St. Peter’s Reformed Church

314-320 E. Grandview Avenue

Zelienople, PA 16063

(724) 452-8120

stpzelie.org

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"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to

send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

Fall Greetings …

Fall is without a doubt, one of my favorite times of the year. I love the crispness in the air and having to pull on a sweatshirt. I love the colors of the trees, my goodness what an artist God is! I love the smell of pumpkin and apple pies being freshly baked. I’m looking forward to taking Lucas out into the pumpkin patch at Soergels to find just the right one for carving. Fall is that time of year when farmers gather in their rewards for what hopefully was a ’fruitful’ season of growth. So while we get to enjoy the beauty and the smells and the tastes of the season, the farmers are busy working to get their tasks completed before the winter winds and snow hit.

One of the things that I appreciate most about Jesus in his teaching was that he always used metaphors that were appropriate to the culture and climate that he was ministering to. In the text above, Jesus used the metaphor of working the harvest, which the people of that area would have been able to relate. As Jesus looked among the crowd that had been following him, he instructed his disciples that the harvest is plentiful, meaning there was so much work to do and many lives that needed to be impacted by the message of the kingdom of God. He referred to the crowd as a field ripe for harvest. He knew that many of these people were ready to give their lives to him and follow him if someone would just take the time to show them how and display a bit of compassion.

Friends, we are living among a field that is ripe for harvest. Our church, our community, our state, and yes, even our nation is a harvest field in need of hearing the Good News of the Gospel. There are hurting people everywhere you go: the unemployed, the homeless, the battered and abused, the neglected, the lost, and the lonely. So many people are struggling to find answers to the questions and solutions to the problems that plague them.

October 2016

“Lord of the Harvest, What Do You Require?”

Jesus even tells us, “...but the workers are few.” He is implying that there is much work to be done and only a few people are willing to go forth and share the Good News or help with their plight. It’s a sad commentary on the church when such a harvest is ripe, yet there are so few willing to put in the time to make a difference. How about you? Are you willing to be a worker in the harvest field? Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and share your time, your talent, your treasure and resources with those in need?

Perhaps what we need to do is call upon the Lord of the Harvest and seek his intervention to “send out” (the Greek in the text means to “thrust out” with force) workers who have a burning desire to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate then ourselves and for those who are wandering aimlessly without s Savior. The Lord of the Harvest is looking for men, women, boys and girls of all ages and sizes to complete the task that needs to be done. Are you up for the challenge? Often times, when we pray for something, God answers our prayers by using us; you and me! Be prepared this season for God to use you to show another person the way to him. It will give you another reason to celebrate the ’harvest’ season.

There is much work to be done … can the Lord of the Harvest count on you?

Blessings and LOVE,

Pastor Jim

CALLING ALL 7th & 8th Grade Students and Parents!

On October 9th at 9am, please join Pastor Jim in the Fellowship Room for an informational meeting as we begin the new year of Confirmation. Confirmation is the process by which our baptized children study, learn and experience their faith and how they should apply it to their lives. It is at this time that their parents faith and promises are transferred and owned by the students. It’s now their faith and their promise to God.

COMMITMENT to the Confirmation Process is a must to be considered for membership! As always, Confirmation Class will be held the first and third Sunday (with the exception of this month—we will meet the third (October 16th) and the fifth (October 30th.) The class will meet in the Parish House Conference Room from 12:15—1:15 on Sunday afternoons. Bring your lunch and enjoy the fellowship with your fellow confirmands.

READY, SET, GO: LET’S PRAY!

FIGHT LIKE THE EAGLE

The Eagle does not fight the snake on the ground. It picks it up into the sky and changes the battle ground, and then it releases the snake into the sky. The snake has no stamina, no power and no balance in the air. It is useless, weak and vulnerable unlike on the ground where it is powerful, wise and deadly. Take your fight into the spiritual realm by praying and when you are in the spiritual realm, God takes over your battles. Don't fight the enemy in his comfort zone, change the battle ground like the Eagle and let God take charge through your earnest prayer. You'll be assured of a clean victory. As I read this I realized the value in this prayer strategy as we are seeking God through the Pray 31 for our nation the month of October. May this be the beginning of a move of God in our church, and our nation. In Christ’s Love, Bea Barna

LIBRARY NOTES

Greetings from your St. Peter’s librarian. We have several new books that have been added to our library. In case you haven’t found the library yet, it is located on the second floor of the church building where the balcony entrances are. It is accessible by elevator as well as steps.

