.

Germantown Church of God 16924 Raven Rock Road, Cascade, MD 21719

Mark Hosler, Pastor, 301-241-3594

Office Phone: 301-241-3050

Kathryn Starliper, Editor Email: office@germantowncog.org

Website: www.germantowncog.org

Volume 22, Number 2 A bi-monthly Publication March – April 2017

From the Pastor One of the great delights for me of reading the Bible is that when I read a passage that I may have read many times before, new things jump off the page. I see things I had not seen before. A word or phrase may catch my attention with new meaning. A few days ago, I was reading Romans 12. I have read and taught and preached from Romans 12, many times before. But there was a phrase in verse 9 that caught my attention on this day. “Let love be without hypocrisy.” I am sure that we would all hope that when someone tells us that they love us, they are being truthful. They are not being hypocritical. And I’m sure that we would never want to have someone accuse us of loving in a hypocritical way – saying one thing but doing something different. As I read that verse and continued reading the rest of the chapter I saw something new. In the next 8 verses Paul goes through a list of behaviors that help us to understand what it looks like when someone loves without hypocrisy. It is a fascinating list. Some of the “loving” behaviors there are not surprising. “Be devoted to one another…give preference to one another… practice hospitality ….Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” But there are some behaviors listed here that are a little more challenging. “not lagging behind in diligence…persevering in tribulation…bless those who persecute you…curse not…associate with the lowly…never pay back evil for evil.” I believe that un-churched people who are at a point in their lives where they are exploring the idea of getting back into church again – especially teens and young adults – are looking for a Church where they see love being practiced without hypocrisy. Love is lived out in the behaviors that Paul lists here in this passage. The Easter season reminds us that we have been recipients of a love that was without hypocrisy. His love for us led Jesus to the cross where He gave His life for us. We now are called to show that love to the people in our community.

Lent and Easter We begin the season of Lent on March 1. Lent is a season of reflection as we look ahead to Holy Week and Easter. We invite you to join us for Worship and other special programs during this season. Ash Wednesday: We will share our monthly fellowship meal at 6:30. Following dinner, we will have an Ash Wednesday observance at 7:30. This service will include the imposition of ashes for those who wish to receive that. Lenten Worship: During the Sunday’s of Lent, we will continue our series of sermons based on the teachings of Jesus found in Matthew 5 – 7. This section of Scripture is known as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus used this opportunity as more and more people began to follow Him to teach his followers about living “Kingdom” lives in this world.

Holy Week Services: Palm Sunday - April 9 – Worship at 9:30 Maundy Thursday, April 13: We will share a light supper together at 6:00 PM. Following Supper we will have a worship service, observing the ordinances of Feetwashing and the Lord’s Supper.

Easter Services – April 16 Easter Sunrise Worship: We will begin Easter morning with a Sunrise Worship service at 6:30. This service will be held in the Cemetery (weather permitting). Easter Breakfast: You are invited to join us for breakfast at 8:15. Eggs, meats and beverages will be provided. If you are able, please bring sweet breads or fruit to share. Easter Worship: Easter morning worship in the Sanctuary will be at 9:30. Join us as we give thanks to God for His victory over sin, death, hell and the grave!

All Ladies are invited to join the Women’s Ministry at their regular monthly meetings. They meet the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings begin at 6:30, with a business and planning meeting. At 7:00 there is a Bible Study. The ladies are currently doing a study of Song of Solomon. The next meetings will be March 7 and April 4. Spring Craft Day: The Women are planning a craft day on Saturday, April 29. Watch the Sunday Bulletin for more information.

Men’s Fellowship Meetings All men are invited to attend a monthly Fellowship time at 7:30 AM on the 3

rd Saturday of

each month. We meet each month at the Parlor House Restaurant for breakfast, conversation, devotions and prayer. Our next gatherings are Saturday, March 18, and Saturday, April 15.

