St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

Mundy’s Corner PA

COMMUNICANT

DECEMBER 2017

The CommunicantDecember 2017

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church3328 William Penn Ave.

Johnstown, PA 15909814-322-1307 (office)

Email: stpaulsmc@atlanticbbn.netwww.stpaulsevluth-mc.com

The Rev. Kevin McNamara

Worship Services:Saturday 5:30 p.m.Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Your St. Paul’s Council:

PresidentDavid Kivisto

Vice PresidentDavid Cobaugh

TreasurerSteve Kauffman

SecretaryJoyce Long

Nora AlbrightSandy AlbrightVirginia Ankeny

Deanna DeetscreekJamie Kmett

Carol FoxMichael Gaunt

Shelby LivingstonCathy Tompkins

Tiffany Jones Missy Myers

Josh DickertPastor Kevin McNamara

Call if you have questions or concerns for them to consider. Next Council Meeting will be December 4th

at 7:00 pm.

“BY GOD’S GRACE WE GROW IN FAITH, SHARE JESUS CHRIST, AND SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE!”

Weekly Worship and Lectionary Bible Study

First Sunday in AdventNovember 29th

10:30 a.m. Lectionary Bible StudyDecember 2nd

5:30 p.m. Holy Communion WorshipDecember 3rd

9:00 a.m. Holy Communion Worship

Second Sunday in AdventDecember 6th

9:30 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study7pm Mid-Week Advent Worship

December 9th 5:30 p.m. Holy Communion Worship

December 10th 9:00 a.m. Holy Communion Worship

Choir Christmas Cantata

Third Sunday in AdventDecember 13th

9:30 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study7p.m. Mid-Week Advent Worship

December 16th 5:30 p.m. Holy Communion Worship

December 17th 9:00 a.m. Holy Communion Worship

Children’s Christmas Program

4th Sunday in AdventDecember 20th

9:30 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study7p.m. Mid-Week Advent Worship

December 23rd NO WORSHIP SERVICEDecember 24th

9:00 a.m. Holy Communion WorshipChristmas Eve

5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Christmas Candlelight Services

December 2017

My Dear Friends in Christ,

The season of Advent draws near! During Advent, we wait in hopeful anticipation for the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ. When you attend worship this Advent season, you will find a selection of Advent devotionals in the Narthex for your personal use. The Advent coin folder will be placed in your box at church. Your generosity is appreciated!

Below is a listing of worship services and activities for the Season of Advent and Christmas. By worshipping together, we do more than wait for Jesus to be born—we celebrate the presence of His Holy Spirit in our midst right now, even as we await the birth of Christ at Christmas.

Our services for the Advent/Christmas season are as follows:

December 2 5:30 PM Saturday Advent WorshipDecember 3 9:00 AM Sunday Advent Worship December 6 7:00 PM Wednesday Advent Service

December 9 1:00 PM Senior Dinner in Luther Hall5:30 PM Saturday Advent Worship

December 10 9:00 AM Sunday Advent Worship &St. Paul’s Christmas Cantata

December 13 7:00 PM Wednesday Advent Service

December 16 5:30 PM Saturday Advent WorshipDecember 17 9:00 AM Sunday Advent Worship

Children’s Christmas ProgramDecember 20 7:00 PM Wednesday Advent Service

December 23 No Saturday evening Worship Service December 24 9:00 AM Sunday Advent WorshipDecember 24 5:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

8:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight ServiceDecember 25 No Worship service on Christmas Day

December 30 5:30 PM Saturday WorshipDecember 31 9:00 AM Sunday Worship

The Wednesday evening Advent worship series this year is called, “Together in Advent.” As we worship, we will hear and sing the sacred music of Advent and Christmas. Come join us as we worship God and wait for the Christ child to be born!

Pastor Kevin

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and make you aware of his constant

presence as we enter this season of Advent. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus which is usually translated as ‘arrival’. But this word also has a richer meaning that referred to the triumphal and glorious entry of a general or emperor into a city. The word Advent therefore, not only points us to the fact that our Lord Jesus has arrived at his nativity but that Jesus Christ is the Lord and king we were waiting for.