Some new non-fiction books have been added this month.

THE SECRET THOUGHTS OF AN UNLIKELY CONVERT by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield, this book tells about a professor’s journey into Christian faith. The author’s world was turned upside down by the idea that the Christianity that she had up until now considered problematic, might be right about who God is. Her story is what she describes as a “train wreck” at the hand of the super natural.

JUST DO SOMETHING by Kevin DeYoung, his story tells about a liberating approach to finding God’s will.

SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE by Fritz Ridenour, this book looks at 20 world views, faiths and religions, and how they compare to Christianity. It contains easy to understand, non-judgmental answers to the question… “How does Orthodox Biblical Christianity differ from other faiths?”

LIES YOUNG WOMEN BELIEVE AND THE TRUTH THAT SETS THEM FREE by Nancy Leigh DeMos and Dannah Cresh, in this book, the authors expose 25 of the lies most commonly believed by young women today. They share real life accounts from some women they have interviewed, as well as honest stories about how they have overcome lies that they believed themselves.

SMALL VICTORIES by Anne LaMott, this author writes about faith, forgiveness, restoration and transformation, and how we can turn to love even in the most hopeless situations.

Hands Helping Hearts

Jesus didn't come to be served, HE came to SERVE.

THE GREATEST AMONG YOU MUST BE A SERVANT.

MATTHEW 23:11 NLT

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Community Dinner Friday, October 14, 2016

5:00-6:30 p.m.

Menu is: Roast Pork, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Dessert and Beverages

There will no longer be a monthly 'announced' recipient of the proceeds; instead the proceeds will go into Pastor Jim's discretionary fund so that he can more easily reach out to help people throughout the year.

LIBRARY NOTES (continued)

We also have some fiction books that are new to our library.

THE INN AT OCEAN’S EDGE by Colleen Cable, Claire’s visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories that threatens all she holds dear.

HOPE HARBOR by Irene Hannon, this is a romance novel about people living in Hope Harbor on the Pacific Coast. Michael went there for peace and healing, and Tracie was already living there. Over time they grew close and found a way to make her cranberry business pick up again. This is an excellent book if you like romance novels.

A WORTHY PURSUIT by Karen Whitmeyer, a teacher on the run… a bounty hunter in pursuit… can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

As you can see from all my newsletters… our St. Peter’s Church Library is adding new books on a regular basis. I would love to see more people come and take books out to read. Just sign the card and put it in the box on the table. Any one is free to brows and choose a book.

St. Peter’s Librarian,

Sandy Nolte

St. Peter’s will be celebrating World Wide Communion

this Sunday, October 2nd:

In today’s world it is very hard to devote yourself to a life in the mission field. We support two ministries with our benevolence, Coalition Christian Outreach led by Peter and Becky Bowersox and Fellowship International with our gift designated to the work of David and Denise Love. Even though we support their ministries, they personally struggle to survive and support their own family’s needs. The communion offerings for October 2nd and November 27th will be designated for these two families to hopefully give them a little extra support over the holidays. We want to show them that not only do we believe in their ministries, we believe in their families as well.

Volunteer Ministry News

From the pen of Pam

SPOTLIGHT ON TWO MINISTRIES THAT ARE A BLESSING TO SO MANY!

HANDS HELPING HEARTS

How glad we continue to be that Randy Herbe has taken on the leadership of our HHH ministry and how much we are looking forward to the Oktoberfest dinner he is planning for Friday, October 14th! You can read more details about this dinner elsewhere in the newsletter, but there are a few other pieces of information to highlight. The first is that, while there will still be a donation basket at each dinner, there will no longer be a monthly 'announced' recipient of the proceeds; instead the proceeds will go into Pastor Jim's discretionary fund so that he can more easily reach out to help people throughout the year who are in extreme need or experiencing a crisis of some kind. Pastor Jim and Randy both feel that the discretionary fund will be a logical place to house the monthly proceeds from each dinner. Additionally, you can continue to look in the newsletter (and bulletin) for the monthly menu and together we will find out what ideas Randy has up his culinary sleeves! Those of you who would like to donate desserts are encouraged to do so - just contact Randy at 724-766-1029 or call Sheri at the church office (724-452-8120). And if you'd like to join the HHH ministry, please let Randy, Sheri. or Pam know of your interest. Oktoberfest, here we come!! PARKING LOT GREETERS

