January Herald 2012

                                                       The Herald

        Trinity Lutheran Church               Havertown, Pa                   January, 2012

                                                                                               January, 2012

Dear Christian Friends:

We have just passed the winter solstice, (December 12^th) the shortest day of the year. We will now enjoy a little more light each day. As you know Christmas was a feast of  lights. Trees are brought into homes and made radiant with brilliant lights; yards are also illumined and we all are amazed each year with the glow of candlelight at the Christmas Eve Service. . In other ways too, our lives are aglow with light.  Often families are reunited; bonds of love and friendship are strengthened, and memories are brought to birth. People are generous – making contributions to the needy and the less fortunate.  These events of grace truly light up our lives.

Isaiah 60

¹ Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
² See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
³ Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

⁴ “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip.
⁵ Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.
⁶ Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah.  And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

This text from Isaiah speak of two kinds of light. Isaiah promises a light full of hope. Jerusalem went through destruction and forced migration and is now in desperate need of rebuilding—a situation that has repeated itself down through the ages, even to our own day. The prophet proclaims that the darkness of despair has been lifted, and a new day of restoration has dawned. At last, the light has come!

We are now entering the Epiphany season and we remember that the three kings are led to the child by the light of a star. Whether this was an actual celestial phenomenon, as scripture suggests, or a metaphor for some other kind of enlightenment, it was by divine guidance that they found the child. Please reflect again on the text:

Matthew 2: 1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

 Very interesting!  This maintains that God, not the social or political structures of the day, is the source of our light. This is important as we enter full speed ahead the primary for president. A careful read of scripture teaches that openness and humility are necessary if we wish to read correctly the “signs of the times.”

It insists that when we discover the “promised one,” we must be willing to offer him all that we have. The light has come, and we are invited to live in it. How have we responded to the invitation?

May I suggest that we continue to live in the light of Christ these cold and dark January days by bringing hope – joy – peace and love to all whom we meet.  Let us practice random acts of kindness.

Perhaps during this month you can do a kind deed for an elderly person, a child or  for someone who is needy or homeless. Then look within and ask yourself what can you do to foster peace in the world, in the church or in your family?

And finally be enlightened again by re-reading the scripture texts that are in the body of this letter.

In the light of Christ,

Pastor Littleton

                                                Please Pray For……

                          Grant  and Dorothy Nice,  John Ross,  Dolores Pindjack, 

                      Marlene  D’Ascenzo, Barbara Polk,   John Kirkpatrick,

                      Bob Gdovin, Bill  and Mildred Bast,  Brenda Teague,

                      Jere Young, George Zampetti,  Pastor Edward Treichel and

                       the victims of disasters.

 

Thoughts 4-U-2-Ponder by DSP

The New Year lies ahead of you like a spotless track of snow. Be careful how you tread it, for every mark will show.

PRAYING THROUGH MEMBERSHIP

Gordon, Marianne and Gordon, Jr. Anderson, Penny, Madigan, Lucinda and Grace Ashton, Jim, Susan, James, Peter, Sarah and Billy Baraldi, Bill and Mildred Bast, Ruth Batty, Paul, Dottie and Matthew Bazik, Ardeth Berg, John, Will and John Jr. Bistline, Sandy Blank, and Julie, Ray, Jennifer and Ashley Burke.

Joke of the Month

Janet was taking an afternoon nap on New Year’s Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to Jim, her husband, ‘I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year’s present. What do you think it all means?’

‘Aha, you’ll know tonight,’ answered Jim, smiling broadly.

At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Jim approached Janet and handed her small package.  Delighted and excited she opened it quickly.  There in her hand rested a book entitled: ‘The meaning of dreams’.

“January Quotes”

“There are two seasonal diversions that can ease the bite of any winter. One is the January thaw. The other is the seed catalogues.”- Hal Borland

“January is named after the Roman god Janus, who was always shown as having two heads. He looked back to the last year and forward to the new one.”

“Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

                                        TREASURY REPORT

Shared Financial Recap period ending November 30, 2011

Current            Revenue               Expense                 Difference        

Nov. 2011	19,476.23	(21,530.55)	($2,054.32)
Year To Date	199,762.54	(269,114.47)	($69,351.93)

Benevolence

2011 YTD through November (All categories) $ 11,944.00

“Blessed are those who can give without remembering,  and take without forgetting.”  – Princess Elizabeth

 Stewardship  (Taken from Parish Publishing)

 I’m a busy man,” warned Buck Busy.  “Please, don’t waste my time!” He gave this response to everyone who approached him to join in the church work or for Christian charity. Pastor Don Goodly commented, “He is pretending a great busyness, while fussing with petty details.” “I get that feeling too,” agreed old Sam Elder.  “However, Buck contributes regularly. We don’t see Buck very often, but we see his money.” “Despite his faults,I like Buck,” pleaded old Sam. “Perhaps if you and I saw him, we could open his eyes.”  When they did get together, Sam started the discussion: “Buck, you seem to realize that all things come from God and that we must give God his fair share of our wealth. Do you believe that?” “I not only believe it, I do it!” Buck confirmed. “I hope the church is happy with my giving.”

“Your church appreciates your financial giving, but like wealth, time is a gift from God and we need to give God his fair share,” Pastor Don counseled.  “How do I do that?” asked Buck.  “By regular attendance at church, by participation in the work of the church and by service to your fellow men and women,” explained the pastor.

“Oh, I can do that alright, but I can’t start until next month. I have so much work to do,” Buck faltered.  “You still don’t get the picture!” cautioned old

Sam Elder. “Promise me that you will carefully read James 4:15-17.  We all need to give God his due time while we are yet able.

HOMELESS MINISTRY

The Connect-by-Night program will be bringing homeless people to our church through the month of February.  This organization insures that people without heat, food and warm clothes will have a place to stay overnight.  The Women of Trinity make healthy lunches and always enclose a psalm to lift their spirits.  Our members in the Homeless Ministry buy much needed personal items such as socks, underwear, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.

Homeless Statistics

 We live in the world’s wealthiest nation. Yet 13 percent of people living in the United States live in poverty.

Nearly one in four children live in households that struggle to put food on the table. That’s 16.7 million children.

Most Americans (51.4 percent) will live in poverty at some point before age 65.

FUNDRAISER FOR HOMELESS  

 Due to severe federal budget cutbacks, one of the four shelters for the Delaware County homeless has already closed. The other three are in serious danger of closing next year, including the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County, where we serve dinner every month.

I am on a fundraising committee for that shelter, and we are planning a fundraiser Cook-Off  Dinner on March 10, 2012, from 6 – 9 pm at Delaware County Community College.  Six groups who serve at the Life Center (including Trinity) will be serving their regular meal, and attendees will vote for the best one.  Tickets will be $25.00 (this is a serious fundraiser!)  We will need volunteers to help prepare and serve the meals, and to donate door prizes or silent auction items.  Can you donate something big? Time at your beach house?  Tickets to a ball game ?  (any sport)  Gift certificates to local restaurants?  A gift basket from your business?  Do you know anyone who has contacts with any celebrities in the area?  Can you do anything at all for this event?  Flyers will be available soon for distribution.  Tickets will be available in January.   Please contact me as soon as possible at 610-853-1484 or t.shiffer@comcast.net. Thank you for thinking of the homeless in their time of need. ~ Ann Shiffer

Worship with Music

A giant thank you to all of my soloists over the holidays: Don DiSciascio, Tom Shiffer, Dan Romano, Eric Olsen, John Bistline, Jr. and John Bistline, Sr.   Also to both the children’s and adult choirs: thank you for all of your hard work!

A Music Resolution?

‘Tis the season, right, when we all resolve to do something new so now is the time to consider joining the choir!  We have enjoyed working together for half of the regular season, but we would love to have more voices.  Consider starting to attend just a song cycle to see if you like it.  It’s only a 6 week commitment, and we would help you through any concerns you may have.

