Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

November 2016

November Happenings at Christ Church

Tuesday, November 15th 4 –6 pm

Friday, November 11th 10 am—8 pm

Saturday, November 12th 10 am—3 pm

November 23rd at 7:30 pm The Presbyterian Church of Islip

Main Street, Islip

Dear Friends in Christ,

On October 31, 1571, an Augustinian monk by the name of Martin Luther marched up

to the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany, where he was on the university facul-

ty, and posted 95 theses or propositions concerning church policy and practice he pro-

posed for debate. Why there and then? Well, the church door was the community bulle-

tin board — notices and advertisements were regularly placed there, just as they are on

the bulletin board today at the grocery store. As to October 31, then and now that is the date for All Hallows

Eve (Halloween, as we know it), the day before All Saints Day, November 1, a day that saw church attendance

in medieval Europe at its peak as people gathered to remember the dearly departed. So, as in all of life, Luther

knew that timing is everything, and this place on this day would be certain to attract a good audience. It

worked. It started a debate that, in many ways, has continued for almost 500 years.

There is an old story about a six-year-old Protestant boy who accompanied the family of a six-year-old Catho-

lic girl on an outing to the beach. The day was warm and the girl was precocious and could not wait to get into

the water. She removed her clothes, but in her haste neglected to put on her swimsuit, and thereby gave the

young lad an education. He stared at her with open mouth and remarked, "I didn't know there was that much

difference between Protestants and Catholics!"

What are the differences? Well, there are some, although not nearly so many now as in generations past. When

many of us were coming up, Protestants and Catholics eyed each other with, at best, suspicion, and, at worst,

thinly disguised disdain. Not so now, fortunately. The world is smaller now; it is much more religiously di-

verse, and as 9/11 made all too plain, much more dangerous because of religion. The differences between

Protestant and Catholic just do not seem so important anymore.

For that matter, as you history scholars know, Luther would have been appalled at the split that occurred in the

church because of his questions. He wanted to fix a problem, not create an entirely new branch of Christianity.

There were some issues that needed to be addressed. We wanted to fix them and move on.

The Reformation laid important foundations for the faith you and I share today:

• It insisted that people are not saved by works but by faith alone.

• It said that religious authority did not lie in the church but in scripture.

• It showed that all believers are priests before God as they present the sacrifice of their lives.

• It showed the importance of people having the written word of God in their own language.

• It showed that Christian living was the service of God in any useful calling, whether ordained or lay — one

form of work is no more sacred and no more holy than another.

That last point, known doctrinally as "the sanctity of the common life," often gets short shrift in discussions of

the reformation. I sometimes wonder if the reason is that people are not sure that they believe it.

Granted, all work is not equally important. I would never argue that a multi-million dollar NBA player is as

important as a first-grade teacher, even though the compensation levels might indicate otherwise. All that

money truly reflects is the ridiculous system of values extant in modern society — someday, we will wise up

(I hope). No, all work is not equally important, but the Reformation insists that all work has its own im-

portance.

This understanding of the sanctity of the common life is where the rubber meets

the road concerning the way we witness to our faith. This is the faith that matters

between Sundays. This is the faith the world sees, and it preaches a sermon that

is louder than any from a pulpit. The way we perform our jobs, whether as a

Cook or an Accountant, a President or Dish Washer is our witness to God. We

believe God calls each of us to service, whether at a paying job, at home with our

families, or in volunteer pursuits.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Update on what’s happening around Church….

Committee Meetings

Executive Committee — Monday, November 7th at 7:30 pm

Council Meeting — Monday, November 14th at 7 pm

Fellowship Committee — Wednesday, November 16th at 7 pm

In Need of a walker, crutch or other supply to help you get moving again?

Our church has several items to lend out.

Contact Carol Schmid at 631-567-2112 who has volunteered to connect people in need with the

supplies that have accumulated in the church closet.

Notes from the Stewardship Committee

E-GIVING Did you know that you can have your weekly offering given to church every week automatically without an envelope? Every week your designated offering is taken out of your bank account and sent directly to church. It’s very simple and you don’t have to worry about forgetting your envelope.