Rick and Lynn Meyers have graciously decided to head up the Parking Lot Greeters ministry and we thank them for their willingness - they have been part of the ministry ever since Dayne Stauffer came up with the idea some years back. Rick or Lynn can be found almost every week at the entrance nearest to Boylan's and they, like our other faithful greeters, are stationed at their places so that they can help anyone who needs a hand and also to welcome everyone they see to our worship services. We are always in need of other people to help out with this important ministry, so if you are interested or have any questions, please contact Rick and Lynn at 724-452-9148 or call Pam at the church office (724-452-8120).

*********************************************************************************************************** THANKS TO SOME VERY 'WILLING WORKERS'

Throughout the summer, there were lots of things that were going on that kept the people who were involved pretty busy, and we would like to acknowledge them for giving of their time and talents. First of all, if you typically enter the church at the Boylan's side entrance, you have seen a beautiful and functional counter where there used to be a table. After the consistory members approved this project in June, Sandy and Gene Lee worked out the details, including purchasing and transporting the materials, and Darrin Kaelin then put the counter and countertop together. Sandy and Gene also worked to 'redd up' (as we say in western Pa.) the alcove where the food cupboard and other distribution boxes have been housed. This whole area now looks so cleaned up and organized! Speaking of organizing, one of the things that Cath Rape took on was the complete clean-out of the parish house basement (a place many 'fear' to go!) She found lots of items that she cleaned up and re-organized so that they could be offered to any interested takers or discarded, if that was necessary. This was a painstaking and dirty job, but the basement is looking much better, thanks to Cath's determination to get the job done! Ed Knauff, our faithful computer 'guru', spent many hours throughout the summer with various issues regarding our office computers. We can always count on Ed to give as much time as necessary to work on and fix the continuing technological challenges that crop up! Lastly, Gary Knauff and Bob Nolte spent a day in the Ding-a-Ling room, carefully checking out and polishing each handbell - thank goodness they had lots to talk about during this tedious process, and thanks to their efforts, Kendra and the Ding-a-Lings will be all ready to go! This is probably not a complete list, so if you or someone you know worked on something that they saw that really needed to be done, please let me know. It wouldn't be a surprise to learn of someone taking care of something that he or she thought they could take care of, and they just went ahead and did it - such are God's 'willing workers' at St. Peter's!

Women’s Ministry News

I would like to thank everyone who helped our Women’s Ministry with the picnic after church on Sunday, September 11th to welcome Pastor Jim, Kendra, and their family back. We had a great turn out, delicious food and fun with the games! All the work in setting up, clean up, and donations of food was greatly appreciated. Truly many hands made for light work! Women’s Ministry will meet on Saturday, October 8th at 10 am in the Fellowship Room. Some of our ladies will be preparing a turkey dinner to serve the women at Bethlehem Haven. We will also be making 45 favors to take to them. If you are interested in going to the Bethlehem Haven Center please let Marla Clouse know if you have not already done so. Contact # is 724-622-2264. We will be meeting at the church to leave at 3:00 pm so that we may complete some of the meal at the center and serve the ladies dinner at 5 pm. We will be providing a craft and playing some games while socializing with them. Please come join us as we minister to those in need at this center. Our November 12th meeting will be to make homemade soups: chicken noodle and beef vegetable, to sell on Sunday the 13th. There will also be a Pumpkin Bake Sale in the Meet and Greet area on Sunday. If you would like to donate a pumpkin baked good please bring it to church on the 13th. Please watch the bulletin in October for further details on the soup sale and for preordering. The funds will help us in supporting other volunteer ministry groups in our church as well as programs such as LIFE CHOICES, WOMEN’S CHOICE NETWORK, VOICe, and others. Serving in Christian love, Marla Clouse

HARVEST HOME ~ October 23rd

St. Peter’s will celebrate Harvest Home Sunday this year on Sunday, October 23. Below are the list of items each Sunday School class is responsible for:

Berean– Pancake mix and syrup

Parenting– Pasta and sauce

Fidelity– Canned soups

Basics- Canned fruit and vegetables

Preschool and Kindergarten– Mac & Cheese

1st and 2nd– Cereal

3rd and 4th– Applesauce

5th and 6th– Canned chicken and tuna fish

Jr. and Sr. High– Helper meals

Each class is responsible for these items and can bring them in throughout the month of October and you can either leave them in our Sunday School room until October 23 or place your items in the food cupboard bin placed in the Meet n’ Greet area. Please consider giving as we can bless the Southwest Butler Food Bank, who can then bless those local families who are in need!