It is also important for us to remember that Jesus came to save us because he is merciful, loving, and good. Nothing forced or compelled our God in Jesus Christ to act in this way. Jesus came to save us because we cannot save ourselves. Jesus chose to take on a human body (for the purpose of giving it up later on the cross) so that we would not be swallowed by sin, death, and destruction. Jesus loves you and will not lose you.

This salvation in Jesus Christ is all we need. It is all sufficient. Because of Jesus, we do not have to worry if we are good enough or have done enough good to merit eternal life with God. The truth is on our own we would never be able to earn, merit, or deserve our life in Jesus Christ. But we do not do it on our own because at our baptism Jesus Christ has made us his own. We are not worthy but Jesus Christ makes us worthy. Jesus saves us because we can’t save ourselves, and for that we should say – Thanks be to God!

So as we walk through this Advent let us all remember how blessed we are by the Lord who loves us and claims us. This is the Lord who saves us from death and brings us into his eternal life. He does this out of his mercy and goodness. When we can offer him nothing, he offers us everything. We have been blessed by the gift of Jesus. May we be led by him to be a blessing to our communities and to this world.

Have a Happy and Blessed Advent 2017+Bishop Michael Rhyne

TAX INFORMATION FOR OLDER MEMBERS OF ST. PAUL’S

If you are 70 and ½ or older and have an IRA, you can have money from that IRA’s RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) sent directly to a charitable organization (hopefully St Paul’s or ALSM or other organizations that are nonprofit). The advantage of doing this is that it isn’t counted as taxable income.

Older traditional IRA owners must take required minimum distributions or RMD’s each year. With the charity rollover option the amount donated is not counted as taxable income.

This option is advantageous to IRA owners who do not itemize their tax return.

Depending on your tax bracket, and the amount you wish to donate, this option can mean considerable savings for you and also be a benefit to the charitable organization.

Lets take an example:

Suppose that your RMD for the year is $2000 and you are in a 15% tax bracket and do not itemize your deductions. If you would donate $1200 to St. Paul’s. This saves you $180 in federal taxes. ($1200 x .15 = $180) This is only an example and it is always wise to check with you tax advisor.

For more information on this topic please talk to Dave Cobaugh or Jim Hockensmith.

An easy way to get in the habit of regular giving is to become part of our Simply Giving program. By filling out one simple form you can have your contribution automatically deducted from your checking or savings account weekly or monthly in whatever amounts you choose. You can also change this commitment at any time. If you have any questions or want to sign up please call our Treasurer, Steve Kauffman.

Hoss’s fundraiser for Relay for Life, Sunday December 17th, all day. Please be sure to see Theresa Schmidt for slips that you give to your servers for St. Paul’s to get the credit for your meal.

December 14th & 15th all day the Salvation Army could use your help sorting toys. If you can help out please call Cathy Albright.And thank you to those that took an Angle and helped make a child smile this Christmas.

Dear St. Paul’s Family Dear St. Paul’s FamilyThank you so much for Thank you so much for theThe care package I received care package full of treats At school. I really appreciate you sent me at school. It

Your thoughtfulness. Was a very pleasant surpriseThank you! And I greatly appreciate it.Maddie Myers God Bless,

Tyler Wirfel

Look who’s won the $25,000 Bridging the Dream Scholarship!Join us in celebrating what extraordinary students can achieve with strength, perseverance, and determination. We are so excited and honored to help bridge your dreams and make college happen.

Our Bridging the Dream Scholarship fulfills an important part of our promise to help families who aspire to a better future. It gives outstanding, hardworking high school juniors and seniors a chance to overcome financial obstacles that stand in their way of making college happen.

This scholarship also brings our mission to life, as employees across the company dedicated themselves to raising money to help fund the scholarships. From 5Ks to raffles, we’re excited to help give a boost as future dreams take shape.

