Elias Communicator



Elias Communicator

Volume 12, No. 5 “All The News We Feel Like Printing” October 2010

In this issue:

Veterans Day Sunday – 1

Christmas Supper – 1

Church Leadership – 2

Hunter’s Breakfast – 2

All Saints Sunday – 1

(HE BASEMEN( – 2

Head Deacons – 3

Altar Committees – 3

Acolytes – 3

From the Pastor – 3

Welcomers – 4

Assisting Ministers – 4

Council Corner – 4

Kenya Mission 2011 – 4

Here ’n’ There – 5

A Moment with Luther – 5

Chocolate PB Drops – 6

W/ELCA – 7

Health Ministry – 8

Follow-Up – 8

Library Shelf – 9

Copyright © 2010, Elias Evangelical Lutheran Church, Emmitsburg MD. Published by the Communications and Archives Committee: Bob Hampson, Polly Kittinger, Linda Knox, Shirley Rohrbaugh, and Frank Schmersal.

Special Music for Veterans Day Sunday

Once again, on Sunday, November 14, at 10:30 a.m., we’re looking forward to another great service with our guest musicians, The Monocracy River Boys – featuring our own William Boyd, Sr.! This service will be also be a special time to celebrate our veterans, past and present. If you’re a veteran or a family member of one, please come and bring a picture of you or your loved one – these will be placed on a special table located on the front pews – so photos of many sizes will be accommodated.

Please invite a guest (one who enjoys Bluegrass Gospel music), let’s worship the Lord Jesus, share the love of God and give thanks to those who have given of their lives and service for our Country. May God bless us all.

Christmas Bazaar and Supper

Mark your calendar to help at or attend our annual Christmas Bazaar and Supper on Saturday, December 4, beginning at noon. Preparations begin on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 8:15 AM. Vickie Smith will attempt to run the show, but is depending on all the great helpers to do the manual work (because of her injured hand, not laziness!) 

Now is a good time to start gathering items for our craft and white elephant tables.

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Christmas Eve Service December 24, 7:30 PM

Church Leadership

Pastor:

Rev. Jon Greenstone

(301-447-6239)

Officers:

Wes Mumm – president

Linda Littell – vice-president

Betty Valentine – secretary

Staff:

Cheryl Carney – choir director

Cheryl Crum – custodian

Meg Garnett - organist

Bonnie Hahn - treasurer

Bob Hampson – sexton

Polly Kittinger – administrative secretary

Council:

Allie Brotherton

Harry Hahn, Jr.

Polly Kittinger

Linda Littell

Wes Mumm

Frank Schmersal

Nita Shank

Linda Shriver

Betty Valentine

Pat Zimmerman

Committees:

Audit

Communications & Archives

Evangelism

Finance

Memorials

Mutual Ministry

Nominating

Parish Education & Youth

Property

Special Events

Stewardship

Worship & Music

Return of the Hunter’s Breakfast at Elias!

We’re having special breakfast in memory of Robert “Mike” Hess who helped with this breakfast years ago, on Saturday, November 27, 4:00 AM.-10:30 AM.

All You Can Eat breakfast buffet $10 per person; kids (under 12) $5.00

Scrambled Eggs Chipped Beef/Sausage Gravy

Bacon/Sausage Toast

Pancakes Orange Juice/Coffee/Milk

All food items locally produced and prepared!

Some have asked: “What are you thinking!? Getting up at three in the morning to do breakfast at four AM!? Yes, sounds crazy, but it’s not! Fellowship with family, friends, and neighbors is very important, especially during such an important tradition as local hunting season!

See you early for breakfast. Questions? Call Brian Smith, 520-241-0628

All proceeds benefit Elias Lutheran Church Ministries.

