“THE WITNESS” Newsletter – Feb. 2022

23 Feb “THE WITNESS” Newsletter – Feb. 2022

Posted at 10:19h in Newsletter by

Dear Church Family,

After spending eight hours at the PA Farm Show on Saturday, January 8th, I’ve drawn a conclusion. The nation’s largest agricultural exhibition and trade show has one focus, improving how stuff grows and matures toward a set goal: plants, animals, even human beings.

We began the morning by taking advantage of smaller crowds and the opportunity to walk right up and order the newest flavor of PA Dairymen’s/women’s Shakes: Black Raspberry. Then we sat and watched youth ages 9 to 18 compete in the High School Rodeo Association trials. Because waiting seemed to be a major challenge for every family participating in the farm show, we made waiting part of our day, too. We waited til 5 o’clock for the HSRA rodeo finals to begin.

God showed up a few blocks before we arrived, while heading down Cameron St. There were big signs telling drivers where to park and pick up a shuttle bus, exactly how many stop lights and which direction to turn. Following the first set of instructions resulted in another sign, then another, until we met people willing to direct us from there. These are all things God does: offers signage that is visible, accurate and trustworthy, people in the flesh who either volunteer (or are paid) to offer further direction.

The officer in the booth collecting parking fees was patient, efficient and kind as were folks directing cars and passengers toward buses.

Bus drivers were personable and interactive, answering questions and adding personal anecdotes. God operates this way: offering hospitality, preparing in advance, a clean, comfortable, safe, welcoming space.

It was luxurious and pleasant to be driven to the front entrance of the farm show. The online guide advised visitors to take a picture of where they parked so later one wouldn’t have to walk needlessly searching, unable to remember or having failed to take notice in the first place. God does that: offers advice and warnings to prevent hardship.

Without misplaced irony, the visitor’s map showed exhibition halls going in all directions. Food sources were found on one end of the massive building complex, food vendors on the other. The many tunnels, ramps, stairways, doors and escalators were a microcosm of the universe. So many choices and ways to go, some designated for specific, private use, others public. Many not to be found on the map.

The wares of beef, pork and poultry producers could be seen in various stages of development. Newly hatched chicks, dry and fluffy ate and drank under acrylic warmth and protection.

Incubated eggs were stacked upright in carton cups like their infertile half-genomed relatives.

Thirteen pink piglets, a Percheron foal and a Red Angus calf born around Jesus’ birthday ate, stood or slept, full and healthy close by their respective mamas. Cows and heifers near their time of delivery were on display though there was nothing yet to see. Seems waiting takes a big chunk of time no matter what you are or where you are.

God was present with all and in improved animal husbandry. Gestation crates now adjust, allowing sows to lie down or stand as desired while access and safety for offspring is continually provided. It was difficult to reconcile the fate of newly shorn and shown lambs.

Both ribbon winners and rejects (the latter’s pristine clippered short coats spray painted with a single neon line) were destined for one thing. Those yet to be shown occupied the same square footage as those already marked. From birth every animal at the farm show was marked for market. Surely, God doesn’t create life for consumption, to grow God’s own self, for profit or recognition. No, surely not. Life destined for death (even under the best of conditions) is life worth having. God set other goals and made new provisions.

Many men, women and children (pleading to be lifted by parents so they could see better) watched as two chicks who had already serrated the narrow end of their eggshells tried and tried again to open their escape hatches. Two of several dozen shells held perfectly upright in an incubating enclosure with a tray whose structure ensured a maintained vertical position. Each struggled, fighting the full force of gravity. Wet and exhausted they pushed on the edges of the shell with feet and tiny wings then flopped their heads and necks, heaving breath as fully as space inside the shell would permit.

Many of us cheered them on saying, “C’mon, buddy. You can do it.” Parents wanted their children to witness the struggle and triumph as much as they themselves did. Survival is tough. Entering and leaving this world is tough. Making it IS work. But we’re never alone. I saw God in everything at the farm show…except this contrived birthing set-up.