Mountain Top Youth Lock-In The Churches in our Mountain Top Community will be holding an all-night Lock-in for young people from our Churches and Community, on Friday evening March 17. The Lock-in will begin at 6:30 PM on Friday evening, and conclude on Saturday morning, March 18 at 8 AM. This year, the lock-in will be held at St. John’s Church in Sabillasville. The theme for the Lock-in this year will be: The Ten Commandments. Participants will be learning the 10 Commandments and a special sign language will be used to help kids memorize each commandment.

ALL YOUTH THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL ARE INVITED TO THE LOCK-IN

Vacation Bible School

HELPERS NEEDED Planning has begun for our Vacation Bible School program this summer. VBS is tentatively scheduled for July 24-28. There will be a planning meeting on Monday, March 6 at 6:30 PM. In order for VBS to happen, we need lots of help. We are looking for VOLUNTEERS to help. If you would like to be a part of this exciting week of ministry, please talk to Terry Sherald. You may not feel like you have a talent, but we will find a place for you to serve.

Missions Celebration

Churches of God congregations from the Cumberland Valley district will hold their annual Missions

celebration on Sunday, April 23 at the Chambersburg Church of God. The evening will begin with supper at

5:00, followed by the Celebration Service at 6:00.

War Room - Bible Study We have begun a new Bible Study, on Thursday evenings, at 7:00 PM. The studies are based on themes from the movie, War Room. The studies include a clip from the movie, and a discussion/study based on the issue presented in the clip. There are 5 topics covered in the study:

Honest Evaluation

Real Accountability

Living the Gospel

Victory Accomplished

Impacted by Grace All are welcome to join us for this time of

discussion and study. Study Guides are available for all participants.

Camp YoLiJWa news

The summer camping season will soon be here. Here is the schedule of resident camps for this year. In addition to these, there are special camps for those who like wilderness camping, and for senior adults and families.

Name of Camp Ages/Grades Dates

Youth Camp 10th

– 12th June 11 - 17

Jr. High #1 9th June 18 – 24

Jr. High #2 8th July 2 - 8

Jr. High #3 7th July 9 – 15

Junior #1 6th July 16 - 22

Junior #2 5th July 23 – 29

Junior #3 4th August 6 - 10

Junior #4 3rd

August 11 - 13

Father/Son K – 2nd

July 29 – 30

Mother/Daughter K - 2nd

August 4 - 5

Camp YoLiJWa depends heavily on volunteers to make camp happen and keep it affordable. Right now, volunteers are being recruited to serve as Counselors. For more information about the Camp, see the Bulletin Board, or go to www.campyolijwa.org.

Daylight Savings Time Begins Before going to bed on Saturday, March 11, be sure to set your clocks AHEAD one hour and change the batteries in all of your smoke detectors.

Join us as we commemorate the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ

PALM SUNDAY SERVICE Sunday, April 9 – 9:30 am Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and begins the series of observances focusing on the events of Holy Week. This Sunday is also often referred to as Passion Sunday, marking the beginning of the passion or suffering of Jesus leading to and including the crucifixion. We will have a special service of worship as we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem for the final week of His ministry and life on earth. Palms will be given to everyone in attendance.

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE Thursday, April 13 - 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday is an alternate name for Holy Thursday, the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus. The English word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “commandment”. As recorded in John's gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). We remember the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before his betrayal and crucifixion. We will have a light supper at 6:00 pm followed by a service observing the ordinance of Communion and feet washing.

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE Sunday, April 16 – 6:30 am On Easter Sunday morning, many Christians will rise before the sun to attend a sunrise worship service. Easter sunrise worship services take a variety of forms, but all have one thing in common — the people gather early in the morning to worship our resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The gospel writers tell us that Mary Magdalene and some of Jesus’ other female followers went to his tomb early in the morning Sunday morning. They went to grieve and to tend to Jesus’ body, as was the custom at the time. When they

arrived, they found the stone rolled away, and the tomb empty. Later, they would learn that Jesus, who was crucified, is alive. Weather permitting; this service will be next door in the cemetery around the crosses. We will have a breakfast together at 8:15 am. If able, please bring a side item or juice to share.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE Sunday, April 16 – 9:30 am Please join us in the Sanctuary as we celebrate Christ’s victory over death.

