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 – 4th Sunday of Advent
1st Reading – 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16
Psalmody – Psalm 89:1-4,19-26
2nd Reading – Romans 16:25-27
Gospel – Luke 1:26-38
12/27 – 1st Sunday of Christmas
1st Reading – Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalmody – Psalm 148
2nd Reading – Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel – Luke 2:22-40
1/3 – 2nd Sunday of Christmas
1st Reading – Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalmody – Psalm 147:12-20
2nd Reading – Ephesians 1:3-14
Gospel – John 1: [1-9]10-18
1/10 – Baptism of Our Lord
1st Reading – Genesis 1:1-5
Psalmody – Psalm 29
2nd Reading – Acts 19:1 -7
Gospel – Mark 1:4-11
1/17 – 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
1st Reading – 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]
Psalmody – Psalm 139:1-6,13-18
2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Gospel – John 1:43-51
1/24– 3rd Sunday of Epiphany
1st Reading – Jonah 3:1-5,10
Psalmody – Psalm 62:5-12
2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel – Matthew 1:14-20
1/31 – 4th Sunday of Epiphany
1st Reading – Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalmody – Psalm 111
2nd 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 4th 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 1st 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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>
. WATCH FOR WEEKLY UPDATES
31 -4th Sunday of Epiphany
8:30 AM Worship at St. Peter
10 AM Worship at Messiah
FACEBOOK PAGES:
“Messiah Lutheran Church, Halifax, Pa, USA”
“St. Peter – Fetterhoff’s Lutheran Church
Messiah & St. Peter Lutheran Churches Non-Profit Org.
Rev. Nancy Brody; Pastor U.S. Postage
3 Church Street PAID
Halifax, PA 17032 Millersburg, Pa.
Permit No. 10
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
WAYS TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US NOW…
This is a great time to call the church phone number (717-362-4597), or email Pastor at elsiebbrody@gmail.com to let us know your cell phone number and/or email address. We’ve been providing the church service via You Tube, and we have been emailing the link as well as posting it live at 10 AM on our Facebook pages. We will gladly email your newsletter to you, even if you’d like to continue receiving your paper copy.
You can also email or call for any additions or changes to mailing addresses, or birthday/anniversary lists. Thank you!