daughter, Rebecca willing to join in the music please contact Karen Ann Lombard, on Sunday, June 15. Mother and McConnell or Jarred Gordon. Practices will be daughter are home and doing well. for several weeks on Wednesday evenings. Karen McConnell, President
The Family Life Committee has a Bonnie Bost Group will have a family cook- GAME NIGHT planned for September. out at Tim and Karen Deal’s on Saturday,
Join us on Saturday, September 20 at 6:30 September 13, at 6:00 p.m. p.m. and bring your favorite snack to share. Drinks will be provided! Members who have transferred their membership from St. Paul’s to Nazareth Grace Ridenhour Group will meet at 7:00 Community Church: David, Sherry, and Wes p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, with Jenny Barringer; Scott, Melissa, Kaitlin, and Earnhardt as hostess/leader. McKenzie Drye; and David, Becky, and Brooke Waller. 7 ADVENT AT ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH...
Greetings in Christ! As the summer is drawing to an end, it is time to begin thinking about the beginning of a new liturgical year. Of course, I'm speaking of the season of Advent. In light of last year's remarkable season, I am very excited to announce several events that will be taking place at St. Paul's Lutheran Church this December to help us celebrate Christ's birth.
Miracle at the Christmas Cafe - A Christmas Musical for Children will be presented by the Children's Choir on Sunday, December 7th, during the 10:30 am worship service in the Sanctuary. This 20-minute musical written by Ruth Elaine Schram and Mark Cabaniss takes place in Bethlehem at The Christmas Cafe where your waitress Polly Porkchop and the cook Mac N. Cheese tell the story of that special night long ago, when they were dishing out food during Caesar's senseless census. Mix in a group of shepherds and a local innkeeper who drop by to tell about a world-changing miracle, and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable, homespun version of the greatest story ever told!
Music preparations for this delightful story will begin on Sunday, October 5th, at 4:00 pm in the choir room. This musical is open for ANYONE in grades Kindergarten through 5th. Along with plenty of fun, singing, and CANDY with Jared, each participant will receive a CD of the music to help the young singers learn the music outside of rehearsal time. Speaking roles for this presentation will also be assigned on October 5. For any questions for regarding Miracle at the Christmas Cafe, please contact Jared in the church office.
Believe! - A Christmas Play for Youth and Adults will take place on Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st at 7:00 pm. Days before Christmas, a young man named Alex is struggling. He's always loved Christmas, but the shine has left his favorite holiday. He sees Christmas as nothing more than an over-hyped, greedy, present-grabbing time of year. Where is the peace in this season that's supposed to be all about the Prince of Peace? Alex wants to believe in something...but what? Filled with warmth and laughter and brightened by favorite Christmas carols, everyone who hears this story will be touched by the Holy Spirit and discover something in which they can truly...Believe!
This Christmas play has a need for a substantial cast and crew. No auditions are necessary! In place of auditions, there will be an interest meeting for this production on Monday, September 8th at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. This meeting is open to anyone who might be interested in a speaking role in this play. The Praise Committee will be looking specifically for a young male, preferably in his teen's. The Praise Committee will be working very hard to orchestrate this presentation and volunteers are greatly needed! We hope you will prayerfully consider participating in this wonderful play and help celebrate the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please contact Jared in the church office for any questions or concerns regarding Believe!
8 A Service of Lessons and Carols will take place on Sunday, December 21st, during the 10:30 am worship service in the sanctuary. This worship service originated in England during the late- 1800's and has become one of the most popular Advent celebrations in the Protestant church. This worship service tells of the purpose of Jesus' birth beginning with the Fall of Man as found in the book of Genesis, the Isaiah’s prophecy of a Savior, Mary's unwavering faith, the announcement of the Birth of Christ as told by the Gospel of Luke, the Adoration of the Shepherds, the Epiphany of the Wisemen, and concluding with the St. John’s Gospel proclaiming the fulfillment of the prophesy. Each of these Scripture Lessons will be read followed by a carol or hymn. The Carols for this beautiful service will be provided by the music ensembles of St. Paul's Lutheran Church including the Senior Choir, Men's Choir, the Bells of St. Paul's Handbell Choir, and a small instrumental ensemble.