An egg, by God’s design, has no sides. Every surface is round so that once a chick chips a circular exit hole, gravity works in its favor. God designed all created things to live and die with things working in their favor. I suppose this breed of chicks must evolve to survive. God does require that sometimes. (Sigh). Lord, have mercy, (as you do) on all living things that strive to grow, mature and die under your care and ours.

Pastor Nancy Brody

LET US PRAY

“Prayer is that which knits the waiting, expectant community together. Prayer is not just for those being prayed for or on the prayer list. Prayer is also an act of faith where we lift up and entrust others to God.”

Health and Other Concerns:

Please email Pastor Brody at
elsiebbrody@gmail.com or call with prayer requests (717)-362-4597.

MARCH PRAYER LIST UPDATES/REBOOT

Please speak directly to Pastor Brody about person(s) you personally requested be put on the prayer list. Names on the list with whom there have been no updates or contact will be removed. Saying, “Please keep them on,” over the phone or via email is sufficient validation for any name to remain on the list. Thank you.

UPCOMING SCRIPTURES

2/06 – 5th Sunday after Epiphany

  • 1st Reading –Isaiah 6:1-8 [9-13]
  • Psalmody – Psalm 138
  • 2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
  • Gospel – Luke 5:1-11

2/13 – 6th Sunday after Epiphany

  • 1st Reading – Jeremiah 17:5-10
  • Psalmody – Psalm 1
  • 2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
  • Gospel – Luke 6:17-26

2/20 – 7th Sunday after Epiphany

  • 1st Reading – Genesis 45:3-11,15
  • Psalmody – Psalm 37:1-11,39-40
  • 2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians15:35-38, 42-50
  • Gospel – Luke 6:27-38

2/27– Transfiguration of Our Lord

  • 1st Reading–Exodus 34:29-35
  • Psalmody–Psalm 99
  • 2nd Reading–2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
  • Gospel–Luke 9:28-36

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY

2 630pm-730pm Cub Scout Pack 156 in basement at Messiah

3 4:00pm to 6:00pm Pick up Soup and Such Messiah

5 8:00am to 1:00pm CPR/First Aid/AED training at Messiah.

6 5th Sunday after Epiphany, Worship of Holy Communion
8:30am at St Peter
10:00am at Messiah
Messiah Council meeting immediately following the church service.

13 6th Sunday after Epiphany
8:30am Worship at St. Peter
Have a Heart Sunday
10am Worship a Messiah
1:00pm St Peter’s council meeting at St Peter’s
DEADLINE FOR MARCH NEWSLETTER

14 Happy Valentine’s Day 6:30pm Kindergarten Den meets in the basement at Messiah

16 6:30pm Ladies Aid at Messiah 630pm-730pm Cub Scout Pack 156 in basement

17 Messiah Preschool Resumes

20 7th Sunday after Epiphany
8:30am Worship at St. Peter
10am Worship a Messiah
Recognition of Distinguished Service
Deadline to order Soup and Such for March

27 Transfiguration of Our Lord
8:30am Worship at St. Peter
10am Worship at Messiah

MARCH 3rd “SOUP AND SUCH”

In March, “Soup and Such” has a menu which includes Chili – $7/quart, cornbread muffins – 4/$1.50, and Shoofly cake – $1.50/slice. Orders are due by Sunday, February 20 and pick-up is from 4 to 6 P.M. on Thursday, March 3rd at Messiah. For more information, please contact Dianna Reed at 717-692-5317.

