The Messenger of Arndt’s Church - April, 2017

Arndt's Lutheran Church1851 Arndt Road, Easton, PA 18040

610-253-3732Email: arndts.lutheranchurch@rcn.com

Website: www.arndtslutheran.org

Regular Worship Services (9/11/16 thru 5/28/17): Saturday, 6:00 p.m. - Sunday, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

April Activities

Palm Sunday Potluck Breakfast and Worship Service

We will have a potluck breakfast on Palm Sunday, April 9th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please bring a breakfast item to share--breakfast casseroles, fruit, bagels, danish--a sign-up sheet is in the narthex.

Palm Sunday worship will be celebrated with one service (at 10:30 a.m.) and will include HolyCommunion, distribution of palms and First Holy Communion.

Holy Week Services (April 9 - April 16)

On Sunday, April 9th, we will celebrate Palm Sunday with a service of lessons and hymns at 10:30 a.m. Three young members of the church will celebrate their First Holy Communion.

An Anointing Service will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 10th. The service is an excellent way to refresh ourselves as we begin our journey through Holy Week.

On Maundy Thursday, April 13th, Holy Communion will be observed as we gather together to "witness" thelast evening Jesus spent with his disciples before the crucifixion.

There will be a Stations of the Cross service held at St. Paul's Third on Good Friday, April 14th, at 12:00 noon with the pastors from Arndt's, St. Andrew's, St. Paul's Third and Good Shepherd participating.

A Good Friday service, "It is Finished" will be held at Arndt's on Friday, April 14th, at 7:00 p.m.

The Easter Vigil service on Saturday, April 15th, at 6:00 p.m. celebrates Holy Communion, Holy Baptismand powerful biblical stories which draw us into the wonder of the Resurrection.

We rejoice in the resurrection on Easter Day, Sunday, April 16th, with a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. and regularworship service at 10:30 a.m. with Holy Communion at both services. The Lord is risen indeed! Sing Alleluia,Praise the Lord!

Easter Blessings

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The Pastor's Page

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What does Easter mean to you?

Does it mean the annual trek to church?

Does it mean coming to church in your Easter finery--a brand new outfit, Easter bonnetand new shoes?

Does it mean eating all the chocolate that you can or finding all the hidden colored eggsat the egg hunt?

Does it mean having a big family dinner of ham, mashed potatoes and all the fixins' (orin my case, grilled cheese and clam chowder)?

Or, does Easter mean celebration and thankfulness for the resurrection of our LordJesus Christ?

Christ is risen! Alleluia!Risen our victorious head!Sing his praises! Alleluia!

Christ is risen from the dead!Gratefully our hearts adore himas his light once more appears,

bowing down in joy before him,rising up from griefs and tears.

Easter Blessings!

Pastor Jean

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April Prayer Calendar

You are asked to pray for the member listed on each day of the month. All of the members of our churchfamily will be lifted in prayer many times throughout the year. Members are listed alphabetically. Ifsomeone is missed, please contact the secretary in the church office.

April 01 - Dale and Jean RuschmanApril 02 - Becky RuschmanApril 03 - Robert RuschmanApril 04 - Kevin and Tammy Russell, Samantha, Sarah and StephanieApril 05 - Jeffrey and Sandra Ruth, Kylie and LiamApril 06- Richard, Brita and Jennifer SamApril 07 - Bruce and Debbie SandtApril 08 - Adam and Suzanne Sawchak, Benjamin, Olivia and QuintinApril 09 - Vicky SchaferApril 10 - Michael, Patti and Henry SchallockApril 11 - Myk and Susan SchallockApril 12 - Robert, Anne Klimke and Alexandra SchallockApril 13 - Eric and Stacy Schumacher, Tre, Aniya and TheiaApril 14 - Yvone and Irvin SegreavesApril 15 - James and Shirley SeifertApril 16- Adam and Ashley Selmasska, Evan and JacobApril 17 - Carl and Ellen Selmasska, Julie, Dan and Matt April 18 - Carl and Esther ShaferApril 19 - Edwin ShaferApril 20 - Larry ShaferApril 21- Jeffrey ShoemakerApril 22 - Larry and Patsy ShoudtApril 23 - Ben and Laura Siegfried, Zachary, Samantha and AlexisApril 24 - Dave SiegfriedApril 25 - Jim and Dody SiegfriedApril 26 - Rich and Ruthann SiegfriedApril 27 - Dan and Deborah SigafoosApril 28 - Daniel Sigafoos, Jr.April 29 - Ron and Jane Skrzyniarz, Sarah and BrandonApril 30 - Diane Smestad and John

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Community Service Activities

Safe Harbor Meals Provided by Arndt's

Safe Harbor Dinner - The next date for the Safe Harbor dinner meal is Thursday, April 27th.Thank you to those who participate in this community ministry.