ALTAR FLOWERS & SANCTUARY CANDLE The 2016 Altar Flower and Candle Charts are posted on the Communication Bulletin Board outside Pastor’s Office. Please remember your loved ones with an arrangement of flowers for $18 or by lighting the candle for $10. Use a yellow envelope and mark it Altar Flowers and Candle for your donation.

Phone Number and E-mail Updates

In a society that is prone to constant change, please keep the church office up to date on

changes to your address, phone number and e-mail addresses.

CHOIR NEWS

The Festival Choir rehearses on Tuesdays, at 6:30 pm

for the Advent Cantata on Sunday, December 11th.

Thursday Evening Bible Study — Continuing on November 3rd at 7:00 pm. Introduction to the New Testament Explore the writings of the New Testament using the story of Jesus as the starting point. This survey of the testament looks at how the early church took ownership of and was shaped by the story of Jesus and how the church learned how to develop as disciples and create communities of faith.

Participants find a deeper conversation with the writers of the NT and a renewal of our commit-ment to be shaped---personally and communally---by the story of Jesus.

In the weekly video segments, listen as scholars fascinate you with facts and information that opens new understanding and enlightenment for your group.

Sessions: 4. Jesus Calls Us to Complex Communities of Faith 5. Jesus Calls Us to Serve One Another 6. Jesus Calls Us to a New Relationship With Tradition 7. Jesus Calls Us to Live in Light of His Coming Again 8. Jesus Calls Us to Experience the Gifts of His Dying and Rising

HYMNAL

DEDICATIONS

AVAILABLE

Hymnals can be donated in memory of someone but also in honor or

thanksgiving for someone. The cost to donate a hymnal is $20.00. If

you would like to donate a hymnal, please use the yellow envelopes. If

you have any questions, please speak to Pastor Mark, Janet O’Mara or

anyone on the Church Council.

P&J SCHEDULE— Fall 2016

Oct. 30 – Nov. 5------ TERHUNE, SUKHU Nov. 6 - 12 - ----- CHOIR

Nov. 13 - 19 – CONFIRMATION CLASS Nov. 20 - 26----- DOOKRAM, PRIMIANO

Nov. 27 – Dec. 3 --- BOOK GROUP

If your group can not do your scheduled week, please switch with another group! We are counted on to provide two boxes of sandwiches each week!

OUR SUPPLIES OF PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY ARE LOW, PLEASE DONATE !

The Family of Christ Lutheran Offers

Prayers of Sympathy for the Families of :

Dorothy Heusel — Mother of Carol Paturso

Grandmother of Regina Campson

Great Grandmother of Dylan & Brianna Campson

Memorials

The following gifts have been received in the Memorial Fund

A Hymnal In Memory of Kim Burmester by Barbara & George Burmester

A Hymnal In Memory of Elfrida Gay by Barbara & George Burmester

A memorial to the Altar Guild in memory of Ellen Bevers by Harry Bevers

In memory of Scott Montgomery by Irene Montgomery

The Christ Lutheran Family Welcomes the Birth of

Liam Michael Merrick

July 6, 2016 7lbs. 10 oz.

Parents — Melanie & Michael Merrick

Congregational Grandparents Jan & Michael Coco

Julia Carioscia, Brittany Jekel, Manisha, Ruza Rados, Ben Morcelli, Louis Nocerino,

Alexis Hennessey, Barbara Sands, Kathy, Jessica, Grace, Grabrielle, Linda & Larry

Hanna, Bob Lobacz, Christine (Johnson) Porter, Christopher Olsen, John Kostick,

Jillian Brown, Erin O’Mara, Gail Callis, Helen Turnquist, Janice Fuzia, Joan DeAn-

gelis, Janet Ross, Betty Jo Molina, Ken & Carol Wiedemann, Helen Dietrick, Jillian,

Samantha Saviano, Leah Family, Brown Family, Sharon Vitarelli, Thomas Mulieri,

Barbara Carney, Martin Castrosoto, Vivian Abano, Janice Reilly, Lisa Albert, Mrs.

