Plainfield Township, Pennsylvania (610) 863-6859 December 2017

St. Peter's Good News Luther Church Newsletter

November 29, 2017

Dear Member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church,

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT INVITATION!

We have reached another significant step on our journey to call our new Pastor. The Church Council is extending to each of you another opportunity to fully engage in the call process. We have unanimously approved the Call Committee’s recommenda-tion of a candidate. However the final determination is up to the congregation. For purposes of confidentiality, we cannot reveal that person’s name.

There will be a coffee hour reception on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 8:00AM in the Fellowship Hall to meet the candidate. After the reception, the candidate will lead the worship service at 9AM. There will only be one service that morning.

Directly after the worship service, there will be a congregation meeting. At the meet-ing, there will be an opportunity to ask the candidate questions. Then the congrega-tion will vote on whether to extend the call of full-time pastor to the candidate. The selection of a pastor is an incredibly important moment in the life of our church com-munity.

Please make every effort to attend the coffee hour reception, experience worship un-der the candidate’s leadership and come to the congregation meeting to vote wheth-er this person should receive the call to lead our congregation.

Yours in Christ,

Brian Olzinski, President

Church Council

2

Please say a prayer for...

December 1 - Gary Golden family

December 2 - Frank & Susann Groller

December 3 - John & Sandra Groller

December 4 - Patty Guarry

December 5 - Wilson & Barbara Gum

December 6 - Josh Guthrie family

December 7 - Tim Hageman family

December 8 - Dylan Hagerty family

December 9 - Charles Hahn

December 10 - Donald Hahn

December 11 - Marguerite Hahn

December 12 - Jason Hahn family

December 13 - Lucy Hahn

December 14 - Ralph Hahn

December 15 - Robin Hahn

December 16 - Susan Hahn

December 17 - Dave & Barb Hampton

December 18 - Charles & Marilyn Hart

December 19 - Joseph Hart family

December 20 - Bryan Hartzell family

December 21 - Justin Hayman family

December 22 - Jeff Heard family

December 23 - Leon Heller family

December 24 - Tricia Heller family

December 25 - Robert Hendershot family

December 26 - Harold & Donna Henshue

December 27 - Charlie Henry family

December 28 - Betty Herd

December 29 - Jim Hester family

December 30 - Kyle Hettel family

December 31 - Dave Heyne family

If your name has been omitted, please

contact the church office.

Scholarship Committee Corner

The Scholarship Team would like to “THANK”

everyone in the congregation, the Community,

and the local businesses that supported us

during the 2017 year.

Without everyone’s help we would not be able

to help our young adults, through their most

important years of their lives.

Watch for our schedule for the upcoming

events for 2018

Have a Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year

The Scholarship Team

On Sunday, December 24,

There will be NO Morning

Worship Services.

Our Christmas Eve services are

at

1:30PM, 7:00PM

10:15PM

Please Join Us!

3

December 2017

3 9:00AM 1st Sunday/Advent Holy Communion 8:00AM Meet and Greet 9:00AM Service

4 Girl Scouts

6:00PM

Social Ministries 6:30PM

5 Girl Scouts

6:30PM

6 Advent Luncheon

12Noon Service @ 1:00PM

Finance 7:30PM

7 Choir Rehearsals

Youth 6:00PM Bells 6:30PM Adult 7:30PM

8 Tree Lighting

in the Grove 6:00PM – 8:00PM

9 Sunday school Dress Rehearsal 9AM – 12Noon

10 8:00 & 10:15 2nd Sunday/Advent 9AM Coffee Hr. Conf. Class 10:15 Sun. School

Christmas Pageant Fellowship Hall Use

12Noon – 3:00PM

11 Girl Scouts

6:30PM

12 11:30AM LCW

Council 7:00PM

13

14 Choir Rehearsals

Youth 6:00PM Bells 6:30PM Adult 7:30PM

15

16

17 8:00 & 10:15 3rd Sunday/Advent Holy Communion 9AM Sun. School Coffee Hr. Conf. Class

18 Girl Scouts

6:00PM

19

Girl Scouts 6:30PM

20

21 Choir Rehearsals

Youth 6:00PM Bells 6:30PM Adult 7:30PM

22

23

24 Christmas Eve

Holy Communion 1:30PM Worship 7:00PM - Family Service 10:15PM - Candlelight Service