All Saints Sunday

On November 7, we celebrate All Saints Sunday. As we have done in some years past, we will name those Elias Saints and close family or community members whom have departed in the past year. Please submit these names to Pastor Jon or Polly Kittinger if you would like us to lift up their names during our Prayers of the Church. Many of us like to remember our loved ones on this special day in the church year by lighting a candle or telling a story of our loved ones’ faith. Pastor Jon is going to ask if anyone would like to share a testimony about their loved one, so please consider this, if you’d like to write a few words to share with the congregation and when you are returning to your seat after receiving Communion, please take a moment to light a memorial candle. These remembrance candles will be located in the side windows on each side of the church nave.

(HE BASEMEN(

(HE BASEMEN(, Elias’ Coffee House Ministry, continues on Friday, November 12 from 7-9:45 PM FEATURING: 7 Mile Road from Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, and our own Silver Lining Band.

Then . . . on December 10 is Our annual Christmas Coffee House, featuring the CPC Kids! This Coffee House will feature a play and lots of fun music. So come for the coffee, stay for the music – May God be Praised and Given the Glory in all things.

Please mark your calendar for these upcoming exciting evenings down in (HE BASEMEN(, where CHRIST IS OUR FOUNDATION!

Head Deacons

Nov.: Linda Littell

Frank Schmersal

Dec.: Allie Brotherton

Nita Shank

Altar Committees

Nov.: Pam Kemenyas

Dec.: Sharon & Roger Adams

Acolytes

Nov. 7: Bob Hampson

Bryant Hoffman

Nov. 14: Eric Himes

Taylor Wiles

Nov. 21: Hannah Fannin

Isaiah Fannin

Nov. 28: Arielle Mumm

Taylor Wiles

Dec. 5: Jacob Fannin

Eric Himes

Dec. 12: Hannah Fannin

Arielle Mumm

Dec. 19: Isaiah Fannin

Eric Himes

Dec. 24: Hannah Fannin

Arielle Mumm

Dec. 26: Bob Hampson

Bryant Hoffman

Jan. 2: Jacob Fannin

Eric Himes

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The Bottom Line -- Word and Practice

Back on October 17 we had those verses from St. Paul wherein he instructed young Timothy to preach the Word of God without shame and without apology. Instead of being timid, Timothy was to speak the Word of truth boldly and clearly – in order to encourage the saints under his care as a pastor of the church.

Sometimes the people need to be reminded of the fundamentals of our faith – what we may call doctrine or creeds are good and necessary to remind us of exactly what we do believe. Small snippets of creedal formulas or hymns of the earliest Christians can be found in the scriptures, such as when Paul writes: “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: for he cannot deny himself” (II Timothy 2:11-13).

Do you ever doubt your faith? Do you ever question your salvation or has someone ever approached you to ask if “you are saved?” I hope that in these moments the Creeds of the Church and the Living Word rises up within you to remind you that – Jesus Christ “was crucified, died and was buried.” In these simple few words you and I are reminded of exactly what Christ did – “For You!” as Martin Luther always emphasized. The Creeds of the Church were formulated way back between the 1st and 4th centuries, based on the scriptures, for the purpose of reminding us of who Christ is, and how it is that our sins have been atoned for.

We can understand that there is now a new reality beyond sin and death – Christ died that I might have newness of life and he rose from the dead, which enables us to obtain everlasting 1ife! See 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10. It is always important to know the bottom line of what we believe, because we may have times of doubt or fear. I pity the man or woman who, upon their death-bed is fearful of God or without any hope. Friends, this should not be so! So long as we have believed, been baptized, and remain in the fellowship of Christ’s church – we shall not have cause to feel alone in the present nor fear eternal death, but shall be earnestly awaiting that time when Christ will call us to the heavenly home he has prepared for us. (See John 14).