Happy October Birthday to:

Gene Wittenmeyer ~ October 13 ~ 84 years young

Jack Mohrbacher, Sr. ~ October 23 ~ 82 years young

Eleanor Kennedy ~ October 25 ~ 84 years young

Rosemarie Christian ~ October 29 ~ 89 years young

Nina Kraynik ~ October 31 ~ 84 years young

Happy October Anniversary to:

Al & Betty Lighthiser ~ October 7 ~ 64 years

Ed & Janet Zeigler ~ October 16 ~ 52 years

Gayle & Saundra Butcher ~ October 17 ~ 52 year

Regis & Brooke Kaelin ~ October 17 ~ 52 years

Paul & Karen Rader ~ October 22 ~ 56 years

Edward & Sally Bennethum ~ October 27 ~ 54 years

SOUTHWEST BUTLER FOOD CUPBOARD

557 Perry Highway

Harmony, PA 16037

Phone: 724.453.4184

Website: www.swbfoodcupboard.org

Hello,

The Southwest Butler Food Cupboard is in need of anything and everything for the month of Octo-ber. We currently do not have an abundance of any specific food item. Our shelves are bare fol-lowing last month’s food distribution.

Any donation of non-expired food is greatly appreciated.

Also, financial donations are accepted. Please send them to the attention of Southwest Butler Food Cupboard, 557 Perry Highway, Harmony, PA 16037.

Thank you and God bless.

Sharon Klaiber, Director

THANK YOU’S

Dear St. Peter’s Family,

Thank you for all the cards and calls I received during my recent stay in the hospital while recovery from my stroke. Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated and I am truly blessed to have you all in my life.

Sincerely,

Jack Mohrbacher, Sr.

Dear St. Peter’s Family,

The family of Shirley McWithey thanks you for your very generous outpouring of love, cards and remembrances on her recent 90th birthday. St. Peter’s has been her only church family since childhood, and she was truly blessed. Thank you again for your kindnesses.

Love in Christ,

Ginni, Brad and Families

Thanks from the choir,

The Senior Choir would like to thank our anonymous benefactor for once again this year providing the funds for us to enjoy another delicious Nancy Korczynski dinner, which we all enjoyed on September 7 before choir rehearsal! We are very mindful of the continuing generosity of this special and generous person in our church and we ask God to bless you for the many years that you have extended your wonderful kindness to our ministry!

DRAMA TEAM PUTTING ON A CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE:

NOT YOUR ORDINARY CHRISTMAS!

Sunday, December 18th at 6:00pm

followed by a cookie social

Music ~ Puppets and a NEW adventure of worship

Kindergarten thru any age (adults welcome)

Practices will begin in October, look for sign ups and hard copies of the practice schedule.

Any questions, please contact: Heather Zeigler, Tina Geis, Michelle Herr,

Mia Herr, Jill Allman or Betty Kraynik

CONSISTORY UPDATE

Treasurer’s Report: Janet reported that August’s beginning balance was $149,240.44 and the ending balance was

$160,154.44.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Jim is back from sabbatical and he gave an oral report. He mentioned that he did Ralph Goehring’s funeral in July and performed a wedding for Krystal Warner at the beginning of September. Kendra and Pastor went to the annual 4C’s conference and they discussed how the state of the church is held and what it means. Also, Pastor Jim will be doing quarterly baptisms on October 9. Director of Volunteer Ministries Pam mentioned that the Women’s Ministry will be serving dinner at Bethlehem Haven on October 8

th

with them serving close to 45 people, this should be a wonderful open door opportunity that they can begin again. Pastor wants to meet with Adam Boylan regarding the bereavement service set for December 4

th at our church.