Mark your Calendars!

The voice workshop has been scheduled for March 15 at 7:30 pm in the choir room.  You do not have to be a choir member to participate.

Did you know?

Researchers are exploring the benefits of combining the arts in a regular school curriculum.  And no, I don’t mean the student going to a regular art class or music class once a week.  Teachers are using art-based curricula to teach math, language arts and science.  Studies show that by using the arts to stimulate the right-brain, the left-brain activity seems to retain information better.

Closing Thoughts

One of my dearest friends in Ohio called me the other day to say that she was planning a funeral for one of her church friends, who was in hospice care and only had days to live. Donna, the inflicted, had already done some of the beginning work before she slipped into a coma.  She told the Pastor she wanted to sing “Old Rugged Cross” and “Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In.”  My friend was worried.  She said, “Kirsten, all I can find for “When the Saints” are arrangements by Louis Armstrong or Mardi Gras bands.  What do I do?” We talked some more about it, but in the end, decided that Donna’s funeral and all funerals should have time for great joy that we have gone home to be with our Lord.  And so…we picked a fantastically fun Mardi Gras band to complete the music set.  It made me think a lot about our beginning with our Lord, and dancing to the great Mardi Gras band welcoming us home!  Praise God!  We are saved!

                   Trinity                              MOVIE MINISTRY

                  presents…                            January 10^th – “Listen to Your Heart”

Genre: Drama, Romance, Music.  Featuring: Alexia Rasmussen, Kent Moran (Cybill Shepherd, Ernie Sabella, Frank Watson, Lisa Benner, Amy Clare Lockwood, Robert Ousley

AWARDS:1. Rhode Island International Film Festival – AUDIENCE CHOICE
2. Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival – AUDIENCE CHOICE
3. New York City International Film Festival – PEOPLE’S CHOICE
4. Action on Film International Film Festival – BEST PICTURE

One song can change your life.

Danny (Kent Moran) has an apartment as small as his paychecks, no family, and a struggling music career. But with unwaivering optimism, for Danny, “every day is a great day to be alive.” It’s love at first sight when Danny meets Ariana (Alexia Rasmussen), a wealthy hearing-impaired girl from Greenwich, CT who tragically cannot hear the music she inspires him to write.  Ariana is torn between hanging onto the shelter her controlling mother (Cybill Shepherd) provides and fighting for a love that, if given the chance, might just change her life. When tragedy strikes, determined that nothing can keep them apart, they must trust in the power of their love, and together discover just how important it is to “listen to your heart.”

Pastor’s Note ~

This is another one of my Spiritual Cinema Films. I found myself really enjoying the story and the characters. This was a movie that really makes you stop and think about life, love and the choices we make in our lives. It makes you stop and reevaluate the choices you are making and think about what really makes you happy instead of typically doing everything that you are supposed to do or doing everything that makes everyone else happy.

 Next Movie –        January 17^th – “The Help”

Primary Audience: Teens Adults – Genre: Drama – Length: 2 hr. 17 min. – MPAA Rating: PG-13

Featuring: Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Chris Lowell, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Cicely Tyson, Mike Vogel
Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk.

Statistics show that up to 90% of working black women during post slavery ended up being the domestic help for upper-class white families. Raising white children and getting meager pay, these women often silently endured racial injustice. Skeeter (Emma Stone) is a recent Ole Miss graduate. Unlike her childhood friends, she isn’t married and instead wishes to launch a writing career. Her polar opposite and socialite leader is Hilly Holbrook (Byrce Dallas Howard). Though she’s organizing a charity drive for African children, she’s also trying to pass a bill where all white households would be required to have a separate bathroom for their colored help. Not only would this increase the value of the home, she also believes this separation would ensure sanitation. Her current maid is Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer). During a tornado, Hilly catches Minny trying to use the inside bathroom and promptly fires the longtime help.
SPIRITUAL insights include
Celebrate the courage to inspire change. A seemingly simple act can make a difference to so many. The power of one person with one idea can create change.  Finding your voice is empowering. One can triumph in very quiet ways and become a hero in their own life.  Friendship is the basis for discovering a common humanity. Change begins with a whisper!