Please designate gifts for Everett and Mary Teller’s support as CC#2758. Checks can be made payable to “CGGC” and mail to CGGC, PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839 or you can give securely online at:

http://secure.cggc.org/teller

Please designate gifts for John & Toni Thumma’s support as CC#2757. Checks can be made payable to “CGGC” and mail to CGGC, PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839 or you can give securely online at:

http://secure.cggc.org/thumma

Mission of the Month – April Southwest Ministries, USA

Pastor Everett and Mary Teller serve at the Tsaile Church of God, in Tsaile, Arizona.

Growing up in the home of alcoholic parents, Everett became interested in Christ after he saw how his mother’s life was changed by the Lord. He was twelve years old at the time of his own conversion. While self-employed makers of Indian jewelry, Everett & Mary pastored a small church in their community of Lukachukai, AZ. They later began attending Tsaile Community Church in 1990 when the congregation was still meeting in the Navajo Community College facilities. They have eagerly served the Lord in a variety of roles of worship, teaching, and council leadership. When their Anglo missionary pastor resigned in summer 2005, Everett & Mary felt led of God to apply. They are Tsaile’s 4th pastor and the first Navajo to serve in that position. They welcome the opportunity to devote more time to expanding the ministry of Tsaile Community Church. As Native Americans, Everett & Mary understand the needs of their people and especially their need for Christ.

John & Toni Thumma began their pastoral leadership at Hooghan Nizhoni Church in September 2006. Their giftedness and exemplary servant leadership uniquely prepared them for this assignment among Native Americans. In 2010, John also began serving at the Gamerco Church of God. John and Toni recently shared some prayer concerns: Pray for the availability of fire wood and food for

Navajo families as cold weather approaches. The freeze and thaw cycle often only allows a two to three hour window each day for travel because of muddy roads.

Pray for continued direction, under-standing of this unique culture, strength, and wisdom for Miss Toni and I.

Pray for this ministry and obedience to His will.

Pray that a magnificent revealing of God and His Son will be witnessed by the Navaho Nation, America, and all the peoples of the world.

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL HI-LITES DECEMBER 13, 2017: 14 members in attendance.

Pastor Mark had devotions. Minutes were approved as

presented. Reorganization of the Council was held:

Keith Starliper, Chairman; Stewart McCleaf, Vice

Chairman; Robert Sherald, Treasurer; Deanna Shaffer,

Assist. Treasurer; Kathryn Starliper, Recording Clerk;

Brenda Biser, Assistant Recording Clerk; Melinda

Ralston, Financial Secretary; Susie Buhrman, Assistant

Financial Secretary.

Council agreed to pay what is needed to make up

deficit of Mission Budget out of AA funds.

Council moved to roll over from the Use of Building

Funds to “Pews, Carpet, Painting Fund”.

Motion made and passed to use Coat Closet funds

towards Missions: Hosler Support.

Motion made and passed to move Use of Bldg,

Rebates/Refunds/Reimbursements and Jane Christie

Memorials into Pews/Carpet/Painting Fund.

Front Door Awning being built and will be installed.

Pastor's Insurance figures were submitted to the

Treasurer.

Stewardship & Property Management Commission:

Parsonage chimney cleaned 12/16/16

Firewood delivered 12/10/16

Bathroom tiles replaced in men's restroom. (Thanks

to Mark Willard)

Fan cover on and small fans installed 11/12/16

Don & Kip repairing flashing on outside of FLC

corner.

Urinal 'target' (rug) purchased and placed.

Emergency lights out in FLC – need repaired.

Christian Education Director: No report

Worship & Outreach Commission:

Missions Trip Task Group took a group of 13 to

Baltimore to work in the Shoebox Processing

Center.

Received 211 boxes for Operation Christmas Child

Went caroling with 9 participants.

Christmas Eve Service held

Christmas Day family worship held

Collected Advent Food Boxes (gave out 30 boxes)

New Year’s Sunday Communion and Installation of

Ad Council.