But how will we know the family of God in heaven – if we be not in Christ’s fellowship on this earth? Here is a valid question. Sometimes we must speak with each other about what it means to live and behave as a Christian, and we cannot check our lives very objectively if we’re “going it alone.” But, we will do far better when we’re in the presence of others who do their best to walk in the faith – this does not mean any are perfect! So, suffice it to say, we need to have the fundamentals of the faith always before us, such as when we recite the Apostle’s or Nicene Creed from Sunday to Sunday, then we must also have the Word of God, from the Bible and fellowship with others in church. We can get into the Word by

(continued on page 6)

Welcomers

Nov. 7: Dolly & Charles Long

Nov. 14: Pam Kemenyas

Nov. 21: Erma & Neil Bechtol

Nov. 28: Bonnie & Bub Hahn

Dec. 5: Linda & Steve Wantz

Dec. 12: Joan & Phil Jeffcoat

Dec. 19: Dede & Eric Himes

Dec. 24: Carrie & Bill Boyd

Dec. 26: Marta Hillis

Jan. 2: Nita Shank

Assisting Ministers

Nov. 7: Bonnie Hahn

Nov. 14: Frank Schmersal

Nov. 21: Linda Littell

Nov. 28: Bonnie Hahn

Dec. 5: Frank Schmersal

Dec. 12: Linda Littell

Dec. 19: Bonnie Hahn

Dec. 24: Linda Littell

Dec. 26: Frank Schmersal

Jan. 2: Bonnie Hahn

With the end of the year coming up I wanted everyone at Elias to be reminded of some important meetings. Typically the finance committee will meet to discuss the 2011 budget, and afterwards forward the proposed budget to the church council. This year the church council is expecting to see the preliminary budget at our November meeting, and after allowing a month to review we will

usually vote on the budget at the December council meeting. As always, all of the church council meetings are open to any member of Elias and you are welcome to attend these meetings.

Our Evangelism Committee has updated the Elias Church brochure. We place these brochures in various places though out the church to give visitors information on Elias. We also work with the local Welcome Wagons to have our brochure included in baskets given to new people moving into the area.

2011-2012 is when we will be looking to update our church directory.

If you need to contact me about anything, I can be emailed at Wesley.J.Mumm@.

- Wes Mumm

Kenya Mission 2011

The Emmitsburg Council of Churches Mission Team is growing slowly but surely. I am very pleased to report that we will, once again, have a direct Elias congregational connection through Elizabeth “Ibby” (Wilhide) Tanner, who grew up here at Elias. Ibby presently worships at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lutherville, Maryland, and is employed at John’s Hopkins University. Ibby will assist with the Medical clinics, Bible school and more with the children. She may also get involved with the nursing school at Sr Freda’s Hospital and clinic, which is an amazing connection.

Our team has also recently gained Glenn Blanchard, Michael Okale (gynecologist in residency program and a Kenyan with dual citizenship), and possibly another new friend who is a master carpenter from Emmitsburg community. This places our total team with four medical personnel, one teacher, one pastor and possibly the master carpenter and the two teenage daughters of physicians, which could bring our total to 9. We’re getting excited about what God is going to do through this dedicated ecumenical team! Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement.

Deadline for the next issue of the Elias Communicator is December 5

Here ‘n’ There

Elias is hosting the Frederick Conference of Lutheran Pastors on November 2, with worship at 1:00 PM followed by the meeting.

Elias is hosting a gathering of local Lutheran Pastors and Council members on November 17 at 6:30 PM. Representatives from St. John, Fairfield, St. John’s, Thurmont and possibly one or two other nearby parishes will be in attendance. This is part of a new self-initiated discussion to help us identify our congrega-tional strengths, in a healthy and supportive dialogue. Future direc-tives could include cooperative ministries, a join picnic service (possibly for June 2011 at Fairfield Park), mutual advertisements, promoting Lutheranism, and Youth programming.

Elias leads worship and communion at St. Catherine’s Nursing Center on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 PM. Come and join us to sing and assist residents. See you there!