Trinity Nursery School and Mothers’ Morning Out

All looking spiffy in their red suits, each Santa peeked out of the library to see if the coast was clear. There were seven of them this year. Some bought new glasses, one a wig , another bells, and two bought themselves new suits!  One looked so good he went commercial this year doing two gigs at two kiddy parties.  He brought the photos in to prove it.  The other Santas were in awe!  When I remarked about how great they all looked in their beautiful new suits one Santa said ,” It’s not only the suit that makes the Santa”:..and he is absolutely right.  I am so grateful for :Joe Henrick, Chickie Hatton, Derrick Rocce, Chris Ellison, Matt Thompson, Kevin Convery and John Tallarida

They give us their time during this very busy season to appear at our Lunch With Santa each year . The Santas in the Nursery School classes take the time with each child going over their picture lists of presents.  We decided if they couldn’t print it, they could cut out pictures from circulars and paste them for Santa.  Each Santa enjoyed watching a rehearsal of his class’s Christmas Show and sang his heart out when they practiced “Jingle Bells”.  I saw a Santa doing a “Jingle Bell Jig”, one reading “The Night Before Christmas” , and another coloring the Lunch With Santa coloring book.  Aimee overheard two children whispering  (just in case), “He’s not the real Santa. The real one’s at the Mall”! These gentle men play the part with their heart and soul. “They make Christmas for the children in our school very special.

YOUTH GROUP

In January the Trinity Youth Group will sponsor a Joe Corbi’s sale to raise money for their West Virginia mission trip this summer. Joe Corbi’s is a family owned business that produces a wide variety of delicious foods for the entire family. We will be selling bake at home pizzas, cookies, pretzels and pies. There are even gluten-free cookies. There is a special dough to make biscuits for your dog. There is literally something for everyone in the family. We hope you will look at the brochures and consider what your family could use. We are trying to negotiate a delivery in time for the Superbowl February 4. Products are good for 1 week in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months. They are perfect for game night or quick dinners for those busy nights. More information will be coming and sales will be at the coffee hours.  Any questions or to place an order please call Leslie Carden at (610) 449-8719.

ATTENTION!!

Brought back by popular demand, a Sunday Sundae on Sunday, February 19^th after each service.  All are welcome to enjoy these ice cream concoctions made with all the fixins’ you’d find in an ice cream parlor.

CORRECTION!

 Mildred Collins would like to make a correction to her new address.  It should be 600 East Roseville Road, Apt. 2201, Lancaster, PA  17601

Trinity’s Wish List. 

 FOR CHAPEL

1.  Framed Inspirational Artwork – approx. $50.00 – $500.00

FOR SANCTUARY

1. Pew Candle Holders – Christmas Eve and Weddings – approx. $2,000
2. New Sound System – approx. $20,000
3. Painting – approx. $6,000
4. Video camera for streaming video to Web page – approx. $3,000
5. 2 Rocking chair gliders for Narthex -  approx. $500
6. New tile floor for Narthex  – approx. $5,000
7. New carpet for Sanctuary – approx. $25,000

FOR OUTSIDE

1. Bike rack – approx. $400 – $600
2. Meeting Digital Sign – by elevator entrance – $5,000
3. Parking lot repaved – $25,000

FOR ELEVATOR LOBBY

1.  Two small Love seats for under window – approx. $600

FOR SOCIAL HALL

1. Bathrooms – approx. $20,000
2. New Stage curtain – approx. $5,000
3. Window Dressing – approx $4,000
4. New tables – 8 ft. – $100.00 each

FOR CHURCH OFFICES

1. New windows – 3 offices – approx. $9,000
2. New window dressings – approx. $2,500
3. Color copier – approx. $12,000
4. New carpet – approx. $6,000

