Messiah Lutheran Church

17 Dec DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

Dear Members and Friends, As I read over this week’s edition of The Upper Dauphin Sentinel (from my home in Shipoke), I paid special attention to what the paper deemed important news. The front page was covered in stories of family tragedy and team accomplishments. Interior pages highlighted past and future events in the midst of lingering concerns. In contrast to the Tri-County Brief (which named a few people's moral failures) were students pictured as role models for their peers. A full obituary page displayed cherished photos paying tribute to people’s lives more than words ever could. This gallery of images representing lifetimes shares layout space with a three-quarter page BG’s Market ad. Combined, they remind me that life goes on. Thoughts of consuming food branded as the Best Yet suggests that the reader will likely live to eat another day. Turn the page and a section of upcoming events lies opposite more death notices. I see that communicating what’s legal is important: Pennsylvania hunting dates, information that pertains to hearings, budgets, bids, and the settlement of estates. Homecomings and sports, civic participation and making the honor roll are accomplishments worth sharing and celebrating. To undergird such moments, the paper and businesses alike, dedicate whole sections that help people find what they need: a church, a place to live, a job, the right person, things wanted. For the price of a dollar, the paper offers much. It reminds us that what it deems important news, really is. It documents activities of life and death, including those witnessed by bricks and stained glass, picnic tables and outdoor pavilions. Like the local paper, we too, in the settings of our two churches and Enders Grove, talk about doing what’s right, messing up, and what challenges us. We celebrate among people who may not belong to our church, but do belong to our community. In our weekly editions, we too, get down to business, are concerned with what’s legal and feel the need to adequately communicate. We acknowledge that what’s important from our past will continue to speak to our future. Reading the local paper caused pangs of grief. No longer considered a resident, I realized that I am no longer eligible/not readily available to partake of certain things. By the same token, I missed an opportunity to attend City Island’s Holiday parade right after moving to Shipoke. Just living in proximity doesn’t automatically connect you. What people share does. What’s important is that we continue to cooperate and make the best of things, the Best Yet. Like the layout of a once weekly paper, we are a bit of a jumble. At the same time, our parts balance each other in ways that reveal deep wisdom and understanding of what counts. Important news is what we share as we turn the pages of God’s word each week. When we discover our accomplishments, talk about our pasts and what we hope for in the future, we find there are always pressing concerns. But, with God and each other, we’ll get through them and gather a story worth telling. And speaking of the way that images capture life...In the new year, I hope we’ll compile an updated church directory that shows how Messiah and St. Peter are families/ folks connected by faith, living in community. As we continue to pay attention to what’s important, may December and January prove to be special. Whatever comes in the New Year will automatically enrich and bless your family, church and community if you allow these facets of your life to be inseparable. A newspaper like The Sentinel proves that every life experience is important: regardless of where it shows up, the order in which it appears, or how carefully you submit the details. The layout is somewhat predetermined. As editors of our own publication, what’s for us to decide is this: What heading will I fall under and how can I best fill columns of interest? One week you might be a moral failure, the next week, a role model. Regardless, you’ve been given coveted space. You don’t have to be a star player, just of human interest. As a featured article, you have an important story to tell and things to share. What will they be? Let’s read on together and find out, shall we? Thanks for being a regular subscriber of our first year’s edition with me at the writing desk. Your Loving Pastor, Pastor Nancy Brody   LET US PRAY The names have been removed to protect privacy. If you would like to add someone to the prayer list please email Pastor Nancy Brody at elsiebbrody@gmail.com (or call her at the church office.)   