2022 COUNCIL MEMBERS

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Messiah Council Officers
President: Kyle Hoffman
Vice President: Kyle Jury
Secretary: Tori Kaufman
Treasurer: Drew Hogan

Other Members
Madison Crum-Burger
Luis Gutierrez
Judy Michael

St. Peter’s Council Officers
President: Diane Keister
Vice President: Ray Rummel
Secretary: Rhonda Hentz
Treasurer: Nicole Miller

Other Members
Audrey Rummel
Mary Bohn

Please pray for our council members, as well as all lay leaders and our pastor, as we continue our unique ministries as well as our shared mission in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

MESSIAH THANKS VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS

In recognition of the important work performed by volunteer organizations in our community, a donation has been given by the Ladies Aid of Messiah Lutheran Church to the following twelve organizations: Halifax Area Ambulance and Rescue Association, Inc.; Bethesda Mission; Northern Dauphin Human Services Center; Medic 6; Halifax Fire Department; Fisherville

Volunteer Fire Company; Upper Dauphin Human Services Center, Inc.; Halifax High School-Helping Hands Program; Food Ministry Program at the Halifax United Methodist Church; Carsonville Volunteer Fire Company, Dauphin County Library System and the Halifax Area Historical Society. The church thanks these and all volunteers who enrich our lives, keep us safe from harm, and provide much needed services.

A LUTHERAN SPIRITUALITY *

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • is rooted in a positive and affirming view of creation;
  • It is incarnational, concrete,
  • Has an earthly or fleshly character to it.

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • is shaped and strengthened by God’s unconditional love,
  • By God’s Word, and by Baptism and the Eucharist;
  • It focuses always on the Gospel and the sacraments.

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • grows from the cross of Christ,
  • and so it does not forget suffering and death.

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • is at least as much concerned about neighbor as self,
  • as much concerned about justice as personal piety;
  • it is at least as much communal as individual.

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • is not so much a personal exercise,
  • as it is a gift of the Spirit;
  • and so it derives from the presence of God with us.

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • “is not righteousness but growth in
  • righteousness, not health but healing,
  • not being but becoming.”

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • affirms our baptismal vocation and talents and builds on them;
  • it does not diminish them by making us
  • think that true Christians are in a
  • constant state of prayer or must have
  • continuing ecstatic experiences.

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • is liberating; it is fun;
  • it tells stories and laughs; it invigorates.

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • produces fearlessness and forgiveness.
  • Confidant reliance on God’s saving grace
  • Frees us to act fearlessly, to risk failure,
  • knowing that divine love is boundless.

A Lutheran Spirituality

  • is a delight not a burden;
  • it affirms more than it condemns.
  • It is God’s work, not ours.

* Wording taken from a photo of a poster taken by Pastor Brody on October 9, 2017 at 9:55 PM. Unfortunately, after a reasonable amount of searching, no source info on the author could be found. At this time, she is unable to attribute proper credit due. If the author happens to read this, please come forward.

DID YOU KNOW?

First of all, Sincere Thanks for continuing to bring or send in your offerings to St. Peter and Messiah Lutheran Churches by using the churches’ mailing addresses or sending envelopes directly to the care of our treasurers. But did you know that you have other options to support and/or donate?

If you can’t make it to church in person, don’t want to deal with weekly envelopes, or have no desire to send checks through the mail, there are easier ways to tithe. At this time and moving forward, you could give online. Either set up automatic withdrawals through the Billpay feature of your bank OR (if a member of Messiah) you can use the church’s secure website at https://halifaxmessiah.church/

Once you arrive at the website, notice a row of tabs at the top. Click on the one that says, “GIVE.” Doing that will take you to another secure website called Tithe.ly. Tithely is a well-known and trusted partner of churches and has been chosen by our congregation to securely handle financial giving from members and friends.

The site will allow you to try it once using credit card information, or you can determine a regular amount of cash be withdrawn weekly or monthly from your bank. Tithely can easily be used a number of ways with minimal fees. Regular credit card transactions are 2.9% plus 30 cents, Bank withdrawals: 1% plus 30 cents, and American Express: 3.5% plus 30 cents.