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2 Sunday school Dress Rehearsal 9AM – 12Noon

Fellowship Hall Use 5PM-8PM

31 8:00 & 10:15 Christmas 1

Lessons and Carols

4

2017 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Aubree Klump

Pat Voigt

2 Robert Bauer

3 Greg Miller

4 Marie Balson Chris Lobb

5 Herb Weidman

6

7 Trescha Lynch

8 Linda Dishman

9 Mark Gentile

Neil Scheihing

10 James Morykin

11 Daniel Brunner

Shawn Mennell Allen Predmore

12 Susan Knapp

Heather Lohman Craig Stocker

13 Alex Hendershot Cecelia Kandl

14 Edith Mackes Robert Pepe

15

16 Nicole Reduzzi

17 Sophia Ianni

18 Alvera Lilly

Cheyanne Pysher Jewel Burns

19 Cathryn Chaszar

20 James Hester

Rosalyn Pennington

Judith Rissmiller

21 Christopher Bruch Marci Gubich

Charles Houck Juliette Silvoy

Michael Witkowski

22 Kadence Weeast Hazel Werkheiser

23

24 Mary Long

25 John Schwartz

26 Jillian Aide

27 Stanley Lilly

28

29 Brandon DeFranco

30 Bernard Brinker

31

5

Acolytes and Crucifers December 3 9:00AM – Carter Moore, Griffin Porter December 10 8:00AM – Abigail Wallbilich 10:15AM – Erica Weaver, Delaney Porter December 17 8:00AM – Brooke Goffredo 10:15AM – Zach Wolf, Jonathan Dario December 24 7:00PM – Jacob Conrad 10:15PM – Lilly Batha December 31 9:00AM – OPEN

Altar Flower Committee

Kathleen Campbell

Altar Flower Sponsors December 3 - Audrey McAbee December 11 - Sunday School Class December 17 - OPEN December 24 - Bob & Debbie Cornman December 31 - Scott & Karen Sandt

Altar Guild December 3 9:00AM – Randa Barabas, Vivian Dawe, Sue Irwin, Pat Voigt December 17 8:00AM – Robin Hahn, Barb Hampton, Cindy Witkowski, Kelly Woolley 10:15AM – Kathleen Campbell, Tammy Lawson, Patti Williams December 24 1:30PM, 7:00PM, 10:15PM Randa Barabas, Vivian Dawe, Sue Irwin, Pat Voigt, Sarah Brewer, Linda Heller, Micki Houser, Barb Sanders

Announcements December 3 9:00AM – Buddy Batha December 10 8:00AM – OPEN 10:15AM – Erin Curtolo December 17 8:00AM – Mary DeHaven 10:15AM – Kathleen Campbell December 24 7:00PM – OPEN 10:15PM – OPEN December 31 8:00AM – OPEN 10:15AM – OPEN

Bulletin Sponsors December 3 - Marianne Uhler December 10 - OPEN December 17 - Bob & Debbie Cornman December 24 - Linda Paynter December 31 - OPEN

Church Office Volunteers December 1 - Kim Manieri December 8 - OPEN December 15 - Jennie Schank December 22 - OPEN December 29 - Gladys Wagner Girl Friday - Judy Kessler

Coffee Hour Set-Up/Bakers

December 3 - Joe Barabas Baker - Judy Kessler December 10 - Earl Brewer Baker - Kathleen Campbell December 17 - Jim & Eileen Sandt Baker - Dana Goffredo December 31 - Roger & Laura Brunner Baker - Debbie Weeast

Counting Team Audrey McAbee (captain)

Joanne Bortz, Kathleen Campbell

In Service of St. Peter's December 2017

6

In Service of St. Peter's cont’d…

Communion Bread December 3 - Kathleen Campbell December 17 - Diane Flyte December 24 - Debbie Cornman

Communion Team December 3 9:00AM – Judy Houck , Marty Eichner Bernie & Jackie Brinker December 17 8:00AM – Susan Blasco, Carol Free, Jean Temos, Terry Albert 10:15AM – Ryan & Amy Rotzell, Karen Pysher, Karin Gallagher December 24 1:30PM - OPEN 7:00PM - Terry Albert, Bernie & Jackie Brinker, Rhonda Beckage, John & Kathleen Campbell, Leon Heller, Jill Ott, Micki Houser, Amy Rotzell, Linda & Jessica Marascio, Betty Ramaley, Carla Menhennitt 10:15PM - Joe & Randa Barabas, Dean Sanders Karen Pysher, Earl & Sarah Brewer, Dave & Ann Super

