CHRISTMAS EVE the Nave will be open for you to visit and to pray, starting at noon. Pastor Henderson will offer Holy Communion to any who are present and wish to receive it, each hour, on the hour, through 7 p.m. The worship service for Christmas Eve will be virtual only.

THE THRIVENT “CHOICE DOLLARS” have donated a November total of $634 to the church budget. Thank you to members of Thrivent - which contributes to the Properties Committee. If you need help to send to Thrivent for Choice Dollars, please call Ethel Snook, 570-524-0730.

THE GREENING EVENT will take place on Sunday, Dec. 6 immediately following the 10:30 am service. All ages are invited to come and help!

ATTENTION KUNKEL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS! Fall semester grades, proof of spring semester registration and address updates are due to the Church Office by Friday, January 8, 2020. If any students are having trouble getting their information in by the January date, please call or email the Church Office. The second half of the Kunkel awards will be mailed in January.

DEADLINE FOR THE JANUARY NEWSLETTER is Friday, December 18. The January newsletter will be assembled and mailed out on Tuesday, December 29 at 9:00 am.

THE CHURCH OFFICE will be closed on Fri., December 25 and also on Fri., January 1, 2021.

ANNUAL REPORTS FOR 2020: The deadline for submitting annual reports to the Church Secretary is Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

PARENTS OF YOUNG ADULT MEMBERS: If you have a child who is now living in their own home we would appreciate their new address so we can keep in touch with them. Send updates to the Church Office.

CANCELLATIONS: If a worship service or event needs to be cancelled due to bad weather, please listen to the WinterNet listings on WKOK 1070 AM or check the website online at www.wkok.com.

Christ’s Corner

on the News

DECEMBER

2020

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Dear Disciples of Christ’s Church,

On November 19, our Congregation Council reviewed where we are as a worshipping body of believers in the midst of our pandemic, a pandemic which is once again growing worse by the day in the rate of infections. We discussed what is the most responsible and faithful path to take, as we try to make it to the arrival of some very promising vaccines. As of November 22, the Sunday of Christ the King, we have worshipped for eight consecutive Sundays with one 10:30 worship service, averaging roughly 45 people per Sunday. Some congregations around us have worshipped in person longer than that, and some have not held in person services at all. Of those which have resumed in person worship, some of them are starting to close down once again. After discussing all of this information and more, the Council has decided to proceed for now with our Sunday in-person services (along with our video worship), but we will continue to monitor what is happening around us closely. The Council hopes we will be able to hold the annual Congregation meeting following worship on December 13. If we are forced to halt in-person worship sooner, we will be able to operate under a provisional budget until an in-person meeting can be held and with current Council persons continuing until the next group can be elected in an in-person meeting. Further, for reasons of safety, it has been decided that our in-person Christmas Eve worship services will not be held this year. Instead, we will produce a Christmas Eve worship video service for all to use from home. And, on Christmas Eve, the Nave will be open for you to visit and to pray, starting at noon. At each hour, on the hour, I will offer Holy Communion to any who are present and wish to receive it, through 7 p.m. Our greatest desire in these actions is that all of us will make it safely through to the conclusion of this pandemic. None of us would wish for a Christmas like this one, but making it to the next Christmas – a normal one – is the goal of this Council action. I am so thankful for the recent announcements by multiple pharmaceutical companies regarding their very promising vaccine trials. These positive test results are, indeed, an answer to prayers we have offered since this pandemic began. We continue to pray that those most at risk will soon receive one of these medicines, and the rates of infection will dramatically fall. May God guide us all as we, day by day, move to a safer and brighter future!

Yours in Christ’s Service,

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Social Ministries News for December 2020

Many of us will have non-traditional holidays this year, but we will welcome the hope and joy of the reason for the season as we always do. We will all look forward to the end of 2020 and the problems it brought us.

Like everything else around us, we aren’t sure yet whether the annual Meat Canning Project will be held as usual in February. Certainly the need still is pushing as hard as usual, but safety is a major concern. More details when available.

DECEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: DECEMBER 80+ BIRTHDAYS: Lloyd & Carol Livingston 12/22/1962 Janet Wolf Dec. 04 John & Doris Nash 12/22/1973 Margaret Spielman Dec. 12 Keith & Karen Wain 12/22/2006 Margaret Irwin Dec. 20 Caryl Rae & John Buehner 12/26/2009 Richard Jarrett Dec. 20 Bill & Linda Petry 12/27/1986 Lois Diehl Dec. 26 Matt & Ann Reed 12/28/1993

NEW ADDRESSES: Brandon Cian, 159 Woods Lane, Altoona, PA 16601

Craig Cian, 198 Aberdeen Lane, State College, PA 16801

Darren Cian, 2009 Konkel Road, Montoursville, PA 17754

Melvin & Lois Diehl, 430 E. Wing, 15 Ridgecrest Cir, Lewisburg, PA 17837

Bill & Linda Petry, 1103 Quinard Court, Ambler, PA 19002

MEMORIALS RECEIVED:

Memorials were received in loving memory of Dick Skelton from Pam Souders of Lewisburg, James Apple of Lewisburg and Andrew Wargo of Milton.

Memorials were also received in loving memory of Matt Borys, Don Harvey, Bill Myers,

Gloria Slonaker and Jack Solomon from Andrew Wargo of Milton.

A message from Bill & Julie Borys - “We wish to THANK all the generous friends who sent cards, food,

donations and most of all prayers on the sudden passing of our son,

Matthew. We felt the card messages were written for us and the

personal words of sympathy were speaking to us. They were very

comforting. Please continue to pray for us and all our families.”

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December Faith Formation Information **All events will have Covid-19 precautions in place. – Masks, distance, healthy participants, and no sharing of supplies.** Sunday School and Confirmation Classes are still on Zoom.

FAITH FORMATION TEAM MEETING: Wednesday, December 2 at 6:00 pm in the parlor. We will work on winter plans as well as plans for the mission trip fundraisers. Anyone interested in youth ministry and/or Christian education is invited to join the team. The work load is minimal and fun!

GREENING EVENT: On Sun., Dec. 6th the greening event will be happening. We’ll start after the 10:30 am service has ended (approx. 11:15 am). Middle school youth will decorate the youth room, and high school students & adults will decorate the rest of the church.

GIFT CARDS: Once again this year we are selling gift cards to raise money for the youth mission trip. Grocery cards for Weis and Giant can be bought from Charlene any time. We take orders for other gifts cards several times through the year. You get the amount you want & the youth get a percentage of the funds from the different companies. There’s an order form in this newsletter or you can go on line to place your order with this code - 63ACDD754L398. Gift card orders will be due Sun., December 6, and the gift cards will arrive by Christmas.

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTIES:

Friday, December 18 – 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm – 1st through 5th Grade - Christmas Movie and Craft Party - In the Youth Room

Sunday, December 20 – 5:00 to 8:00 pm – Annual Middle School and High School Youth Christmas Dinner Party - with a $10 to $15 gift exchange. This party will take place in the lower church hall and youth room. Let Charlene know if you are planning on attending so we can have enough food!

SOME YOUTH EVENTS COMING UP IN 2021:

MORE EVENTS TO BE PUT ON THE CALENDAR FOR 2021 What do you want to do? Let Charlene Know!

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE SUMMER: The youth mission trip for 2021 is still up in the air. If you are interested in participating let Charlene know.

Monday, January 11 – 6:30 pm - Mini Mission to Make Fleece Blankets for Project Linus

Friday - Saturday, January 22 - 23 – 7 pm to Noon - Soup and Bread Making for Youth

Sunday, January 24 - Soup and Bread Sale

Monday, February 1 -6:30 pm - Mini Mission – Tagging M&M Containers for Money for Missions

Friday, February 19, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Movie Night For Confirmation Students to Watch Episodes of THE BIBLE

Monday, March 8 – 6:30 pm -Mini Mission - Military Care Packages

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From the Music Team - Brandy, Amy & Joanne

Musicians Invited to Provide Special Music for In-House Worship for December Anyone interested in providing anthems for in-house worship in December should contact

Joanne Vasey. Please take the initiative and do not wait to be asked. Due to a high Covid

caseload at present, only soloists are being scheduled at this time. Musicians may provide a

vocal or instrumental solo appropriate for the church season. No wind instruments

permitted. All soloists must be masked - including vocalists.

VIRTUAL MUSIC MOMENTS: Virtual "Music Moments" with Brandy Aguirre is up and

running on the church Facebook page. Tune in for a quick tidbit on making music with

ordinary household items. All ages welcome!