Backpack Project

Arndt's continues to collect individual packs of applesauce for the backpack project. Our goal is to provide thebest nutrition that we can, so we ask for the no added sugar applesauce. You may bring your donations to thechurch and place them in the box marked for the "Backpack Project". Thank you for your support of thisproject.

Health Screenings - April 17th

Ruthann had no symptoms but an ultra sound of the thyroid detected irregularities which were later diagnosedas thyroid cancer. She was successfully treated and continues to be an active member of our congregation. Donhad no symptoms when the ultra sound test detected major blockage in his carotid artery; surgery soon after wassuccessful and Don continues to enjoy life.

Doctors do not routinely suggest this test since it is not covered by insurance without a symptom. Do yourselfand those who love you a favor by having your carotid arteries and thyroid checked on Easter Monday, April 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted as time permits. Or, call 610-588-6618 toschedule an appointment. The non-invasive test is conducted by Ken Hansen of Stroke Screen, Inc., and stillcosts $30. Payment can be made by cash, check or Flex card. The church offers this as a public service.

Used Book Collection for "Little Free Library"

St. John's Lutheran Church is asking for donations of gently used books for a book sale. Proceeds of the salewill be used to purchase materials to build a "Little Free Library".

A "Little Free Library" is a handcrafted structure: box, building, etc. to hold donated books which are sharedfor free to the community. The "mini" library would be lcoated on St. John's property and offer books to allages. People can take a book, and give a book, if they have one to give. There will be a low library for children's books and a high one for adult books. There are more than 40,000 Little Free Libraries in all 50states and 70 countries. St. John's is a good location for a neighborhood library where children, the elderly, etc.can have a convenient place to pick up a book. This can help promote reading and encourage sharing.

If you have books to donate, you may bring them to church and place them in the box marked for "BookDonations". Thank you for your support of this project.

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Arndt's Administrative Items

Important Items from CouncilFrom the March Council Meeting:

+ The birds are back and continue to be a problem. Council is going to check with the insurance companyto see if a claim is appropriate.

+ The door lock at the landing was repaired.+ Tiles for the upstairs bathroom floors have been ordered.+ Property Committee is receiving recommendations to repair/replace loose wallpaper in the sanctuary.

****************************************************************************************February, 2016

Total Operating Income $10,309.82Total Operating Expenses $12,095.28

($ 1,785.46)****************************************************************************************

Last Sunday, Second OfferingThe next Last Sunday, Second Offering collection will be received on Sunday, April 30, 2017.

Altar Flowers/Altar Food Box/Worship Bulletins SponsorshipsYou may sponsor our weekly, traditional altar flower vases or an altar food box for $35. You may purchaseyour own $35 worth of food for the food box and bring it in to place on the altar or you may write a check to thechurch and our volunteers will purchase the food for you. Worship bulletins may be sponsored for $15. Allsponsorships include your personal dedication message. Place completed forms in the offering plate or mail them to the church office--forms are on the bulletin board in the coatroom area.

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Regular Church Activities

Children's Sunday School

Sunday School is held on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. for children 3 years of age through sixth grade.

Confirmation Class

Confirmation class will meet on Sunday, April 23rd , 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Light supper will be provided.

Confirmands are asked to help with preparation for the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15th. Pleasebe at the church at 10:00 a.m. to help prepare the eggs and then assist in hiding them for the egg hunt. Letthe church office know if you will be able to help.

Open Arms Senior Connection

Open Arms meets at the church on Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Pick up an Open Armsnewsletter in the narthex or ask to be put on our newsletter mailing list and have one delivered to your home.

Arndt's Preschool - April News

In April, we will hunt for colored eggs in our play yard. The bunny might even leave one with our name on it!We will learn about what is a vegetable and what is a fruit and about choosing healthy foods. If anyone knowsof a family member, neighbor or friend who is looking for a preschool please mention our school to them.Weare accepting registrations for the 2017-2018 school year.

Arndt's Bible Study - April Schedule

Bible Study meets at Arndt's every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

Women's Monthly Lunch Gatherings

Ladies of the church are invited to attend a monthly lunch on the third Wednesday of each month to relax, chatand enjoy each other’s company. Too often we are doing the food prep; this time, sit back and enjoy. Car poolswill meet at church at noon on lunch days. Come each month or as often as you are able. Please call Janet Herrat 610 588 6618, or email Janet at snookers2@frontiernet.net, a week in advance if you can attend so reservations can be made. Lunch in April will be at Daddy's Place, 650 Northampton Street, Easton, on April 19th.

Fundraising Programs at Arndt's

Gift Card Program from Great Lake Scrips

Keep your inventory fully stocked with all of your favorite retailers so you have them on hand when you needthem for shopping, dining, home improvement, health & beauty, etc. Contact Carole Brown (484-505-0647),for any questions or to order gift cards. Scrip products are a great way to pay for all of your purchases whileearning money for the church at the same time!