Greeters

December 3 9:00AM – Tim & Judy Mellert, Karl & Sheryl Sellers December 10 8:00AM – Steve & Phyllis Smith 10:15AM – Dave Ott family December 17 8:00AM – Jean Temos 10:15AM – Fran Eckert, Linda Oswald December 24 7:00PM – Terry & Lori Barry 10:15PM – OPEN December 31 8:00AM – OPEN 10:15AM – OPEN

Hospital Visitations December 1 ~ 3- OPEN December 4 ~ 10 - OPEN December 11 ~ 17 - OPEN December 18 ~ 24 - OPEN December 25 ~ 31 - OPEN

Head Ushers December 3 9:00AM – Tim & Kim Manieri, Jill Ott December 10 8:00AM – Debbie Sandt 10:15AM – Scott Sandt December 17 8:00AM – Jim Sandt 10:15AM – Terry & Lori Barry December 24 1:30PM – Fran Eckert, Linda Paynter 7:00PM – Terry Albert, Debbie Sandt Dave & Barb Hampton 10:15PM – Joe Barabas, Dean Pysher, Tim & Kim Manieri December 31 8:00AM – OPEN 10:15AM – OPEN

Lectors

December 3 9:00AM – Kerri Tollinger December 10 8:00AM – Carol Free 10:15AM – Duane Sanders December 17 8:00AM – Debbie Sandt 10:15AM – Scott Sandt December 24 7:00PM – Marty Eichner 10:15PM – Dave Super December 31 8:00AM – Joe Barabas 10:15AM – Karin Gallagher

Prayers of the Church December 3 9:00AM – Carol Free December 10 8:00AM – Joe Barabas 10:15AM – Debbie Sandt December 17 8:00AM – Eleanor Wentzell 10:15AM – Pete & Rosalyn Pennington December 24 7:00PM – Dave & Barb Hampton 10:15PM – Ann Super December 31 8:00AM – Dave & MaryJo Heyne 10:15AM – Jill Ott

7

10/31/17 -- 83.3% of Year

General Fund Contributions so far this year: $142,341

* 66.5% of our Annual Budget

* -$5,267 or -3.6% below last year

General Fund Expenses so far this year: $130,627

* 59.5% of our Annual Budget

* -$32,418 or –19.9% below last year

Average Weekly Attendance so far this year: 152

* -9 or –5.6% below last year

Our Social Ministry Committee has begun

working on our two annual Christmas Projects.

You might have noticed our Angel Tree

decorated with ornaments on a table in the

back of the church. Written on each ornament

is a gift that has been requested by 25 children

selected by Families First. This will provide

each child with 3 special gifts and perhaps

make their Christmas a little brighter. Take an

ornament, purchase the gift and bring the

wrapped gift to the church no later than

December 17.

Our second project is the collection of food for Christmas dinners at Safe Harbor and Mission of Love. Both of these organizations prepare a delicious Christmas meal for the

homeless and families in need. We are also asking for monetary donations to help us purchase extra hams. The sign up sheets for all that is needed are also on the table in the back of the church. The food should be here on or before Dec.17th.

Thank you for helping us make Christmas special for those who need a little extra assistance during this wonderful time of the year.

ST. PETER’S ONE STITCH AT

A TIME MINISTRY

The Social Ministry Committee is inviting anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting or sewing to join our One Stitch At A Time Ministry. Our members make shawls, afghans, lap robes, hats for chemo patients, neck pillows, comfort pillows and winter scarfs.

This year we have provided 8 nursing homes and 3 area hospitals with your wonderful creations. It has been estimated that it took about 4000 hours of volunteer time to finish these projects. The yarn (located in the coffee hour area), patterns and material need-ed is provided for you. It is amazing what can be done for others “ONE STITCH AT A TIME”.

For more information contact Marilyn Hart (610-759-0408) or Kathleen Campbell (570-242-3200).