There are several ways you can participate in this beautiful worship service. If you would like to share the Word with the congregation during this worship service by reading a Lesson, please contact Jared at the church office. Keep in mind that there are seven (7) Scripture readings so readings are limited. The Senior Choir would like to invite YOU to be their guest in joining them in the singing of the carols. Rehearsals for the carols will be on Wednesday nights from 7:15pm to 7:45 pm in the choir room starting on September 10th. Along with these choral rehearsals, members of the choir and all guests will receive a "practice CD" of all the carols to help you grow more comfortable with the music. The Men's Choir also welcomes any males guest who wish to join them in singing with them this December. Music preparations for their Advent offerings will begin on Sunday, October 19th, at 5pm in the Choir Room. Please contact Jared for any questions regarding A Service of Lessons and Carols.
It is with great joy and excitement that we announce these wonderful opportunities to celebrate the Advent season and the coming of Christmas! We hope that you will prayerfully consider being involved in any of these events. Please feel free to share this information with family, friends and neighbors inviting them to join us here St. Paul's Lutheran Church for these festive presentations. For further information or details of any of the events described above, please contact Jared Gordon in the church office. God bless you and enjoy the rest of your summer! Children’s Choir (K-5th Grade) MEN’S CHOIR
It’s that time again of the year for the All men in the congregation are invited to Children’s Choir (K-5th Grade) to begin meeting join our Men’s Choir as we share our musical again. We will first meet together for a talents. Rehearsals begin Sunday, September swimming and pizza party at Genevieve 7, at 5:00 p.m. in the Music Room. Lambert’s home on Saturday, September 6, at 3:00 p.m. HANDBELL CHOIR We will begin making a joyful sound with rehearsals each Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in the Choir The Bells of St. Paul’s Handbell Choir will Room. resume rehearsals beginning Sunday, All youth between K-5th Grade are invited to September 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the balcony. If join us! you are interested in joining this ensemble Jared Gordon, Music Director please contact the church office. 9 SWIMMING and PIZZA PARTY for the GOING AWAY TO COLLEGE? CHILDREN’S CHOIR and their families has been Many of our young people will be going off to rescheduled to Saturday, September 6, at 3:00 college, the military, or job related training this p.m. at Genevieve Lambert’s home. For more fall, and we would like to keep in touch with information or directions contact the church them to let them know that their church still office. cares about them when they are away. When you have an address available, please call or Grade School Youth bring it by the church office and share it with (K-5th Grade) us. We will send bulletins and newsletters to Please join us for fishing at Tim and Karen our young people who desire them in order to Deal’s house on Sunday, September 7. Time is keep them informed with what is happening in still TBA, please check your weekly Epistle for their church. Thank You! updates. On Sunday, September 21, we will have our monthly Bible Study at 3:00 p.m.
Middle School Youth (6th-8th Grade)
The Middle School Youth will have an interactive Bible Study with games included on Sunday, August 24, at 5:00 p.m. in the 6th-8th Grade Sunday School Class Room. Come see what crazy ideas Genevieve Lambert has come up with. Following the meeting all are invited to Blessing of the Backpacks enjoy fun and fellowship at the Congregational Ice Cream Supper in the Picnic Shelter. On Sunday, August 24, we will have a The youth will meet Sunday, September 7, at blessing of our students going back to school. 6:00 p.m. in the Middle School Sunday School Please bring your backpacks to worship that Class for a Bible Study. See what Christy Sunday. Thank you. Patterson has up her sleeve. A game night will be held Friday, September LINE DANCING 12, from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring games from home for all to Are you tired of sitting at home on Tuesday enjoy. Supper will be provided. evenings? If so come join us for country and On Sunday, September 21, at 6:00 p.m. we beach line dance, not your grandma’s line will make crafts to hand out in October for some dance class. Everyone is welcome to attend, of our homebound with special concerns. Be young in age or young at heart. thinking of ideas to share at our Game Night as Date: Tuesdays, September 23-October 28 to what items we should include! Location: Fellowship Hall Friends are welcome to attend any of our Time: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. activities! Cost: Donations to Helping Hands Fund 10 Please remember that all loose offering and CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS designated gifts during the months of June- Health officials have confirmed that a resident August will go to assist Chloe Monroe and her in Iredell County, NC have been diagnosed with family. We received in June $1,768 and Chikungunya Virus. The resident has recently $1,298.60 in July to the Helping Hands Fund traveled out of the country. to assist the Monroe’s. This brings the total count of people affected from this virus to 16. None of the victims have acquired it in the state. THANK YOU’S The Chikungunya Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Officials say it is Thank you to everyone who participated in most likely acquired by traveling to affected areas the Undies for Sundays program sponsored by in Africa, Asia, islands of the Indian Ocean, the Parish Nurse Ministry. 