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Worship at Arndt's

Sunday, April 2, 2017 – Fifth Sunday in Lent - Holy CommunionIn today's gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesiesGod breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God'spromise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ that we might also be raised with him to new life. At the Easter Vigil we will welcome new sisters and brothers at the baptismal font, as we renew our baptismal promises.

Sunday, April 9, 2017 – Palm Sunday - Holy CommunionToday's liturgy begins with a palm procession, commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Quickly the tone ofthe service changes as we mediate upon Jesus' passion and death, Because this story is so central to our faith, we hearMatthew's account of the passion today and John's version on Good Friday. Though Jesus is obedient even unto death onthe cross, he is exalted by God. We gather to remember his offering for the life of the world, and to be fed by his life-giving mercy. This holy week will culminate in the celebration of the Three Days of Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection.

Thursday, April 13, 2017 – Maundy Thursday - Holy CommunionWith nightfall our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate theThree Days of Jesus' death and resurrection. At the heart of the Maundy Thursday liturgy is Jesus' commandment to loveone another. As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we are called to follow his example as we humbly care for oneanother, especially the poor and the unloved. At the Lord's table we remember Jesus' sacrifice of his life, even as we are called to offer ourselves in love for the life of the world.

Friday, April 14, 2017 - Good Friday At the heart of the Good Friday liturgy is the passion according to John, which proclaims Jesus as a triumphant king whoreigns from the cross. The ancient title for this day--the triumph of the cross-- reminds us that the church gathers not tomourn this day but to celebrate Christ's life-giving passion and to find strength and hope in the tree of life. In the ancientbidding prayer we offer petitions for all the world for whom Christ died. Today's liturgy culminates in the Easter Vigil tomorrow evening.

Saturday, April 15, 2017 - Vigil of Easter - Holy CommunionThis is the night! This is our Passover with Christ from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom, from death to life.Tonight is the heart of our celebration of the Three Days and the pinnacle of the church's year. The resurrection of Christis proclaimed in word and sign, and we gather around a pillar of fire, hear ancient stories of our faith, welcome newsisters and brothers at the font, and share the food and drink of the promised land. Raised with Christ, we go forth into the world, aflame with the good news of the resurrection.

Sunday, April 16, 2017 - Resurrection of Our Lord - Easter Day - Holy CommunionOn this day the Lord has acted! On the first day of the week God began creation, transforming darkness into light On this, the "eighty day" of the week, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. We celebrate this ew creation in the waters of baptism and in the feast of victory. With great joy we celebrate this day of days, even as we begin the great fifty days of Easter. Filled with hope, we go forth to share the news that Christ is risen!

Sunday, April 23, 2017 - Second Sunday of Easter - Service of the Word - Holy Humor SundayIn today's gospel the risen Christ appears to the disciples and offers them the gift of peace. Even amid doubts andquestions, we experience the resurrection in our Sunday gathering around word and meal, and in our everyday lives. Throughout the coming Sundays of Easter the first two readings will be from the Acts of the Apostles and the first letterof Peter. Even as the early Christians proclaimed the resurrection, we rejoice in the new birth and living hope we receivein baptism.

Sunday, April 30, 2017 - Third Sunday of Easter - Worship and Praise ServiceToday's gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss and disappointment. They hadhoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them, and then openstheir eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord's day.

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Arndt’s AnnouncementsPlease submit any special information you may want to share with the rest of the congregation to the

"Arndt's Announcements” page of The Messenger.

Thank you to . . . .

Donna Lewis for helping with the fastnachts on Shrove Tuesday.

Arndt's members who provided soup, bread and dessert for Midweek Lent supper at Arndt's in April.

Thank you from . . . .

ProJeCt of Easton, Inc.'s Board of Directors, staff and all the people who benefit from our programs. Thank youfor your donation of various food items to the Interfaith Food Pantry. It is only through the generous support of ourcommunity that we are able to offer the services we provide to the public through the Interfaith Food Pantry and theASSIST program at no cost. Your support makes a difference to those in need.

Janice D. Komisor, Executive Director

St. Paul's Social Ministry. Thank you for the chili bags for our clients. We handed them out on Thursday evening andeveryone who received one was delighted for the extra surprise.

Chili Kits were assembled by the women who attended the March Mini-Retreatand delivered to the food pantry at St. Paul's (Southside)

Looking Ahead

April 23rd - Holy Humor Sunday

April 30th - Worship and Praise service on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.No 6:00 p.m. service on Saturday, April 29th - No 8:15 a.m. service on Sunday, April 30th

May 13th - Ladies' Tea - 2:00 p.m.

May 20th - Quoits for Andy Quoit Tournament

May 20th - Spaghetti Dinner - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

May 31st - Composting Workshop - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

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