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL AREA

new windows – (lower level under offices – approx. $9,000

1. New window dressings – approx. $2,500

FOR FRITSCH ROOM

1.  Video system – approx. $2,000

FOR YOUTH

1.  Youth  Gathering / Activities Scholarships – any amount
2.  Youth Director – approx. $40,000 – $50,000 per year

FOR CHURCH BUILDING

1.  New Roof – approx. $200,000

FOR PASTOR’S FUND

1.  Gift to meet emergency needs of members and community – any amount.

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

1. Bible Gifts – $30.00 each
2. Music, Video, Educational materials – any amount
3. New computers for computer lab – approx. $500.00 each

FOR CHOIR

1. New music – any amount
2. New robes – about 25 – approx. $250.00 each

MEMORIAL GARDEN – $5,000

If you would like to help with Trinity’s Wish List, you can either contact Janet at the church office (610-446-6398) or Pastor Littleton after services.

Thank you.

 

            Couples Date Night – Friday Night Jan 13^th  at 7:30 pm

This is our last session with the Pastor/Comedian – Mark Gunger – our theme will be How to Stay Married Without Killing Anyone.

In this final session, Mark covers the subject of forgiveness and shows how to avoid building resentment in marriage…not to mention sharing with couples the key to staying married for a lifetime.

We will view the video – and then have a time of relaxing fellowship with the other great couples who have come to our Date Night.  We ask that you please bring a snack to share with the others.

 
  DON’T FORGET!

Please pick up your Holiday cards in Trinity’s mailbox.  There are also 2012 offering envelopes that  were not claimed yet.  And if you have a mail slot across from Pastor’s office, please clear it out of mail. Thanks!

 

   “A Civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit. ~ Greek Proverb

Thank You to Our Volunteers

            Bulletin Folders   

Jan 1        Marilyn Lindelow

8  Mary Sealander

15  Gladys Gettz

22  Louise Wallace

29  Joan Kirkpatrick

Church Openers

Jan 1        Malcolm Wise                 

8        Charles Matsinger

15      Thomas Shiffer

22      Brigitte Gdovin

29      Leslie Carden                                        

Altar Guild – Month of January –

Nancy Cornman

Lois Kirkpatrick

          Flower Deliverers

Jan        1          Kim and Jim McDevitt

8  Don and Peggy DiSciascio

15 Mildred Collins

22 Ed and Mary Sealander

29 Don and Peggy DiSciascio

                  9:30 am –   Acolytes     Jan 1  (New Year’s Day)

      8:15 am                                  10:45 am

Jan      8       Meghan Madonna         Julia Travlos

15   Kyle Zalkind          Chelsea Polidoro

22       Tori Campbell              Jessica Hoffman

29        Rachael Causland         Will Bistline

                                            9:30 am                                            Lectors                                 

    Jan   1        Dorothy Plantholt

 

8:15 am                                10:45 am

8        Linda Weiser                             Jan Romano

15      Barbara Ryan                         Thomas Shiffer

22       Nancy Campbell                     Joseph Salvant

29       Pastor Matthew Shibo               Peggy DiSciascio

 

                        Ushers                             9:30 am   

                            Jan      1        

Mitch Zalkind

                                                  

Marilyn Lindelow

Bob Smith

Chris Lyons

                         8:15 am                                                     10:45 am   

 

     Jan   8        Jim Hasselman                                  Paul Bazik

Alan Paules                                                                       Lois Kirkpatrick

Marilyn Lindelow

Matthew Carden

 

15     Malcolm Wise                                              Ed Sealander

Chris Lyons                                                Bob Smith

John Bistline

Will Bistline

 

22      Alan Paules                                       Mary Hoffman

Marie Vain                                        Matthew Carden

Gavin Vanstone

Daulton Ward

 

29      Malcolm Wise                                            Bob Smith

Chris Lyons                                                 Joseph Polidoro

Marilyn Lindelow

Ed Sealander