8

GOOD NEWS The Monthly Newsletter of

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church Plainfield Township, Pennsylvania Web site: StPetersPlainfield.com

Phone/Fax: 610-863-6859 E-Mail: stpetersplainfield@ptd.net

People of St. Peter’s, Pastor Kelly Woolley, Parish Administrator Erin Curtolo, Christian Ed Director Linda Kern, Organist, Adult Choir

Stacy Hageman, Bell Choir Ken & Vivian Dawe, Sextons

Council Officers President: Brian Olzinski

Vice President: Tim Hageman Secretary: Ann Super

Treasurer: John Campbell Financial Secretary: Carol Free

Sunday Church School

9:00AM

Good News Newsletter Kelly Woolley, layout

Worship Services 8:00AM & 10:15AM

First and Third Saturday at 5:00PM Please Join Us!

There is NO Sunday school or Confirmation Class on December 3

due to the candidate service.

Tree Lighting in the Grove - Join us on Friday, December 8 from 6:00PM - 8:00PM for pizza and Christmas cookie decorating. We will be caroling to the grove to light the tree, then return to the fellowship hall for hot chocolate and movie of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!” Wear your holiday “Best” and win a prize! All are welcome.

Our Christmas Pageant will be held on December 10 during the 10:15 worship. Please have your child downstairs by 9:30. No "regular" Sunday School will be held that day.

December 17 we will celebrate Jesus's Birthday Party during the Sunday School hour! Any Youth in 8th—12th grade that are interested in attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston on June 27—July 1 must contact Erin Curtolo by December 10!

No Sunday School or Confirmation on December 24 or December 31

Wishing all of our students and staff a happy and healthy holiday season.

Erin Curtolo and Melissa Koehler

All Choir Rehearsals and Bell Choir will

practice:

Tuesday - Praise Band 7:00PM

Thursday - Youth Choir 6:00PM

Thursday - Bell Choir 6:30PM

Thursday - Adult Choir 7:30PM

9

It’s that time of year again for Year-end reports.

All year-end reports and financial reports, will be prepared and distributed. All committees and persons responsible for their commit-tee’s activities are asked to submit their re-ports by the deadline date listed: Any changes not received, a copy of the last report given will be used. All financial reports and year end reports are due by January 14, 2018. Reports are preferred by email to: stpetersplainfield@ptd.net or may be dropped off at the church office. In addition, please submit the membership update form below with any changes to keep our records up to date. Thank you.

Dear LCW – Kathleen, Diane, Ruthann, Cindy and all others: Thank you for all your help in arranging the luncheon in celebration of our Dad – Carl Kess-ler’s life. Everything was so well organized, and we received many compliments on behalf of your efforts. Our sincere appreciation to everyone who pro-vided the delicious variety of desserts. Again, a huge thank you to all for your gracious assistance during this most difficult time. Most Sincerely, Carl Kessler Family Dear Friends at St. Peter’s: The Families First 5-K Race ‘n Walk 2017 was a huge success! Thank you for the vital part you play in helping us continue to help families! Sincerely, The Families First Board Frank Jones, Director Renae Bussen, Assistant To the Director Dear Judy, Bill and St. Peter’s Church: I know the power of prayer. I rely on God’s peo-ple standing by me. Thank you for your prayers. God Bless you all! In Christ’s Name, Pat Toth Dear St. Peter’s Congregation: Thank you so much for your continued support to our FOOD BANK. You will never know how much we appreciate all you do, not only for sup-plying us with items from our wish list but also the monetary gifts you send us. With your generosity and the help of other local organizations we are able to keep our shelves stocked and help the less fortunate. We can never thank you enough! Caroline and Glenn Altemose Food Bank Directors Hope United Church of Christ 2md and Cherry Street, Wind Gap, PA

10

Among the items that are appropriate for the col-umn are announcements of births, deaths, en-gagements, marriages, milestone birthdays and anniversaries, interesting vacations, promotions, awards and relocations out of the area. If you have an item you would like included in the January 2018 edition of the newsletter, please re-turn the form below to the church office or place it in the collection plate. Name:________________________________ Address:______________________________ _____________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ I would like to recognize the following: (Include date, if relevant.) _____________________________________ _____________________________________

From Social Ministries... If you

normally discard any of your

Christmas bags, Christmas

cards, birthday cards, or any

cards that you receive, please consider donat-

ing them to our committee. We can reuse the

bags for our residents in the nursing homes.