Important - Proposed Christmas Eve Video to Include Photos, Video

Clips from 2014 to 2019 - Please read and reply as necessary:

Tentative plans for Christmas Eve video worship include carols and

anthems from our choirs/ensembles of all ages as recorded on CD’s

and/or videotape from previous years (2014 - 2019). We also hope to

include photos of our choirs/ensembles as currently pictured on the

Worship and Music bulletin board. Some photos will be extracted from

segments of a 2014 Christmas Eve video. “Formal” photos and

rehearsal photos will be presented and enhanced with a Christmas

touch. We will try to contact as many folks as possible who will appear

in photos/video. No one will be identified by name on the photos/video.

If you or your family members prefer NOT to appear on the video,

please contact Joanne Vasey (vasey@windstream.net or (570) 523-

1415. The video will be posted to the church website, FB site and

Youtube.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO CHURCH MUSICIANS OF CELC

Merry Christmas, love and prayers to all church musicians of Christ’s Lutheran. We miss all

of you and hope we can soon gather together to create beautiful music in praise of our Lord

Jesus Christ. Stay safe!

Blessings - Brandy, Amy & Joanne

Thanks! Thanks to Brandy Aguirre, Joe Keller, and Ann Thieman for providing anthems for

in-person worship during the months of October and November.

Proposed Worship Schedule for December - Subject to Change due to Covid Pandemic

Please check for updates via e-mail, Facebook and the church website.

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USS ARK News of God’s People in Action from the Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA November 2020

Closing Congregations Lead to New Ministry

A pastor in Sunbury and his family were working at their church’s prayer station when an older couple approached them. They said, “We have been noticing your church parking lot and street parking. Your church is really growing! Unfortunately, ours is dying. We are from the church just up the street from you. Wouldn’t it be something if we could swap buildings or sell you ours?” So, Keith Bunch, the senior pastor of Sunbury God’s Missionary Church, contacted the pastor of Trinity, Sunbury, but was told the church was not interested in selling. Bunch and his family continued to pray and after some time, he felt a need to walk to Trinity and talk to the current pastor, Pastor Mary Peterhaensel.

Pastor Mary, with a look of disbelief, responded, “I can’t believe this! This has to be of God.” The congregation council was meeting the next night to discuss what to do with their building. Earlier this year, after two years of deliberations and paperwork, Trinity signed over the building to God’s Missionary Church and began the process of closing their congregation of 116 years.

Their ministry will go on, however, even though they are not a congregation anymore. The congregation voted to give 60 percent of their final assets ($86,260) to Camp Mount Luther with 30 percent ($43,130) going to ELCA World Hunger and 10 percent ($14,375) to United

Worship Schedule December 2020

Sunday, Nov. 29: 10:30 am Worship – First Sunday of Advent ELW Setting #1 – "Light the Candle” – Hope – Anthems – TBA

Sunday, Dec. 6: 10:30 am Worship – Second Sunday of Advent ELW Setting #1 – "Light the Candle” – Peace – Anthems – TBA

Sunday, Dec. 13: 10:30 am Worship – Third Sunday of Advent ELW Setting #1 – "Light the Candle” – Joy – Anthems – TBA

Sunday, Dec. 20: 10:30 am Worship – Fourth Sunday of Advent ELW Setting #1 – "Light the Candle” – Love – Anthems – TBA

Sunday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve – Please refer to the Pastor’s page for the most up-to-date info regarding Christmas Eve 2020 (Also refer to Christmas Eve video announcement)

Sunday, Dec. 27: 10:30 am Worship – First Sunday of Christmas – Liturgy and Anthems – TBA

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Lutheran Seminary Chad Hershberger, executive director of the camp, said gifts like this help them to go ministry in perpetuity. “When we receive a gift like this from a closing congregation, if they don’t have other stipulations, we like to put those funds in our endowment fund. That allows us to continue to use this money each year toward programming and facilities improvement. The folks at Trinity can know that this generous gift will be used to do ministry at Mount Luther for years to come!” Hershberger said.