The Emmitsburg Council of Churches bi-monthly meeting is on Nov. 9 at

7 PM at the Daughters of Charity, Provincial House.

A Moment with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther

Christianity Versus Epicureanism*

* Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who lived from 342-270 B.C., i.e., he lived to be some 72 years old, in the era before Christ was born. Epicurus taught that “pleasure was the end” or goal of all morality. In his original teaching, he meant that “real pleasure comes from a life of prudence, honor, and justice.” However, other of his students later corrupted Epicurus’ teaching – changing it to forms of hedonism or gross immorality – such as what we might hear today as, “If it feels good, do it!” and the like. Luther wants to remind us that Christianity is distinctly different from any of these man-made “feel good” philosophies.

“Times are terrible enough! I formerly thought that the sect of the Epicureans has been extinct for a long time, but now it is flourishing again. For Epicureanism has this life as its end; it leads men [and women] from the eternal to the temporal – [this worldly thinking]. Pompious, Atticus, Scipio, [Roman wise men], and other very wise men were people of this sort. By them God demonstrated the foolishness of human reason, although Cicero did indicate to Octavian, [Caesar Augustus, the first Roman Emperor], his view of an eternal existence. After all, Cicero had a mind of high caliber. In the light of reason he concluded that it is safer for a man to accept the view of an eternal existence than a merely temporal one. And it is certainly also true that it is sounder, according to reason, to side with Christianity than with Epicureanism. For if someone is deceived by Epicureanism, he has lost the eternal for the sake of the temporal; if Christianity were to deceive a man (far be that from happening!), then he has lost the temporal for the sake of the eternal. God keep all of us from the Epicurean view in which the entire world is now going about.”

I think it can be helpful to remember we are eternal beings, even as we are fully aware of our earthly longings, present needs, worries as well as our worldly successes and joys. Thinking, pondering and considering our lives as eternal—can allow that we have a more healthy perspective on present circumstances – “I’m a child of God. Whatever problems I have—I’m just passing through this world,” or “this too shall pass in light of my eternal existence.” As Paul has reminded us from the Book of Romans: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39). Therefore our hope is in Christ, who gives us life-both now and into eternity.

PJ

Ten Guidelines from God - #1

QUIT WORRYING:

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

Here ‘n’ There

Emmitsburg Council of Churches Thanksgiving Service will be held on Wednesday, November 24 at 7 PM at Toms Creek UM Church. People are asked to bring donations of cereal for the Food Bank.

Our Grief Share Support Group continues on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 PM, in Pastor Jon's office. This group supports those who are suffering from the loss of a loved one. Feel free to join us in any of the sessions. Our closing session will be Monday, Dec. 6. Contact Pastor Jon or Linda Littell for more information.

The holidays are a time when the difficult emotions of grief hit even harder, and people need guidance and encourage-ment to make it through. On Thursday, November 18, from 7 to 9 PM, we are offering a special GriefShare program at Elias on “Surviving the Holidays.” Please join us to learn strategies to make the holidays less difficult.

Our congregation is again participating in the Helping Hands Christmas Program (the “Angel Tree”). More specific information will be in the bulletin once we are assigned a family to sponsor.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Drops

In early November we will be working on the Peanut Butter Drop project for Christmas. Plan to join us for two days of making drops, good conversations with old and new friends, snacks, and lunch. We will be working on Thursday, November 4 in the morning, and Saturday, November 6 in the morning and afternoon. More information about our work schedule will appear in the church bulletin soon.

We will be taking orders from the congregation in the near future. The price is $3.00 for (approx.) one-half pound of drops in a glassine bag, or $3.50 for (approx.) one-half pound of drops in a container decorated for Christmas. We made 277 packs last November, and we plan to make about 35 more packs this year. These make great gifts for family, friends, teachers, and others. Look for order forms in the bulletin soon.

Thanks in advance for any time or support you are willing to give to this project. Your support has made it possible for us to purchase bookmarks for Christmas bulletins ($96.00), and a Come Grow With Us banner ($172.00), and to donate $100 to the W/ELCA for Christmas baskets and $500 toward the purchase of new wireless microphones for use in our services.