Kate G. Ebensburg, PAKate grew up with a critically ill mom and acted as a primary caregiver during her mother’s final years. Despite the loss of her mom in 8th grade, Kate is an exemplary student, involved in multiple activities including tennis, marching band, musical theater, film-making, piano, dance, and community service projects. Mature beyond her years, Kate takes nothing for granted—every moment counts.

Way to go, Kate! We wish you the best as you pursue your dreams.

DECEMBER, 2017GREETERS3 - Gretchen & Mark Dreikorn

10 - Jean & Marlin Plymette17 - Michael & Staci Gaunt24 - Jim & Jamie McGhee 5pm – Steve & Nancy Dickert 8pm – Ken & Joyce Bailey31 - Sheena & Brian VorhauerUSHERS3 - Sarah Ross / Laverne Reffner

10 - Jim & Ginny Hockensmith17 - Kailee & Brittany Ribblett24 - Eric & Melanie Grecek 5pm – Steve & Sue Kauffman 8pm – Ed Vorhauer / Theresa Schmidt31 - Jeannette Vorhauer / LECTORS3 - Sue Bowman

10 - Gretchen Dreikorn17 - Tiffany Jones

24 - Kate Griffith 5pm – Jim Penna 8pm – Jamie Kmett31 - Bob MikesellACOLYTES3 - Makenzie Campbell / Lindsay Hodge

10 - Lakelyn Campbell / Carter Martin17 - Sam & Joe Penna24 - Bella Grecek / Monica Fry 5pm – Makenzie Campbell / Monica Fry Crucifer: Madison Tompkins 8pm – TBD Crucifer: Quinten Vorhauer31 - Lindsay Hodge / Makenzie CampbellALTAR GUILDSue Kauffman / Shelby Livingston / Sheena Vorhauer

WORSHIP ASSISTANTEllen Grace VorhauerCOMMUNION ASSISTANTScott GriffithHEAD USHERSVirginia Ankeny/ Jim Amigh / Jim McGheeJANUARY, 2018GREETERS

7 - Carole Frick / Jeannette Vorhauer14 - Dave & Cathy Albright21 - Butch & Jan Hildebrand28 - Debbie & Alice DeetscreekUSHERS

7 - Tiffany Jones / Breanna McGhee14 - Brian & Sheena Vorhauer21 - Mark & Missy Myers28 - Ed Vorhauer / Mark Dreikorn

LECTORS7 - Linda Sell

14 - Shelby Livingston21 - Ellen Grace Vorhauer28 - Marlin PlymetteACOLYTES7 - Sam & Joe Penna

14 - Carter Martin/Quinten Vorhauer21 - Bella Grecek / Lindsay Hodge28 - Madison Thompkins / Monica Fry

ALTAR GUILD

Jim & Donna Amigh

WORSHIP ASSISTANT

Dave CobaughCOMMUNION ASSISTANT

Maddie Myers/Breanna McGhee/Clara Myers

HEAD USHERS

Michele & Bob Jones

FOOD COLLECTION ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Item of the Month!

DECEMBERSoup / Spaghetti Sauce

We will be packing boxes the week of December 10th for distribution in December to provide families with items to complete their

Christmas dinner…

We will be supplying a ham and fresh potatoes and any of the following items for that

distribution would be great. If you could have your donations to the church by December

11th, we will be sure they get to the pantry in time for packing the December boxes. Thanks!

Baked Beans

Canned Pineapple

Jelly (no glass)

Boxed Potatoes (scalloped; au gratin, etc)

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for all of your support!

FOOD PANTRYThe direct phone number for

the food pantry is INTERFAITH COMMUNITY

814-242-7910Phone calls will be returned so

please leave your number.

NEXT DISTRIBUTION:

Saturday, December 16th 2017

from 11 a.m. to 1pm at

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Sunday, January 21st 2018

Take-Outs will be available at 10:30 a.m.