142 items were Western Pacific, the Caribbean and Florida. collected and distributed to Rowan Helping Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever and/or Ministries, Salvation Army, and the Battered Severe, disabling joint pain in the hands and feet. Women’s Shelter. Symptoms usually begin three to seven days Words cannot express how thankful I am for after being bitten by an infected mosquito. the many people who have remembered my Health officials say the best way to prevent the family, especially my father, Dale Boger, in virus is to prevent the virus is to prevent being your prayers as he had and is now recovering bitten by an infected mosquito. Make sure there from surgery. is no free standing water around your home. Get In His Name, rid of plastic covers on woodpiles, sandboxes and Jill Earnhardt, RN, Parish Nurse pools. Change the water in birdbaths and pet bowls. Fix leaky outside faucets. Keep gutters clean. Stock ponds with fish that eat mosquito WOMEN OF FAITH larvae. Seek medical attention with any of the
Women of Faith is a Bible Study group that above symptoms. meets the second Thursday of the month at Jill Earnhardt, RN, Parish Nurse 11:00 a.m. We use Popular Women of Faith Bible Study Series that feature popular Please remember in your prayers our selection authors such as Patsy Claremont and committee as they seek a candidate for the Margaret Meberg. Director of Youth Ministries position. Committee We will begin a new book series on members are: Alan Beaver (Chair), Karen Thursday, September 11, at 11:00 a.m. in Charles, Tim Deal, Sarah Hicks, Lauren the Counting Room. I invite you to join with Holland, Mackenzie Menius, Alison Moore, us. We have a wonderful time of fellowship Emily Reeder, and Beth Whisnant. and learning what God’s Word says about our lives. Please look for more information in your weekly Epistle. The Friendship Club will meet Thursday, Jill Earnhardt, RN, Parish Nurse September 18 at 10:30 a.m.
11 THANK YOU’S... Dear St. Paul’s Brothers and Sisters, Words cannot express how truly blessed I feel to Dear Church Family; have a church family like you. The cards, Thank you for all the prayers, cards, calls, prayers, and food you sent me after my recent food, and acts of love and kindness shown to surgery was overwhelming. Thanks for all of us during our time of loss. It is hard to express your support. in words the comfort we received from your Love to All, Terri Powlas thoughtfulness. May God Bless You All! The Roy Bernhardt Family Thank you to everyone who helped and gave blood on Monday, August 11. We had 37 Dear Pastor Lura and Church Family, people to give blood with 38 units collected I would like to thank each of you for your (one was a double). No one was turned down. thoughts, prayers, cards, telephone calls and We were just shy of our 41 goal. Thank you visits while I was in the hospital and again to everyone who came and gave the gift rehab. God has so blessed me by allowing me of life. to be part of a family of Christians who love and care for one another. Thank you Thank you to the Blanche & Hubert A. Ritchie again. God's Blessings to each of you. Foundation for their generous gift of $8,000 Helen Gordon with $800 being awarded to the following 10
Dear Church Family, recipients: Ashlee Bowles, Cori Charles, I want to thank everyone in my church family Pamela Cottingham, Alex Day, Ethan Free, for the cards, visits, calls, well wishes, prayers Samantha Hinson, Jessica Lyerly, Megan and all the love shown to me during my recent Lyerly, Mattison Miller, and Carly Opel. hospital visits. Just to keep you updated on my We appreciate their willingness to help those progress since my breast cancer surgery on members who are pursuing their education July 30, I will begin my 20 treatments of beyond high school. chemotherapy at Novant Health Salisbury on September 3. Please continue to keep me in The Fall Banquet at St. Matthew’s Lutheran your prayers and may God bless each one of Church - Salisbury for the East Rowan you. Chapter - Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will Trudy Rowland be held on Tuesday, September 23, at 6:30 p.m. Rick’s in Denton will cater the meal. Dear St. Paul’s Family, The cost of the meal will be $5 per member. I would like to thank everyone for their cards, Please make your reservation by mailing a thoughts, and prayers in the passing of Carl. check to Clifford Earnhardt, Jr. by Monday, Thank you to Rev. DJ Lura, Rev. Bill Ketchie, September 8. Make checks payable to East Jill Earnhardt, and the many others who Rowan Chapter of Thrivent Financial and mail visited him in the nursing homes. Carl loved to 5475 Fish Pond Road, Salisbury, NC his Church Family! 28146. At the banquet we will be collecting God Bless You! non-perishable items for Rowan Helping Mary Powlas Ministries. We look forward to seeing you there. 12 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL THANK YOU
The theme this year was "Workshop of Wonders." Youth and adults had a great time. Ninety-one youth and adults enjoyed a week of fellowship. The youth enjoyed hearing stories, singing songs, testing science experiments, playing games, making snacks and crafts.