Founded in 1903 under the leadership of a “missionary pastor,” Mr. George Scheese, a senior in the Theological Seminary of Selinsgrove, along with fifty-three charter members, the Trinity congregation served the fifth ward of Sunbury. Services began in the fifth ward schoolhouse until the new church building was completed and dedicated on May 28, 1905. A second missionary pastor, Mr. E. M. Gearhart, a junior at the seminary, went on to become the pastor of the congregation after his ordination in 1906. The church building was damaged by flooding in 1936 and suffered severe damage from a fire in 1951 that led to construction of a new building that was completed the following year. The congregation added a religious education building in 1969.

Over their history the congregation was served by sixteen pastors, several of whom served in interim capacity: Rev. Gearhart, Rev. L.G. Shauffer, Rev. W.H. Hilbish, Rev. David Krammerer, Rev. Earl Mohney, Rev. Joseph Janson, Rev. Lee McDaniel, Rev. Henry Reed, Rev. John Stoudt, Rev. John Pretz, Rev. Adrian Shearer, Rev. Collette Broady-Preiss (interim), Rev. Rich Fangman & Rev. Wayne Muthler (co-interim), and Rev. Constantine Havir. Rev. Mary Peterhaensel was the interim pastor at the time the congregation closed.

On October 4, Rev. Craig Miller presided at a service of leave-taking for the final worship of St. Peter, Aristes. Founded in 1893 by members of St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Numidia, St. Peter originally shared a pastor with the Numidia congregation. At the time the town was known as Montana. The congregation dedicated the building that would serve them for 120 years on February 18, 1900. For thirteen years, from 1914 to 1927 St. Peter shared a pastor with St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gowen City. St. Peter enjoyed its ecumenical relationships, including those with sister Lutheran congregations. They participated in ecumenical services with Roman Catholic, Ukrainian and Methodist congregations in their area as well.

Sixteen pastors served the congregation of St Peter over its 127 years. The longest serving of these – 23 years – was Pastor H.M. Schofer. Most recently, Pastor Alfred Bashore served as interim pastor at St Peter.

The congregation requested that, upon sale of the church property and final dissolution of the corporation, the remaining financial assets be shared with the Aristes Fire Company and the Zion United Methodist Cemetery in Aristes. Pine 3 Gets a Facelift

With donated funds and sweat equity, Pine 3 at Camp Mount Luther got a makeover this summer. Some alumni staff and friends of the camp decided that 1960s paneling was not the

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“in thing” for Pine Village living in the 2020s. So, they bought supplies and installed knotty pine boards on the walls and ceilings in Pine 3.

The renovations give the cabin a fresh new look and provides nicer accommodations for summer campers and retreat users. Pine 3 was chosen because of its proximity to the bathhouse and because alumni staff felt that cabin could use some improvements.

We thank the 2020 Pine Renovation Crew for their hard work in transforming one of cabins. Their hope is that other groups might be inspired to donate supplies and labor to do similar projects in other cabins at camp.

Up and Down the Valleys

The Women of the ELCA collected blankets, health and school kits as part of their annual Blanket Sunday. Congregations brought their collections to the synod office on October 10 to be packed up and delivered to New Windsor, Maryland.

The Camp Mount Luther Corporation Board of Directors recently elected leadership for the coming year at their quarterly board meeting. Re-elected were Rev. William Henderson of Selinsgrove, president; Nancy Wood of Williamsport, vice president; Rev. Andrew Weaver of Sunbury, secretary; Terry Gardner of Muncy, treasurer.

Clergy Notes: Rev. Jerri Carlin is serving as Interim at St. John, Northumberland, and St. Stephen, Licking Creek, after completing her call at St. John’s, Lewistown. Rev. Kate Drefke’s contract ended with St. Paul’s (Erdley’s), Middleburg, which is now being served by Interim Pastor Ann Zimmerman. Rev. Martha Sue Moll retired on September 30 as pastor of the Elysburg Parish and Rev. Sarah Hershberger is serving as interim.

Do you know someone who could serve? Nominate them with the Upper Susquehanna Synod committee recommendation form. As the synod begins in earnest to implement the synod strategy, we need people who can help to develop goals and processes with the implementation team. We also need individuals with skills for funding the plan, which will involve congregational stewardship. And, we need people to help with synod governance, finance, and the bishop’s discernment team. Find the form at https://www.uss-elca.org/committee-recommendation-form/

Don’t forget to check out our blog offerings on our website: Bishop Collins writes a monthly posting and we have regular posts on leadership, Global Missions, and the implementation of our synod strategy. You can view it at https://www.uss- elca.org/category/blog/.