Isha Tannu, Bill Paddack, Pat Guenste, Laurie Swaine, Sandra Gatto, Lena Miller, Connor Granville,

Pat Dilandro, Sally Sukhu, Lynn Musa, Jessica Ross, Leonard Crowe, Ken Schultheis, Eileen, Dennis,

Susan, Leslye Diemer, The Vent Family, John, Dunia, The Gervino Family, Bruce Henneborn, Anmol,

Mateo, Michael Lanigan, Ron Fuzia, John Jansen, Nancy Fletcher, George Mullane, Cindy Merri-

weather, Mateo Bedoya, Dottie Williams, Joseph Thomesen, Barbara Krause, Mary Stagner, Owen

Preston, Maureen Consiglio, Bob Smith, Alba Bran, Grace, Frank Schadock, Eleanor Atkins, Betty

Eichner, John Musa, Lorraine Cunningham.

Michael Dinger, Hasan Skinner, Rene Doumeng, Chris Levey, Jeanette Perry, Davante, Anmol, Justin, Mar-

garet Lenahan, Lisa & Marvin, Jamey Musa, Mona Lang, Amelia Newhoff, Charles Moonsammy, Ruth

Knudsen, Debbie Rasmussen, Eleanor Owens, Christine Sparacino, Adele Henneborn, Phyliss Stack, Henry

Bouchard, Kim Schiniener, Cathy McWilliams, Alyssa Furlani, Marie & Thomas Curr, Linda Smith, Gloria

Marsh, Steve Sparacino, Gary Patera, Lorraine O’Donnel, Paul Bouchard, Daniel Taddei, Donald Lemp, Miecia Webb, Frieda Costa, Scott Cunningham, Bob Wilson, Kristen Gilliar, Nazema Singh, Tina Crachio-

lo, Bebe Zalina Singh, Kailey Marie Johnstone, Albert Trabold, Kenneth Longacre, Jennifer Hassig, Rose

Crowe, Christine Lambert, Lane Romano, Marie Schrader, Anita Joanni, Christopher McCarthy, Eugene

Diaz, Al Smith, Barbara Bouchard, Mary Ann Osborne, Mary Ann Rescigno, Anne Marie Lowe, James

Hansen, Steve Caruso, Diana Mancini, Barbara Johnson, Ivy Sukhu, Donna Vito, Robert Burns, Danielle

Fischetti, Cathy Roosa, Edna Muller, Dick Guenste, Christopher Mayotte, Todd Panzner, Petya Licheva,

Jamie Rodriguez, Heather Panzner, Barbara Suchopar, Ron Weber, Dawn Rotolo, Marisa Carney, Liam

Kruer, John Flynn, Paul Harrington, Ruth DeMartino, Linda & John Jeziorkowski, Ashley Thornberg, Helen

Gronus, Reggie Fountain, Gene Fairbrother, Russell Weber, Peg Bartnick, Frances Quervalu.

SERVING IN THE MILI-TARY: Alex Newhoff, Nik-

ko Navarro, Travis Mont-gomery, Billy DeCarlo, Matthew Gallino, Gregory Longacre, Justin Holke, Mi-chael Beiner, Brian McClain, Daniel Eichner, Brian Eichner, Sean Moller, Christopher Gaudio, Daniel Riley, Evan Book, Eric Thomesen, Brett Marcinik, Alexandria Gentry

SUNDAY SCHOOL

3 year olds to 5th Graders

Every Sunday during the 10:45 Service

Lessons, crafts , music and more!

Jr. Youth Group November Meetings on November 6th and November 20th after the late service

Call Emy Terhune at 631-258-8452 or

Jean Musa at 631-901-3776

With any questions. 6th through 9th grades:

Confirmation Classes continue on

Wednesdays from 7 pm — 8 pm

Sr. Youth Group

Baking for Church Fair — Tuesday, November 8 at 7 pm

Thursday, November 10, 2016 (RSVP by November 4th) 7 pm – 10 am (Friday is Veteran’s Day – no school)

Service Project: Paint 2 of the Sunday School Classrooms – bring old clothes! Karaoke, Bobbing for Donuts

Games – bring your favorite board games And more!