The Peanut Butter Candy Committee

From the Pastor (continued)

reading on our own at home, but we also have need to do acts of service as are befitting a Christian, worship God by singing and speaking of the things God is doing in our lives, and to check our life at God’s altar of confession and forgiveness. Remember that Jesus can be known tangibly in your midst when you are gathered with others in the Christian community (Peanut Butter egg-making and our Christmas Supper work in the kitchen as fellowship activities come to mind!), as Jesus reminds us – “Where two or more are gathered in my name – there I am in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:20).

Finally, seek to encourage someone else in their faith walk. We really need each other in this and we all know what it is like to be discouraged. Christianity was not meant to be strictly personal, but was meant to be shared in the midst of others. Being in regular fellowship is what makes us stronger Christians and helps us to live in the fullness of God’s love and Grace to which our faith directs us.

God bless you as you sincerely live in the Bottom Line of Faith and Practice – in Jesus Name. Amen.

Pastor Jon

Deadline for the next issue of the Elias Communicator is December 5

Here ‘n’ There

A very big Thank You to all of my Elias family for their thoughts and prayers, cards, phone calls, food, and concern after my knee surgery in August and since my return to the hospital (for an infection) and home again. It is always a good feeling to know I am missed. I am doing well, but the progress will be a bit slower this time. Thank you all – Polly Kittinger.

We still have lots of Fair Trade coffee for sale in the vestibule of Parish Hall. 12 oz. bags of ground coffee are $7 and 2 lb. bags of Breakfast Blend Whole Bean are $15. Just place the money in the jar near the coffee . . . or you may write a check payable to Elias and Memo: Coffee House. Enjoy these delicious coffees – it’s good for small farmers and will wake you up in the morning!(

Please let Polly Kittinger know if you start using e-mail, or if your e-mail address changes. You can reach her at kittinge@ msmary.edu.

W/ELCA

The Women of the ELCA met in September and discussed plans for the coming year.

We recently held a Graduation Tea for Suse Greenstone, who graduated from Rutgers University. It was quite a success and enjoyed by everyone. A big “Thank you!” goes to the committee who planned and served for the affair. It was a unique and pleasant event.

Our church is responsible for preparing and serving the main dish for the Warm Meal Program on October 30.

- Audrey Baumgardner

The W/ELCA 2010 Cookbook will be available in time for the holidays. There are over 300 delicious recipes in this beautiful 3 ring binder, which comes with a convenient stand. The cost will be $15, and we will be taking pre-delivery orders. Beat the Christmas rush!! Watch the weekly bulletin for more information.

Anyway

By Mother Theresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

Health Ministry

Holiday Gifts and Traditions

“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17 NRSV

A harried woman and her children were ending their day of holiday shopping. To express her frustration and stress, she stated that whoever created Christmas should be strung up and shot. A bystander brought to her attention that someone had already crucified him. Before you get caught up with your tasks, lists, and expectations, put them into perspective. Ask yourself what you should be celebrating: the hectic, stress-laden, financially burdened holiday season, or the gift of peace and hope.

Even though God gives us all we need for a healthy, happy life, we tend to disturb it by “spending’ and ‘observing’ the holiday on human terms. Look at the holiday traps that take up your time. Categorize your holiday tasks as “need to do,” “should do,” “want to do,” and “expected to do.” Which ones really address the Christmas spirit? Just because you are invited to attend an event or have habitually participated in an activity doesn’t’ mean you have to continue that activity. Prioritize all of your activities. By weeding out those that distract you from the true meaning of Christmas, you will find less stress and more enjoyment from your choices.