The amount donated and name associated with your offering through Tithe.ly will only be seen by Messiah’s Treasurer and will be tracked and tallied just as they currently are. There are no worries involved, just convenience and a way for the church to receive regular donations regardless of how frequently people are able to attend church.

“Never again experience either of these scenarios: realizing you’ve forgotten/left your offering envelope at home, or (after-the-fact) have carried your offering home again in pocket or purse, lol.” Both churches (and ministries to our community) depend upon your offerings and continued support. So thanks again, for continuing to be willing and generous, for showing up at church to worship or volunteer, for tithing or lending support in any other way. Bless you for your faithfulness. PB

WHAT SHOULD YOU KEEP IN THE CAR?

Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced regularly. Vehicle emergency supply kits should include:

  • A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
  • Jumper cables
  • Tool kit and/or a multipurpose utility tool
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible
  • Compass
  • First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
  • Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
  • Drinking water
  • Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
  • Car charger for your cell phone
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Duct tape
  • Rain poncho

-Additional items for cold weather include a snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, clay cat litter for traction and blankets. It’s also a good idea to keep family and emergency phone numbers including your auto insurance provider and towing company in your phone. Information from National Safety Council. Submitted by Messiah’s Health Ministries.

CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE

February 13, 27*
March 13, 27*
April 10, 24*

May Confirmation

*Confirmands will participate in church service.

Our confirmands this year are:

Aiden Winstead, Cooper Custer, Avery Weber, Jaylen Hain, Mia Popp, and Keaton Rummel.

Confirmation classes will meet on the above dates. Some Sundays, classes take place during the 10 am worship service. Those noted by an (*) are dates confirmands participate in the service. Please sign up for duties and assignments during class. Parents, grands and members please model church membership by regularly attending services and participating through taking an active role. We hope as confirmands learn more about Discipleship, the Lord’s Prayer and Apostle’s Creed, they will gain valuable insight and experience through active involvement in congregational life. The pastor and program coordinator, Mrs. Joetta Miller thank everyone who plays a vital part in our youth’s spiritual development and formation.

LOOKING FORWARD to JOINT SERVICES in 2022

 

  • January 30th
  • May 29th
  • July 31st
  • October 30th
  • December 25th

 

The joint church picnic will take place on September 11th at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park following the joint 10am service. All joint service include fellowship afterward: beverages and snacks will be offered. Live streaming and recording are planned.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

1 – Bryan Reed, Tammy Snyder

2 – Konnor Lehman

3 – Cindy Miller

4 – Karen Lehman

5 – Lance Chubb

10 – Brian Chubb

12 – Addison Hatalla

13 – Karen Wyman

14 – Norrie Hoffman, Harry Koons

15 – Tonia Martz, Alyza Steinhauer

17 – Rose Steinhauer, Jonathon Weaver, Peyton Sosnoski

18 – Carrie Rummel

20 – Vicki Malettesi, Rafe Smith, Benjamin Riling

21 – Amy Morgan

22 – Stephen Morgan

23 – Ronald Farner, Troy Lucas, Casara Kieffer

24 – Carl Snyder, Tate Steckel

25 – David Reed

27 – Sharyn Farner, Evelyn Kieffer

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

12 – Harry & Nancy Matter

14 – Donald & Evelyn Casner

MESSIAH’S WEBSITE:
halifaxmessiah.church

YOU TUBE:
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=halifax+messiah

FACEBOOK PAGES:
Messiah Lutheran Church: www.facebook.com/messiah.lutheran.halifax
St. Peter (Fetterhoff’s) Lutheran Church: www.facebook.com/FetterhoffsLutheranChurch

“THE WITNESS” Newsletter of MESSIAH (FISHERVILLE) & ST. PETER (FETTERHOFF’S) LUTHERAN CHURCHES OF HALIFAX, PA

Rev. Nancy Brody, Pastor
3 Church Street, Halifax, PA 17032
Office: 717-362-4597 ~ Email: elsiebbrody@gmail.com

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!