UPCOMING SCRIPTURES 12/20 – 4^th Sunday of Advent 1^st Reading – 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 Psalmody – Psalm 89:1-4,19-26 2^nd Reading – Romans 16:25-27 Gospel – Luke 1:26-38   12/27 – 1^st Sunday of Christmas 1^st Reading – Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalmody – Psalm 148 2^nd Reading – Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel – Luke 2:22-40   1/3 – 2^nd Sunday of Christmas 1^st Reading – Jeremiah 31:7-14 Psalmody – Psalm 147:12-20 2^nd Reading – Ephesians 1:3-14 Gospel – John 1: [1-9]10-18   1/10 – Baptism of Our Lord 1^st Reading – Genesis 1:1-5 Psalmody – Psalm 29 2^nd Reading – Acts 19:1 -7 Gospel – Mark 1:4-11   1/17 – 2^nd Sunday of Epiphany 1^st Reading – 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20] Psalmody – Psalm 139:1-6,13-18 2^nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Gospel – John 1:43-51   1/24– 3^rd Sunday of Epiphany 1^st Reading – Jonah 3:1-5,10 Psalmody – Psalm 62:5-12 2^nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Gospel – Matthew 1:14-20   1/31 – 4^th Sunday of Epiphany 1^st Reading – Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalmody – Psalm 111 2^nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Gospel – Mark 1:21-28                              CANCELLATIONS   Cancellations are not unusual nor unexpected these days, but committees have met and are still disappointed to have to make these decisions. Here is a list of what we know will not happen in the remainder of 2020 as usual: ~ Soup & Such Until further notice ~ Live Nativity ~ Christmas dinner and concert featuring the Joyful Ringers and musicians in December. ~Dartball (will be revisited in January) ~Conference Cabinet meetings on ZOOM   MESSIAH'S CONGREGATIONAL MEETING   Messiah members met on November 22nd in person and virtually via Zoom, to discuss and pass the 2021 budgets, fill two council seats and discuss new business. Luis Gutierrez volunteered to serve on council, Lisa Kaufman nominated Tori Kaufman and she accepted the nomination. Messiah council would like to thank Casara Kieffer and Kelsey Tobias for their service on council and to welcome Luis and Tori. Kelsey Tobias nominated Greta Wright to be recognized for her dedication and contributions to Messiah and her name will be added to the church plaque. A discussion of equipment required for live streaming services and the need for an update to a more reliable signal was held. Dave Wright made a motion for council to form a technology committee, Aaron Popp seconded and the motion carried. If you would like to volunteer please give your name to a council member. Council members for 2021 are Luis Gutierrez, Kyle Hoffman, Kyle Jury, Tori Kaufman, Judy Michaels and Nancy Stoneroad. Thank you everyone for your continued support of your council members and your service and dedication to our church.   KEEP IT SIMPLE by S. Dreibelbis This time I decided to call on my 50 years as a Nurse and share healthful hints, especially in these trying times. I will make this short and simple. Over many years, when faced with scary situations in regards to one's health, I remember words of wisdom told to me throughout my years in Nursing; some from Nursing Instructors, Doctors, health colleagues and Catholic Sisters. It all seems to boil down to simple, common sense practices. 1. Sleep- get enough of it. Sleep is healing to the body. It is amazing how well the mind and body functions after a good night’s sleep. 2. Nutrition- we all hear about this. Yes, this is important. And along with that stay hydrated, drink lots of water!! 3. Exercise, enough said. It keeps the body and mind functioning. Even a simple walk helps. 4. Stay positive. Sometimes hard to do. Take time to meditate. Walk away from the situation, take deep breaths. Focus on all you do have. Huddle with people who make you feel good and uplifted. 5. Balance. Know when to stop, whether it be with working or anything else occupying your time. 6. LAUGH- good medicine. 7. Be kind and smile!!! I am sure there are many more things/ways one can elaborate on, but keep it simple. Simple is what will work best right now.   