Thank you for the delicious meals provided by each of these Lutheran Women's groups: Hama Lingle, Bonnie Bost, Ellen Bumgarner, and Kathy Ketchie. Thursday night ended the VBS program with a Family Night, which included the children singing, a hotdog and hamburger cookout provided by the Family Life Committee, with desserts provided by the parents and other church members.
Many, many "Thank You's" go to all who help make VBS a success this year. Brenda Julian, Jenny Earnhardt, Barbara Upright, Anderson Moore, & Ainsley Moore did a great job of storytelling, with Alison Moore heading up “Reflections” time. Elaine Bowles, Ashlee Bowles, Franklin Bowles, Laura Wiles, Summer Wiles and Mackenzie Menius inspired creativity with crafts. Karen Charles and Pamela Cottingham sparked interest with science experiments, while Jared Gordon, Elizabeth Baker, Micah Cottingham, Alex Day, Stan McConnell, and Sandra Watson helped bring out the inner talents with music. Amy Barringer, Bethany Whisnant, Carrie Kirby and Mary Lee Earnhardt inspired future chefs with snacks. Each night ended with Joel Cox and Pastor DJ Lura getting the last bit of energy out with games.
Thank you to the guides: Eric Barringer and Kenneth Whisnant (3rd, 4th & 5th grades); Josh Canup, Susan Bernhardt, Kara Burnett (Kindergarten); Summer Deal, Perry Bernhardt, Dana Bost (1st & 2nd grades); Crystal Canup, Connie Christman, and Sarah Hicks did an excellent job teaching the Pre-K along with Ruth Julian and Patsy Everhart in the nursery. Savannah Charles, Edwin Vincenty, Harley Amos, Emma Amos, and Maddy Pepper helped tremendously in all areas as needed.
Thank you again to everyone who made this year's VBS program so successful! Joel Cox, Director Amy Barringer and Bethany Whisnant, Assistants
Gifts received for the use of the Church Facilities:
A gift was received for the General Fund for the use of the church facilities from: Webb Reunion
A gift was received for the General Fund for the use of the church facilities from: G. G. Ritchie Reunion
A gift was received for the General Fund for the use of the church facilities from: Bernhardt Reunion
13 Memorial and Honorarium Gifts Maressia Fox September Clifford and Alberta Fricke
Gifts were received for the Destiny Rescue Granite Quarry High School Class of 1942 organization in honor of Joel Cox from: Mr. and Mrs. Harold Goodman Josh and Danielle Canup Drusilla Groce Tim and Karen Deal Frank and Cindy Hinson Grady and Jenny Earnhardt Matt and Lauren Holland James and Mary Lee Earnhardt D. W. and Judi Honbarger Frank and Cindy Hinson Steve and Jenny Jones Don, Brenda, and Alex Julian Mrs. Glenn E. Ketner, Sr. Carolyn M. Kluttz A gift was received for the Helping Hands Brian, Nancy, Jeremy and Megan LaPointe Fund in honor of Helen Gordom from: Brad and Kim Little St. Paul’s Friendship Club Lindsay and Judy Lowman A gift was received for the Parish Nurse Fund Becky Lyerly in honor of Helen M. Gordon from: James and Andrea Lyerly Alice Davis Vaughn and Linda Lyerly
A gift was received for the General Fund in Jim and Betty Monday honor of Zada Stafford’s 101st birthday from: Kay Moody Harry and Eunice Heilig George and Martha Morgan Mt. Pleasant UMC – Serendipity Class Gifts were received for the Cemetery Fund in Jeff and Mita Powlas memory of Roy Bernhardt from: Mary Powlas Lee, Jennifer and Cooper Aldridge Gary W. Reissner Travis and Cindy Alligood William M. Reissner Anonymous Donors St. Paul’s Lutheran Men Sybil Athey Dan and Glenna Sears Don and Judith Austin Oleba Sebastian Barbara Bell Harry and Lottie Simpson Perry and Lori Bernhardt Wayne and Johnsie Taylor Vernon and Cheryl Bernhardt Kitty Bernhardt Thomas Dana and Crystal Bost Orville Trexler Wilbur Canup Pauline E. Webb Robert and Lib Cobb Kennneth, Bethany, Lauren, and Lindsey Carolyn Cress Whisnant Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Deal Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wilhelm Keith and Summer Deal Vaughn and Nancy Wilhelm Barbara Deese Robert and Doris Yost