Pastor & Sue going to Haiti for Vacation

Dr. Kevin Richardson preaching on January 8

Guest speaker needed for January 15. Terry Sherald

will be the worship leader.

Planning for 2017 calendar/brainstorming: how to

increase our worship attendance by 10%

Other ideas for specific activities or events

discussed.

NOTE: Treasurer's Highlights November 2016:

Dr. Gilbert Fund offering of $675.00 has been sent to

the ERC for CC2710 Bangladesh Medical Ministries.

Again, there was no payment due this month to

Potomac Edison for the church electric as we

continue to have a credit of $29.05.

Based on an average of $2,792.13, weekly tithe

and offering YTD, our projected budgeted deficit

is $5,311.35.

~

Treasurer's Summary for November 2016:

Checking Account beginning Balance: $42,804.41 Deposits/Credits 14,492.00 Withdrawals/Debits 9,895.38 Transfer from Savings Account -0- Transfer to Savings Account -0- Service Charges -0- Ending Balance: $38,688.60 Savings Account beginning Balance: $50,026.28 Transfer from Checking Account -0- Interest Payment 3.29 Transfer to Checking Account -0- Service Charges -0- Ending Balance: $50,029.57

~

JANUARY 10, 2017: Council Meeting cancelled due

to lack of business on the Agenda (and weather

conditions.)

Steve Trostle is recuperating from

major surgery and if you would like

to send a card of encouragement

you may do so by using the

following address. Steve and wife

Jan are missionaries in South

Africa. He is a brother to Neal (and Pat) Trostle and son

of the late Clair and Mary Trostle.

Steve & Jan Trostle

P. O. Box 2912

Durbanville, 7551

Republic of South Africa

….CONGRATULATIONS are extended to Keith &

Kathryn Starliper's eldest daughter, Lori Ann Fugate of

Shakopee, Minnesota upon completion of her college

course from Crown College in Shakopee on December

31, 2016. Lori had one more class to take and has

completed it and received a Bachelor of Science Degree

majoring in Management and Ethics. Pray for her as she

searches for employment in her field.

Lori is married to Marlin Fugate, Jr., is the mother

of two adult daughters: Kathleen Jessica Peterson and

Aryn Fugate and the grandmother of Gracie Ann

Peterson...all living in Shakopee.

“Whatever comes next, God is always there to Bless

you!” Jeremiah 29:11

~

The Ultimate Christian Bucket List:

Twenty Things to do before Heaven....

20. Win someone to Jesus.

19. Memorize an entire chapter of the Bible.

18. Learn to pray better.

17. Become a person of good humor and frequent

laughter.

16. Volunteer in your community.

15. Find someone from your past and apologize.

14. Find your spiritual gift and put it to use.

13. Develop some talent such as for music or art.

12. Tell everyone you love that you love them.

11. Visit a nursing home and minister to patients who

rarely have visitors.

10. Plant some flowers or even a tree.

9. Give a needy child the Christmas of his life.

8. Make sure all within your 'sneeze' halo are saved.

7. Do a random act of kindness.

6. Keep a journal for a year of your life.

5. Master one of the new techni-gadgets.

4. Widen yourself.

3. Deepen yourself.

2. Forgive someone.

1. Get saved.

Facebook

www.godvine.com

CONGRATULATIONS

to Corey Donatto and

Makenzie Romig who

were married on Saturday,

November 5, 2016. The

wedding took place in Fort

Littleton, PA. They were

supported by many family

members and friends. The

wedding was a beautiful

and delightful event.

Attendees were entertained

by Corey’s singing and phenomenal dancing, as well as

by brother Colin’s toast. Corey and Mackenzie have

bought a home and are living in Waynesboro.

Pastor Mark and

Sue had the opportunity

in January to make a

trip to Haiti to visit with

their son Steve, his wife

Amy and their family

who are missionaries

there with Project Help. They were joined on their

journey by

Benjamin, Christina

and their children. It

was good to be back

where the Hosler

family had spent 8

years while the boys

were growing up.