Advent is a time for hope, peace, joy, and love, not mounds of gifts, chaotic rounds of parties, or copious amounts of food. Consider what has real meaning for you. Is it the Christmas story you heard as a child or its impact on you as an adult? Think about the music of the holiday and how a stirring rendition of “Joy to the World” or a quiet performance of “Silent Night” displays love and peace in a harried world. Don’t let commercial-ism or stress overshadow the gifts of love and sharing that you offer your loved ones. Remember the spirit of Christmas, share your presence with others, reduce your stress, and create meaningful traditions that demonstrate God’s love.

(Source: Used with permission from “Seasons of Wholeness, Volume VI” from the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, 2009.)

Follow up -- Blessing Of The Animals Service

I think it went quite well, thanks be to God! We had something like 8 dogs, 3 cats and a hermit crab! Both pets and owners were on their best behavior as we listened to lessons reflecting God’s goodness in creation, the dream of the peaceable kingdom and Christ’s need of the colt for his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Special thanks to Nita Shank for bringing an “emergency kit,” should we have an accident (which we did not!), and to everyone for bringing in your animal friends. It was much fun and we were all blessed.

Library Shelf

The Apostle: A Life of Paul

Many events in his life lead up to Paul’s being “the instrument chosen to bring my name to the Gentiles.” Like the stoning of Stephen, the blinding of Saul stands out in the historical highlights of Christianity. At about the same time, Ananias was called to meet with Paul to do Jesus’ works.

Paul was born in a city “between the mountin and the sea,” maybe in the year AD-1. He always claimed to be “a Jew of Tarsus, of the tribe of Benjamin.” Tarsus was where Cleopatra and Marc Antony had a party, some forty years before Paul’s birth. His father was most likely a tent maker; he never talked about his mother. (She may have died in his infancy.) Paul’s father somehow became a Roman citizen, which meant Paul could not be killed by a Jew. He was raised as a Roman Jew, and was in him mid-thirties when he assumed leadership of the Great Crusade for Christ.

Because he had done a complete turnaround for Christ, the people didn’t know how to take him, but he was welcomed by the disciples. He spent many hours teaching in the towns of the area.

Paul didn’t always preach in little circles – sometimes he preached in great synagogues, which made some people mad and they would want to kill him. His friends would take him off to Tarsus so he was out of danger. Tension between father and son tightened when Paul would not dress as a Pharisee. He tried to tell his father about Jesus, but his father despised him for he was a man of Moses. The elders would discipline him for entering Gentile houses. They took him to court and he received 39 lashes for it. They would let him heal, then beat him again, until he was beaten three times of the five he was sentenced. His father disowned him.

Paul’s hard work and boldness paid off. He was bringing people to Christ. He covered over a thousand miles on foot in sixty days. His body was breaking down with all the beatings and stonings he had received. Sometimes the would put him in jail, but he would be out the next day with the help of Jesus. No matter what hardships he had to endure, Paul was always firm in his devotion to his Master.

- D. R. Smith

Note: Thanks to Richard Smith for this review of The Apostle, A Life of Paul by John Pollock. The book is now a part of our library, and available for any who want to know more about this great Christian convert.

- Linda Knox

Ten Guidelines from God - #2

PUT IT ON THE LIST:

Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all . . . God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

Coming Events at and around Elias:

All Saints Sunday, Nov. 7, 10:30 AM

(HE BASEMEN( Coffee House, Sept. 10, 7:30 PM

Special Veterans Day Service, Nov. 14, 10:30 AM

GriefShare Holiday Program, Nov. 18, 7:00 PM

Thanksgiving Service at Toms Creek UMC, Nov. 25, 7:00 PM

Hunter’s Breakfast, Nov. 27, 4-10:30 AM

Christmas Bazaar and Supper, Dec. 4, 12:00 PM - ??

Service at St. Catherine’s, Dec. 5, 2:00 PM

(HE BASEMEN( Coffee House, Dec. 10, 7:30 PM

Candlelight Service, Dec. 24, 7:30 PM

|Elias Communicator | |

|P.O. Box 465 | |

|Emmitsburg MD 21727 | |

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