Christmas cards, birthday cards, or any cards

that you receive, we will collect them. Please do

not tear them apart, this is therapy for the resi-

dents.

A reminder to all Scheduling Coordinators…

Please submit your 2018 schedule to the church office as soon as possible. If anyone would like to help out with being a greeter, pray-er readers, hospital visitation, lector, etc… and your name is not on the list, please contact the church office at 610.863.6859 and we will for-ward your name to the coordinator. There is no experience necessary.

Altar Guild - Barb Sanders

Altar Flower Committee - Kathleen Campbell

Baker - Jackie Brinker

Church Office Volunteer - Debbie Weeast

Communion Bread - Debbie Cornman

Communion Team - 8:00AM RuthAnn Vough

Communion Team - 10:15AM Linda Kern

Grass Mowers - Randa Barabas

Greeters - 8:00AM Carol Free

Greeters - 10:15AM Linda Heller

Head Ushers - Linda Paynter

Hospital Visitation - Amy Rotzell

Lectors - Carol Free

Prayer Readers - 8:00AM Judy Houck

Prayer Readers - 10:15AM Tammy Lawson

In a bittersweet moment,

Another Angel has found

their wings & has set off on

flight Safe into the arms of

God & to those gone before

them waiting & anticipating

their arrival as they make their way into heaven.

With Deepest Sympathy to:

John Pinto on the loss of his wife, Jean Pinto,

who passed away November 14.

Marguerite Hahn on the loss of her husband,

Herb Hahn, who passed away October 28.

11

All members are invited to help decorate the sanctuary for Christ-mas by purchasing poinsettia plants. If you wish to order a plant through the church, please return the completed form below with

your payment and place in the box on the community table or submit to the church office by Sunday, December 17. Please do not place order form and payment in offering plate. You may call the church of-fice @ 610-863-6859, 9am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday to place an order. The cost of each plant is $7.00. Plants may be taken home after the 10:15 Christmas Eve service. You may indicate if you want your plant given to a shut-in member of the congregation.

**There is a limited supply of Marble color plants. If you would like one of them, they need to be pre-ordered, and are on a first come first serve basis. Pleas contact Barb Sanders for more information.

In place of buying a flower, you may make a contribution to World Hunger. Your honor/memorial will be included in the booklet printed with the bulletin. The same deadline of December 17 applies to all these gifts or con-tributions. If you have any questions, please contact Barb Sanders @610.588.8204. Name_________________________________

Telephone_____________________________

6-1/2 inch (7-8 blooms)

No. of poinsettia plants @ $7.00 each________

Red__________ White__________

Pink _________ Marble_________

World Hunger Contribution $_______________

Place in memory/honor of

_____________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

Total amount due with order $______________

_____YES, please give my plant(s) to a shut-in

member of the congregation.

DEADLINE: DECEMBER 17

FOR ORDER AND PAYMENT

12

In This Issue. . .

Page 1 Meet Our Candidate

Page 2 Prayer Calendar/Scholarship Corner

Page 3 Calendar of Events

Page 4 Birthday Calendar

Page 5 Participant Listing

Page 6 Participant Listing

Page 7 Treasurers Report/Angel Tree

Page 8 Sunday School

Page 9 Thank You’s/Year-end Reports

Page 10 Grapevine/2018 Schedules

Page 11 Poinsettia Orders/Kids Page

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Permit #53

BANGOR, PA 1422 Church Road Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania 18072-9747

Address Service Requested

Dated Material

Christmas Worship Services December 3 9:00AM Worship Service 1st Sunday in Advent - Holy Communion Meet and Greet at 8:00AM December 10 8:00AM & 10:15AM 2nd Sunday in Advent 9:00AM Congregational meeting 10:15AM Sunday School Christmas Pageant December 17 8:00AM & 10:15AM 3rd Sunday in Advent Sacrament of Holy Communion December 24 No AM Church Services Christmas Eve Sacrament of Holy Communion 1:30PM Worship 7:00PM Family Christmas 10:15PM Festival Candlelight Service December 31 8:00AM & 10:15AM Lessons and Carols