Grandchildren

Charity, Daniel, and Jojo enjoyed showing their cousins

Mary and Marco, around the mission compound, and

introducing them to many friends. Daughter Rebekah

wasn’t able to join us

for this trip, but

hopefully there will be

an opportunity for her

to join the rest of the

family.

While on the trip,

Pastor Mark had the

opportunity meet Pastor Recene who serves as the pastor

at Germantown Church’s sister Church, Moreau.

BIRTHDAYS…

MARCH

1 George Coyle, Scott McFarland

3 Garry Brian Huff

5 Dennis Buhrman

7 Jesse Johnson

9 Bob Lourdon, Steve Mossburg

11 Kathryn Starliper

12 Jean Brown, Larry Sanders

15 Dorothy Lourdon, Isaac Acosta

16 Terry Sherald, Ross Ayers

19 Susie Buhrman

20 Gary Peck Jr.

22 Jude Buhrman, Vicki Sanders, Toni Thumma

25 Tina Germain

26 Christina Hann

30 Aaron Fredlock

APRIL

1 Edye Dandy, Karolina Jones

2 Jacob Fredlock, Pat Trostle

3 Rebecca Warner

4 Franklin “Dutch” Buhrman

7 Jacob Carlton

9 Jennifer Gossert, Daniel Hosler

10 Wanda Ditch, Perry Ressler

11 Ed Bombardier

13 Sarah Molgaard

16 Esther Fleagle, Audrey Gearhart, Ashley Ayers

20 Emily Ayers

21 Geraldine Reck

24 Vicki Rock, Bob Sherald

26 John Freeman

ANNIVERSARIES...

MARCH

14 Rod & Mila Ayers

17 Wayne & Elaine Buhrman

19 Lynn & Jaylene Gsell

22 Ralph & Brenda Simmons

26 Gary, Sr. & Molly Peck

27 Jerry & Geraldine Reck

APRIL

1 Garry & Martha Huff

3 Michael & Robin Biser

9 Vino & Ann Donatto

12 Justin & Dominique Frazer, Richard & Joy Poling

16 Daryl & Christina Hann

28 Bob & Terry Sherald

29 Ed & Faye Worth

MISSION OF THE MONTH...

March: Help Hotline

April: Southwest Ministries: John & Toni Thumma and

Everett & Mary Teller

HAGERSTOWN RESCUE MISSION

MINISTRY... March: Faith Bible Class

April: Church Family

GREETERS...(9:15 am)

MARCH

5 Steve & Laura Shuck

12 Garry & Martha Huff

19 Charles & Esther Delzer

26 Molly Peck

APRIL

2 Don & Pam Cauthen

9 Vicky Lantz & Gwen Ridenour

16 Roy & Dollie Sanders

23 Lynn & Jaylene Gsell

30 Tom McCardell

CHILDREN'S CHURCH…(9:30 am) 3 years to 3

rd grade

MARCH - Teacher/Helper 5 Sue Hosler & Wanda Ditch

12 Ann Donatto & Colin Donatto

19 Deanna Shaffer & Laura Shuck

26 Christina Hann & Shelley Johnson

APRIL - Teacher/Helper

2 Sue Hosler & Wanda Ditch

9 Ann Donatto & Colin Donatto

16 Deanna Shaffer & Laura Shuck

23 Christina Hann & Shelley Johnson

30 Ann Donatto & Colin Donatto

NURSERY... (9:30 am)

MARCH

5 Lori Warner

12 Pam Cauthen

19 Natalie Johnson

26 Lisa Frazer

APRIL

2 Terry Sherald

9 Lori Warner

16 Pam Cauthen

23 Natalie Johnson

30 Lisa Frazer

HELP HOTLINE – Food for the First...

The first Sunday of the month is “Food for the First” where we bring in

our items of canned goods, pantry

items or monetary gifts. But any time

is always appreciated. Please help consider those less

fortunate than we.

(Italics denotes missionaries)

Germantown (Bethel) Church of God

LIBRARY

New Accessions – JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2017

BOOKS: Youth / Adult, NON_FICTION:

Cordeiro. The Driven Mentor. Growing Your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior. Bethany. c2007.