USS ARK is a publication of the Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA. Permission is granted to reproduce USS Ark for congregational communications. Send your mission stories and ministry ideas to Editor Chad Hershberger at news@uss-elca.org.

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Worship Assistants for December 2020* December 6

2 Advent December 13

3 Advent December 20

4 Advent December 27 1 Christmas

Asst. Min. 10:30 Sarah Patte Tom Booth Sarah Patte Tom Booth

Lector 10:30 Beckie Stahlnecker Carole Bollinger Charlotte Winter Beverly Harvey

Acolytes 10:30

Olivia & Ella Koontz Orissa & Ellis Reed

Harrison & Lilly Patte

Harrison Patte TBD

Communion Ushers 10:30

Brian & Diane Miller

Don & Connie May Bill Borys Tim Goff

Wayne & Betty Hook

Communion Assistants

10:30

Colleen Nevil

Bill Bollinger Patti Faux Tess Trowbridge

Sound 10:30 Tom Stahlnecker Bill Borys Tom Stahlnecker Bill Borys

Usher Team Wayne & Betty Hook

Dale Bontomase & Tess Trowbridge

Bill & Carole Bollinger

Tom & Beckie Stahlnecker

Altar Guild ALL

CPIC Sam Stroh * These schedules are tentative and are subject to change

Worship Assistants for January 2021* January 3

2 Christmas January 10

Baptism of Our Lord

January 17 2 Epiphany

January 24 3 Epiphany

January 31 4 Epiphany

Asst. Min. 10:30 Sarah Patte Tom Booth Tom Booth Sarah Patte Tom Booth

Lector 10:30 B. Stahlnecker Carole Bollinger Ethel Snook Charlotte Winter

Beverly Harvey

Acolytes 10:30

Olivia & Ella Koontz

Orissa & Ellis Reed

Harrison & Lilly Patte

Olivia & Ella Koontz

Orissa & Ellis Reed

Communion Ushers 10:30

Brian & Diane Miller

Don & Connie May

Bill Borys Tim Goff

B. Stahlnecker Bonnie

Meckley

Wayne & Betty Hook

Communion Assistants

10:30

Colleen Nevil

Bill Bollinger Laura Faux Patti Faux

Tess Trowbridge

Sound 10:30 Tom Stahlnecker

Bill Borys Tom Stahlnecker Bill Borys

Tom Stahlnecker

Usher Team Bill & Deedee Wagner

Brian Miller & Ed Ney

Charlotte Winter & Ethel Snook

Andy Wargo & Gary Parks

Tim Goff & Judy Cotner

Altar Guild TBD

CPIC TBD

A special thank you to all who serve as Worship Assistants:

Wow, it has been a year of challenges but thanks to all of you who have been so faithful and willing to serve, we have persevered. With your support, we have been able to continue to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth every Sunday be it in-person or virtually. Whether you are a worship assistant, one of the people who assist me with scheduling worship assistants or a member of the Saturday recording team…I am so thankful for your help!

Brenda Boyer, Church Secretary

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Dear Members & Friends of Christ’s Lutheran, Council appreciates the support of the congregation in their giving year-to-date even with the interruption of in-person services due to the COVID pandemic. However, over the past several months, giving has dropped off significantly. As we approach year end, it is important that we end 2020 and start off the new year on a sound footing. If you are able to continue your financial support during this advent season, the Council greatly appreciates it. Thank you again for your support and may God bless you! 2021 BUDGET PAGES are now available for pick up on the Welcome Center desk in the Main Lobby. CHURCH BUDGET/COUNCIL ELECTIONS MEETING will be held on Sunday, December 13 after the worship service. The purpose of this meeting is to vote on candidates for Church Council and to review and approve the Church Budget for 2021. PLEASE PICK UP 2021 Offering Envelopes located on the table in the main hallway, just off the Atrium if you have not already done so. If you’re able to deliver offering envelopes to your family members, please do so and save the church the cost of postage. Remember not to use the new 2021 envelopes until January 3, 2021!

As we end one year and begin another, may God be with you through the New Year and fill your lives with comfort, love and cheer. May this day and those ahead, hold many blessings for you and your families!