Grady and Jenny Earnhardt A gift was received for the General Fund in Harold Dean and Louise Eller memory of Roy Bernhardt from: Terry and Myra Jane Eller David and Carole Chilson Alice and Carson Fisher Casey and Ciji Fisher 14 Gifts were received for the Helping Hands Claude Lyerly family Fund in memory of Roy Bernhardt from: Craig and Marnita Parks Jerry and Linda Beaver Mr. and Mrs. Alan Powlas Judy Bernhardt Phyllis and Robbie Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Alan Lyerly Harry and Lottie Simpson
A gift was received for the Improvement Fund Wayne and Johnsie Taylor in memory of Roy Bernhardt from: Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Whisnant
Adult Sunday School Class #4 Gifts were received for the Helping Hands
Gifts were received for the Parish Nurse Fund Fund in memory of Carl Haynes: in memory of Roy Bernhardt from: Lee, Jennifer and Cooper Aldridge Paul and Nancy Baker Sybil Athey Tim and Karen Deal Judy Bernhardt Alice Davis Perry and Lori Bernhardt Genevieve Lambert Brian and Miranda Fox Jeff and Linda Miller Maressia Fox
Gifts were received for the Cemetery Fund in Becky Lyerly Doug and Susan Lyerly memory of Carl Haynes from: Orville Trexler A gift was received for the Improvement Fund James and Betty Monday in memory of Carl Haynes from: Adult Sunday School Class #4 Gifts were received for the General Fund in memory of Carl Haynes from: A gift was received for the Lutheran Men in Christy Agner memory of Carl Haynes from: Pam Agner Jeff and Mita Powlas
Mr. and Mrs. Travis Alligood Gifts were received for the Parish Nurse Fund Homer Basinger Family in memory of Carl Haynes from: Mike and Kate Beretsky Alice Davis Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bernhardt Tim and Karen Deal Mr. and Mrs. Dana Bost Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dean Eller Carolyn Corl and Bobby Basinger Helen M. Gordon Carolyn Cress St. Paul’s Lutheran Men Delhaize America Vaughn and Nancy Wilhelm
Grady and Jenny Earnhardt A gift was received for the General Fund in Charles C. Erwin Middle School memory of Ray “Gator” Heilig (8/24/32 – Cecil and Mary Fisher 12/2/99) from: Alice Williams Mr. and Mrs. Harold Goodman John Howard and Arlene Haynes John and Janet Haynes Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hinson D. W. and Judi Honbarger Dana and Kathy Ingold Ruth and Perry Julian Mike and Vickie Keene 15 St. Paul's Lutheran Church Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) 205 St. Paul’s Church Road Salisbury, NC 28146 Through our budget, St. Paul's supports as an Phone: 704-633-0922 Fax: 704-636-1300 international mission outreach Resurrection Email: [email protected] Teaching Ministries, a local organization led by Website: www.splcweb.org Dr. Paul Baker. RTM ministers to orphanages in Facebook: Cambodia through an annual mission trip and www.facebook.com/StPaulsLCMC educational assistance throughout the year to equip OUR MISSION: the children for a better life after they leave the or- A family of faith sharing the phanage. The annual mission trip just finished the gospel and love of Christ. first week of August with Dr. Baker and Kolya Baker among the team. Regular updates are shared WEEKLY WORSHIP and will be included in the bulletin during the next OPPORTUNITIES: few weeks to help us see how our support is being Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. used to benefit the children and carry the message Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m. of Christ throughout the world. Wednesday Evening Service at 6:30 p.m. (beginning Sept. 10)
OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Please turn in your 2015 Time and Talent form Rev. DJ Lura, Sunday, August 24, to the Narthex (blue box) Senior Pastor beside the bulletins. As of August 21, we have [email protected] received 86 Time and Talent forms. This is 107 (704) 640-0446 Cell less than we received last year. Perry Bernhardt, By filling out your form now you will be Congregational Council (704) 633-0996 Home assisting the coordinators in scheduling and the
CHURCH STAFF: committees in forming for next year while the
Genevieve Lambert, proposed budget is being finalized. Church Secretary Extra forms are located in the Narthex.
Jill Earnhardt, RN, Parish Nurse (704) 633-3439 Home [email protected]
Alison Moore, Girl Scouts Troop Coordinator
Louise Eller, Treasurer
Jared Gordon, Music Director [email protected]
Johnsie Taylor, Organist