Dinner will be served from 11am to 1 pm

(Benefit the Sr Youth Group National Gathering)

Senior Citizens Christmas DinnerSaturday, December 9, 2017

At 1:00 p.m.

Anyone 62 or older is welcome to come and join us to celebrate the season,

enjoy fellowship with friends and neighbors, and have a wonderful dinner.

You can sign up for the dinner on the bulletin board in the hallway

or by calling the church office at 322-1302 or Theresa at 322-3282.

All are welcome! We hope you’ll join us!

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS1st Warren Miller

Matthew Hodge6th Jacqueline Mazeika

Amanda Zinn9th Madison Tompkins10th Marlyn McMullen

Ryan Frombach14th Cathy Tompkins16th Virginia Hockensmith

Justin Zarnesky22nd James Wyant

Dana Schmidt23rd James Kuzminsky

Stacy SchenkColton Shoemaker

24th Melissa HillJean PlymetteAaron Tompkins

25th Holly Ribblett

29th Scott Espe31st Micah Wood

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES21st Todd & Beth Williams28th Dave & Michelle Amigh31st Steven & Jacqueline Mazeika

SEPTEMBERGeraldine WoleslagleRuth AnneKenLinda HendersonEllory HansonLeonard DavisCameron HutchinsonPhil HeinzeJim DeetscreekThelma PoppPatricia AlbaughBetty Lou Shoup

OCTOBERJeremy AmighWendy AmighElissaRoger BowmanAntonia SolinskiBill BelchYvonneWilliam GroveIsabellaLlyod SloanRobert PopovichShannon MyersErin HayJohn RoushWanda SheederAlice BowserJoyce PlazaJoyce Starvis

Rachel TillisonDenny LivingstonJoy Bowser

NOVEMBERJessica TietjenCarla AyresRobin EutseyRandy HooverChris GauntJoseph GreyhouseHillary KlineAda McCulloughMarcyNancy ForsythTerry BestLeo MahlerKen Mike BartlettTerry Best Ollie HofeckerMargaret DomonkosMatt DomonkosRuss SeligaCarol FoxScott Hagerich

Individuals placed on the pray list remain in the Communicant a total of 3 months.

NOTE: If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, please

call June Cobaugh (341-7757). If you do not reach June leave a voice message then please call Vivian Myers (749-0522)

ST. PAUL’S HOMEBOUNDHelen Mott Anastasia GroveChris Amos Ollie Hofecker Norma &Shelly Keyser

Military deployed:(Remember to pray for our service men/women who are serving abroad every night at 9:00 p.m.) Derek Zarnesky Anna BeltowskiJeremy Solnosky Richard JamesJacob Hessler Thomas R KeyserJohn Shoemaker Justin MooreDavid Ledwitch

ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERANSt. Paul’s Preschool

stpaulsmc@atlanticbbn.net Tuesday and Wednesdaywww.stpaulsevluth-mc.com 9:00a.m. – 11:30a.m.(814) 322-1307

December 20171 2

8am LMM5:30 Worship

39am Worship10am Fellowship10:30 Sunday School, Confirmation and Adult Forum11:30 Choir1 Advent

47pm Council Meeting

5Preschool 9-11:30

6Preschool 9-11:309:30 Liturgy Bible Study7pm Advent Worship

7 8 9

1pm Senior’s Christmas Dinner

5:30 Worship

109am WorshipChoir Cantata10am Fellowship10:30 Sunday School, Confirmation and Adult Forum2 Advent

11 12Preschool 9-11:30

13Preschool 9-11:309:30 Liturgy Bible Study7pm Advent Worship

14 15 16

5:30 Worship

179am WorshipChildren’s Program10am Jesus Birthday Party

3 Advent

18 19Preschool 9-11:30

20Preschool 9-11:309:30 Liturgy Bible Study7pm Advent Worship

21 22 23

No Worship

249am Worship5:30 pm &8:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Worship4AdventChristmas Eve

25

No Services

26 279:30 Liturgy Bible Study

28 29 30