Church Holiday Fair -Children’s Table — November 11 & 12

Friday: 10 am – 8 pm, Saturday: 10 am – 3 pm

Run for the Warriors Water Station

Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 8:30

Irmish Avenue and Byrd Street, Lindenhurst

Bring Work Gloves, No Rest Rooms Available on Site

RSVP by November 4th & Include your t-shirt size

Community Notes and

Information

Christ Lutheran Church Food Pantry - Hours are Mondays from 11:30 to 2:30 pm Cub Scout Pack 38 - For boys from 1st grade through 5th grade. Call Emy Terhune 631-258-8452 for more information Boy Scout Troop 327 - For boys from 5th grade to the age of 18. Meets every Friday night in the Wolpert Building from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Call Dave Maziarz, Scoutmaster at 834-6118 for more information. Homemakers - Meets at Christ Lutheran Church every Tuesday morning. Call Sandy Deck at 581-1289 for more information.

AA - High Noon Group - meets every weekday at 12:00 noon in the Wolpert Building. AA - Evening Group - Meets Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Wolpert Building at 8:00 pm Families Anonymous — Meets Tuesdays in the Fellowship Hall beginning Tuesday, September 6th at 7:00 pm. Contact Catherine (631) 581-8874 or Donna526@aol.com

CHRISTLUTHERANIT.ORG

Your Passport to Everything at Christ Lutheran Church!

CHECK OUT OUR HOMEPAGE ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB!

Miss a special event or need a little inspiration--check out the

links to listen to the Festival Choir sing a Cantata, relive the

Sunday School pageant, be inspired by the fabulous voices of the Central Islip

High School Concert Choir. Need to check a date — check out the on-line cal-

endar of events. Much more is waiting for you. Go on-line today!

A monthly publication by and for the members of Christ Lutheran Church, Islip Terrace, NY.

Submissions should be made by the 20th of each month. Rev. Mark Kreemer, Pastor Cell: (631) 533-2446

Office: (631)581-1710 E-mail: christchurch.it@verizon.net

Deacon: Janet O’Mara

Congregation Officers: President: Karl Von Seggern Vice President: Lorraine Hajek, Jr. Secretary: Jason Terhune Treasurer: Ricci Ordway/Ed Preuss Assistant Treasurer: Gail Callis Financial Secretary: Ellen McManus

Parish Coordinator: Madeline Sharrock Parish_coordinator@christlutheranit.org

2016 Church Council

Karl Von Seggern Ricci Ordway Jason Terhune Marie Von Seggern Joe Callis Judy Gauthier Ellen McManus Jean Musa Gail Callis Helen Carioscia Lorraine Hajek Jr. Holly Von Seggern Ken Hill Ed Preuss Joan DeAngelis Dawn Rotolo

Become a STEWARD BOOSTER for $10 and have your name printed in

the issue with the designation of your choice.

In memory of ___________________________

In honor of _____________________________

In thanksgiving for __________________________

On the occasion of _________________________

Your Name ______________________________

Steward Booster for November

“In honor of: Retail Workers Worldwide” by Cathryn Barbera

Thank you to all who made hats and scarves for the Seafarers International House.

A large box was sent off this week and will be appreciated by all who will wear them.

Debt Reduction

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our efforts to reduce our

mortgage and get it paid off in the next two years.

Our September contribution: $1,556.50

Year to Date: $6,040.00 Help us to meet our goal of becoming debt free by contributing $10.50 a week!!!

Thank You!

We collected 57 pints! Great Job!! Save the date for the next Blood

Drive: Wednesday, January 18th

Thanksgiving Baskets will be distributed on

Tuesday, November 15th from 4 pm—6 pm. Volunteers are needed to help with the distribution.

The pantry is in need of TURKEYS, Roaster Chickens, 3 lb. Canned Hams and anything else to complete a

Thanksgiving Dinner

ADVENT FOLDERS

Advent is as time of preparation and waiting.

Please pick up your Advent Folder in the church narthex

the next time you are in church.

Please use the Advent Folder to remember the coming of the love of God our Father.

Have you noticed? Recently, knitting “got religion.”