Donated / Dorothy Martin.

BOOKS: Youth / Adult, FICTION:

Bayarr. Amish Winter of Promises. Jacob’s Daughter Series. Bk 4. c2012. Donated / Dot Martin.

Bayarr. Amish Winter Wonderland. Jacob’s Daughter Series. Bk 2. c2011. Donated / Dot Martin.

Brunstetter. The Selfless Act. The Amish Millionaire. Bk.6. Shiloh Run Press. c2016. D / Dot Martin.

Shorey. The Edge of Light. At Home in Beldon Grove. Bk. 1. Revell. c2009.

Shorey. The Promise of Morning. At Home in Beldon Grove. Bk 2. Revell. c2010. D / Dot Martin.

Shorey. The Dawn of a Dream. At Home in Beldon Grove. Bk 3. Revell. c2011.

Gray. A Sister’s Wish. The Charmed Amish Life. Bk 3. Inspire. c2016.

The 2016 READING PROGRAM is complete. The participants were (in alphabetical order):

Ivy Bare

Jean Brown

Pam Cauthen

Maxine Dingle

Louis Lajoie

Roger Osbaugh

Joy Poling

Richard Poling

Rosalie Sanders-Luke

Larry Sanders

Terry Sherald

Laura Shuck

Lori Warner

Note: The Germantown Church of God Library continues to function well. We are not growing as speedily as

in the past for various reasons, but the quality & content is designed to meet the needs of the congregation &

community. No department is lacking, from Children’s books / viewing materials; Adult Fiction; & Non-

Fiction, which includes Inspiration (Christian Growth; Prayer; Family Life, Testimonials); The history of both

country & surrounding areas; Church History is compiled weekly; the Bible & commentaries; Missions &

Autobiographical books; Christian Education on all levels.

The enthusiasm of many readers / viewers is contagious. And this inspires the Librarian.

At this time, we do not plan to pursue the Reading Program Theme. If there is a demand, especially if children can be guided in that way, we are always open to new ideas.

Our sincere THANKS & APPRECIATION to all who support the Church Library,

By using it; donating materials; & monetary donations. Joy Poling, Librarian

March 2017

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 6:30 PM Family

Fellowship Meal

7:30 PM

Ash Wednesday

Service

7:00 PM

Bible Study

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Lent Begins

Food for the

First

6:15 PM

VBS Planning

Meeting

6:30 PM

Women’s

Ministry

6:30 PM

Prayer

Gathering

7:00 PM

Bible Study

10:00 AM

AA Breakfast

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Daylight

Savings Time

Begins

7:00 PM

Elders Meeting

6:30 PM

Commissions

7:00 PM

Admin. Council

7:00 PM

Hagerstown

Rescue Mission

7:00 PM

Bible Study

7:30 AM

Men’s

Fellowship at

Parlor House

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

First Day of

Spring

7:00 PM

Bible Study

26 27 28 29 30 31

7:00 PM

Bible Study

Every Sunday 9:30 AM – Worship Service & Children’s Church

10:30 AM – Sunday School

Hagerstown Rescue Mission Service – Faith Bible Class

Missionary of the Month – Help Hotline

April 2017

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Food for the

First

6:30 PM

Women’s

Ministry

6:30 PM

Family

Fellowship Meal

10:00 AM

AA Breakfast

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Palm Sunday

7:00 PM

Elders Meeting

6:30 PM

Commissions

7:00 PM

Admin. Council

6:00 PM

Maundy

Thursday

Service

Good Friday 7:30 AM

Men’s

Fellowship at

Parlor House

16 Easter 17 18 19 20 21 22 6:30 am Sunrise

Service

8:15 am Breakfast

9:30 am Worship

7:00 PM

Hagerstown

Rescue Mission

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 5:00 PM District

Missions

Celebration at

Chambersburg

30 Every Sunday 9:30 AM – Worship Service & Children’s Church

10:30 AM – Sunday School

Hagerstown Rescue Mission Service – Church Family

Missionary of the Month – Southwest Ministries:

John & Toni Thumma and Everett & Mary Teller