PENDING INSTALLATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS St. Peter will install their new council member, Rhonda Hentz, and Messiah will install their new council members, Luis Gutierrez and Tori Kaufman at a future worship service soon. May God bless our church councils, pastor, lay leaders, and our members and friends, that by working together in faith, we might follow in the path of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—loving God and serving our neighbors!   CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES   DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 – Dean Kerstetter, Michael Jury, Tori Kaufman, Keaton Rummel 2 – Nick Decker 3 – Jane Batzel, Brad Bingaman, Kendall Lehman 4 – Jean Fegley 5 – Joshua Zahurak 7 – Rev. Jay M. Bohn 9 – Loretta Brown, Kory Klinger, Corwin Barnes 11 – Kate Jury 12 – William Sosnoski 13 – Harvey Snyder, Constance Casey, Beth Stoneroad 15 – Erin Kerstetter, Tyrell Nestler, Martina Grunden 18 – Mathew Stoneroad 21 – Bob Bower 22 – Bonnie Webster, Tiffany Paul, Michelle Smith 23 – Andy Barnes, Nina Hentz Pellman 24 – Larry Koppenhaver, Mackenzi Bingaman 25 – Linda Lucas 27 – Sara Buffington 28 – Dawn Pellman, Ethan Pellman, Tricia Farner 30 – Pauline Tobias, Ivan Wolfe, Pam Jury 31 – Melissa Keiter, Brian Stoneroad, Marc Oxendine, Landon Farner   DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES   15 – David & Lan Kahler 23 – Adam & Vicki Messner 24 – Glenn & Gloria Yeager   JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 – Deb Thornberg, Tanner Wright 2 – Gary Stoneroad, Valerie Hollern 3 – Ronnie Hoffman 5 – Elmer Keiter, Peggy Mattis 6 – Thomas Yeager, Sharon Weaver, Amanda Carr, Avery Weber 10 – Charles Dorman 11 – Nang Chau, Nicole Crum 12 – Shelby Nestler, Bob Enders 13 – Sallianne Bechtel, Kerry Dreibelbis 16 – Jan Tobias-Kieffer 19 – Devin Klinger, Derik Klinger 22 – Amy Bowers, Samantha Leiby, Kyle Hoffman 23 – Mahala Cooper 24 – Erin Frederick 26 – Tess Kieffer 27 – Matthew Bowers 28 – Sheri Hatalla, Aaron Popp 29 – Cindy Tobias 30 – Suzanne Witmer, Nancy Matter 31 – Dwight Hentz   JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES 3 – Rev. Jay M. & Mary J. Bohn 6 – Bob & Beckie Enders 17 – Matthew & Amy Bowers                            LOOKING FOR GOOD GIFTS THIS YEAR?   "Looking for an unusual gift? For less money than you think, you could give honeybees, chicks, a rooster, piglet, goat, or something else that would make a world of difference. A free Christmas ornament is yours for the taking once you view your options (either in person or online.) A selection of ornaments hangs on the rear sanctuary doors at Messiah. Just place a designated donation in the offering plate or notebook by December 24th and help yourself to an ornament. Let’s make the world a better place through ELCA Good Gifts. Coloring books and barns available upon request.            CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 20 4^th Sunday of Advent 8:30 AM Worship at St. Peter 10 AM Worship at Messiah 24  Christmas Eve 7 PM Service at St. Peter's Outdoor Pavilion   25  The Nativity of Our Lord – Christmas Day MERRY CHRISTMAS   27  1^st Sunday of Christmas 8:30 AM Worship at St. Peter 10 AM Worship at Messiah   31  New Year’s Eve        HAPPY NEW YEAR   DUE TO COVID CONCERNS. HOLY COMMUNION HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. NO SINGING OF HYMNS. FACE MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES 10 AM SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE LIVE STREAMED ON FACEBOOK AND ALSO WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL LATER IN THE DAY SUNDAY.   YOU TUBE: Halifax Messiah MESSIAH’S WEBSITE: Halifaxmessiah.church   CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day   3  2^nd Sunday of Christmas 8:30 AM Worship at St. Peter 10 AM Worship at Messiah   5 7 PM YOGA WITH MASKS at Messiah. <TENTATIVE> . WATCH FOR WEEKLY UPDATES   10  Baptism of Our Lord 8:30 AM Worship at St. Peter 10 AM Worship a Messiah Children’s Sunday School at Messiah right after the Children’s sermon   12 7 PM YOGA WITH MASKS at Messiah. .  WATCH FOR WEEKLY UPDATES   17  2^nd Sunday of Epiphany 8:30 AM Worship at St. Peter 10 AM Worship at Messiah DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER ITEMS   18  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day   19 7 PM YOGA WITH MASKS at Messiah. <TENTATIVE> .  WATCH FOR WEEKLY UPDATES   20 7PM Messiah’s Ladies Aid at Messiah   24  3^rd Sunday of Epiphany 8:30 AM Worship at St. Peter 10 AM Worship at Messiah Children’s Sunday School at Messiah right after the Children’s sermon   26 7 PM YOGA WITH MASKS at Messiah. <TENTATIVE>