Anyone interested in spending an evening knitting and reflecting

on a devotion is welcome to join this new group which will meet

once a month on a Monday evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Fall Dates are:

Monday, November 28, 2016

Monday, December 19, 2016

Contact the church office or Madeline Sharrock at (631) 882-5202 if

you need more information

Ambassador Girl Scout Troop 1029

is collecting new dolls to be donated to

The Domestic Violence Agency in Hauppauge

The dolls can be given to Jillian Hajek now

through Sunday, November 27, 2016.

Thanks very much!

YOGA Class Coming to Christ Lutheran Mondays at 12:30 pm. Beginning in November 7th. We will be starting with a 4 week session & then ongoing

if successful. Price approximately $15/class (could be lower depending on the number of registrants). The fee

must be paid up front for 4 weeks at a time. Make checks payable to Christ Lutheran Church. Please contact

Carol Carty or Nancy & Ken Hill

ZUMBA Gold Interest Zumba Gold classes starting 4 week sessions initially on either Mondays at 7 pm or Wednesdays at 7 pm. The

price will be approximately $15/class (could be lower depending on the number of registrants) Please let Carol

Carty or Ken & Nancy Hill know if you are interested. Looking forward to some fun at Zumba Gold

CLC Women's Book Club

Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 20th at 12:45PM when we will be discussing E. L Doctorow's Homer & Langley, the story of the infamous Colly-er Brothers in NYC.

For those who want to read ahead, we have already selected our January book: Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. We are always looking for more ladies to join in on the lively discussion and fun - join us! We will meet at the

home of Carol Carty

SUNDAY SERVERS for November

11/6/2016 11/13/16 11/20/16 11/27/16

Greeters 8:45 Helen Gronus

Irene Montgomery

Ellen McManus

Bob Lobacz

Jean Musa Kevin O'Mara

Irene Montgomery

10:45 Chris Swaine Vanessa Von Seggern Phyllis Kobel

Marie Von Seggern

Ushers 8:45 Joe Callis

Alan Cunningham

Alan Cunningham

Bruce Dochnahl

Don Lemp

Alan Cunningham

Alan Cunningham

Kevin O'Mara

10:45 Al Smith

Bill Schrader

Billy Schrader

Karl Von Seggern

Jason Terhune

Edward Pruess

Phyllis Kobel

John Kobel

Doug Hajek

Jan Coco

Ron Fuzia

Jim Musa

Tom Primiano

Eucharistic

Ministers

8:45 Ricci Ordway

Betsy Cunningham

Nancy Hill

Ken Hill

Ellen McManus

Helen Gronus

Janet O'Mara

Madeline Sharrock

10:45 Marie Von Seggern

Karl Von Seggern

Marie Von Seggern

Marcia Coco

Judy Gauthier

Karl Von Seggern

Jason Terhune

Dolores Johnson

Assistant 8:45 Madeline Sharrock Cathy McWilliams Judy Gauthier Janet O'Mara

Ministers 10:45 Veronica Kreemer Karen Carrier Karl Von Seggern Phil Bertuglia

Acolytes 8:45 Nicholas Picece

10:45 Dylan Campson Nicholas Monz Jason Birsner

Nursery 10:45 Ginny Da Silva

Amanda Da Silva

Regina Campson Geradine Lambdin Emy Terhune

Joshua Terhune

Coffee Hour 8:45 Carol Carty

Billy Carty

Nancy Hill

Ken Hill

Jean Musa

Jim Musa

Phil Bertuglia

10:45 Stan Fuzia Mary Varak

Craig Kadane

Judy Gauthier Janice Fuzia

Ron Fuzia

Altar Guild Betsy Cunningham

Alan Cunninghan

Betsy Cunningham

Alan Cunninghan

Ken Hill

Nancy Hill

Cindy Terk

Lorraine Hajek

Pat Guenste

Christ Lutheran Church

Carleton Ave & Nassau Street

P.O. Box 205

Islip Terrace, NY 11752-0205

Office Phone: (631) 581-1710

The Rev. Mark Kreemer, Pastor

Cell: (631) 533-2446

Dated Material - Please Rush

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church

Growing in the Lord