Deacon’s Report: Scott reported that it is coming up on budget time and he gave out all the sections of the budget to the appropriate leader and he hopes to meet with all the Deacons sometime in October. Scott presented the deacon’s report for August and attendance was down in August. As of the end of August giving is down by a little over $15,000 but budget is still looking good as the expenses for the year are around 66% used. Marketing: Sara learned that our website is flexible enough and is working on seeing what it can do. The committee looked into other church’s websites to get some ideas, the changes are coming to our website soon. CPR: The CPR committee has received The Cross—Erie’s first quarter information. Pastor mentioned that he had a chance to go to this church during sabbatical and Chuck is definitely an energetic and positive guy. Pastor says The Cross – Erie is a missional church. Chuck will be bringing his own worship leader with him because he wants us to get a flare for what they are doing in Erie, this scheduled pulpit exchange will be on November 13th. Old Business: John Schulte reported that Fishbone Ministries will take the remaining chairs at Ron Lutz’s barn, as soon as their truck gets fixed. This is a youth based ministry and Tim Bowser is the director and they are located in Butler. Respectfully submitted, Sheri McMaster, Consistory Secretary

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Sunday School

9:00 am

Worship

10:15 am

Head Usher

for

October

Scott McMaster

Pastoral Assistant

for

October

Keith Weyman

1 8am Men’s Bible

Study ~ Ed. Bldg.

2 World Wide

Communion

6-8pm Christmas

Program practice ~

Fellowship Room

3 6:30-8pm TNT Mtg. and Parent Mtg. ~

Fellowship Room

7pm Christian Ed. Board Mtg. ~ Parish

House

4 5:30pm Circle of

Friends practice ~

Educational Bldg.

7pm Elder’s Mtg. ~

Parish House

7pm Deacon’s Mtg.

~ Ed. Bldg.

5 9am Prayer Group

7pm Senior Choir

7pm The Journey ~

Fellowship Room

6 11:30am

Ministerium ~ F.R.

5pm Video Recordings ~ Parish House

6-8pm Christmas Program practice ~ Fellowship Room

7pm Intercessory Prayer Group ~ Educational Bldg.

7

8 10am Women’s Ministry mtg. ~

Fellowship Room

9 Baptisms 11:30-1pm Angels of

Praise dance

practice ~ Sanctuary

5-8pm 412 Youth

Group Mtg. ~

Fellowship Room

10 6-8pm Christmas

Program practice ~

Fellowship Room

11 5:30pm Circle of

Friends practice ~

Educational Bldg.

7pm Consistory

Mtg. (All Welcome)

~ Ed. Bldg.

12 9am Prayer Group

7pm Senior Choir

7pm The Journey ~

Fellowship Room

13 5pm Video

Recordings ~ P.H.

6-8pm Christmas Program practice ~

Fellowship Room

14 5pm HHH

Community Dinner

~ Fellowship Room

15

8am Men’s Bible

Study ~ Ed. Bldg.

16 11:30-1pm Angels of

Praise dance

practice ~ Sanctuary

6-8pm Christmas

Program practice ~

Fellowship Room

17 6:30-8pm TNT Mtg.

~ Fellowship Room

18

5:30pm Circle of

Friends practice ~

Educational Bldg.

19 9am Prayer Group

7pm Senior Choir

7pm The Journey ~

Fellowship Room

7pm AFSP Support

Group ~ Ed. Bldg.

20 9am WIC ~ Ed. Bldg.

5pm Video Recordings

6-8pm Christmas Program practice ~ Fellowship Room

7pm Intercessory Prayer Group ~ Educational Bldg.

21 22 11:30-2pm

Widow’s Tea ~

Fellowship Room

23 Harvest Home

9am Christmas play

practice ~ F.R.

11:30-1pm Angels of

Praise dance practice ~

Sanctuary

5-8pm 412 Youth Group

Mtg. ~ F. R.

24

6-8pm Christmas

Program practice ~

Fellowship Room

25

5:30pm Circle of

Friends practice ~

Educational Bldg.

26 9am Prayer Group

7pm Senior Choir

7pm The Journey ~

Fellowship Room

27 5pm Video

Recordings ~ P.H.

6-8pm Christmas Program practice ~

Fellowship Room

28

29

30 11:30-1pm

Angels of Praise

dance practice ~

Sanctuary

12-1:30pm Christmas

play practice ~ F.R.

5-8pm 412 Youth

Group Mtg. ~ F. R.

31

**REMINDER**

Wednesday Night

Bible Study at Cath

Rape’s home every

Wednesday.

**REMINDER**

Confirmation Mtg. 10/9 @ 9am in the

Fellowship Rm.

Confirmation Class

10/16 & 10/30

12:15-1:15pm ~

Parish House