The Epistle
The Epistle
November, 2013
St. Pauls Lutheran Church,
417 Howertown Rd,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
610-264-3221 Fax: 610-264-5732
Email:[email protected]
Web:www.stpaulscatasauqua.com
Child Care: 610-264-0190
Sunday Worship
8:00 am Holy Communion
9:00 am Sunday School
10:30 am Worship
1st & 3rd Sunday Holy Communion
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Church Office Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
Sunday School
September-May 9:00am
Child Care Center
Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm
_______________________
Church Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Gary Walbert,
Pastor Emeritus:
Rev. Dr. Hartland H. Gifford
Dir. Music: Michael Fister
Office Admin: Charleen Burik
Treasurer: Paul Peters
Financial Sec: Debbie Stewart
Dir. Child Care: Margaret Bossons
Sexton: Norbert Huber
Congregation Council
Rena Ackerman
Robert Bastian
Tom Danner
Tammie Englert - Secretary
Kerry Lewis Vice President
Kay Muehlberger
Doug Newhard- President
Laurie Perna
Albert Renn
Helene Sterner
(2) Open
Brothers and Sisters in Jesus,
On the first Sunday in November, we celebrate All Saints Sunday. It is on this day we remember loved ones who have died and gone on to their eternal reward.
As I get older, I find myself checking the obituary every day, not looking for my name, but checking the ages of those listed. As I contemplate what might or might not be in my future, it seems only natural to think about the past and loved ones who have gone on to their reward. Of course, I especially think of those alive today whom I love and it leads me to ponder what could be ahead at the next stage of life. One thing we all can be sure of is that one day we must all take that journey to Jesus. The works of John 14:3 give us the comfort that we will never be alone
The life expectancy has steadily increased now; 80s and 90s are common. We are staying healthier, if we take care of our-selves, as we get older. We may live longer now but God provides us with only this one day. We read in Psalm: 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
God promises us only today, and because He extends no promise that we will even be alive tomorrow, we should live this day without regret, being kind to others and forgiving, seeking Gods will for this day while mindful that there is no promise of tomorrow.
No matter how old we are, we should want to cherish each day as a valuable gift from God. I therefore have a stewardship responsibility to carefully consider: What is a good use of the time * have left? I look forward with anticipation to the future, not worrying about possessions, but what exciting tasks God is going to give me to do. My intent and hope is that whenever my last day finally arrives, I will be able in good conscience to say as Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Yours, In Jesus,
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Hymn of the Month
For All the Saints
All Saints Sunday is one of the highlights of our liturgical calendar. It is a Sunday that we remember all our loved ones who have joined God in what the church calls The Church Triumphant meaning heaven. We are told in Hebrews that the Saints gather and watch us when we worship and other actions.
The hymn we always sing this Sunday is the hymn For all the Saints. It was written by William Walsham How in 1864. This hymn has eight verses but as your listen to the words, you hear a story about the saints and their journey to heaven. It is an inspiring, uplifting hymn. It raises our spirits as we sing it.
For All the Saints
1. For all the saints who from their labors rest, all who by faith before the world confessed, your name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!
2. You were their rock, their fortress, and their might; you, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; you, in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia! Alleluia!
3. Oh, may your soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, fight as the saints who nobly fought of old and win with them the victors crown of gold. Alleluia! Alleluia!
4. Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine, we feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one within your great design. Alleluia! Alleluia!
5. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again and arms are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia!
6. The golden evening brightens in the west; soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest; sweet is the calm of paradise the blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!
7. But then there breaks a yet more glorious day: the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia! Alleluia!
8. From earths wide bounds, from oceans farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Alleluia! Alleluia!
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
September Highlights
*We are pleased to welcome our newest elected Council member
Helene Sterner.
Currently there are still two (2) open positions on Council. Please contact Council President, Doug Newhard if you are interested in serving.
*Youth Committee was given permission to hold a Kids First Food Court Fundraiser in the fall for the youth group, with 10% of the profit going to local charity. Committee will actively seek more adult involvement along with sending invitation letters to all 5th graders and up to join youth group.
* It was noted that the year-to-date payment for Benevolence exceeded budgeted amount, therefore, a motion was made to have Treasurer not pay any more Benevolence for the rest of the year, except what we receive in the Benevolence envelopes. Motion carried
*Council approved Child Care fundraiser requesst at Blue Monkey October 17th or 22nd, which they will receive a 20% profit, and a Bake Sale and Chinese Auction at Christmas time..
*Property Committee will add cost of new water softener to next years budget.
*Nominating Committee is in need of two more members to fill vacancies on committee. Two delegates (male/female) are needed to attend Synod Convention on May 30 & 31, 2014. If interested, contact Lew or Kathy Heller.
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service
On November 25 at 7pm at St. Pauls, we will have our annual Community Thanksgiving service. It is on this day our community worships together, thanking God for all of His many blessings.
Joining us this year, we again welcome Lehigh Valley Christian High School. Our preacher this year will be the Rev. Robert Brennan, principal at the LVCHS. Chorus from local churches will gather to sing an anthem. Immediately following the service, we will have a time of fellowship in Fellowship Hall. Come join us on November 25 to thank our Gracious God for all His many blessings.
Treasury Report
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Jan. Sept. YTD Financial Update
Weekly Envelopes
Budgeted: $ 88,812.00
Received: $ 77,469.00
Actual Income YTD: $446,383.00
Actual Expense YTD: $471,179.00
Loan - Roof Repair: $ 14,000.00 ( Nov.2012)
Balance due: $ 2,306.66
Finance Committee
Here we are again, asking for auditors. We should have an audit that we can present to the congregation at our annual meeting in February. Last year it was late in spring that we finally had our third auditor, they met and completed the audit in one evening. It does not take long; it is checking one page against another it is not difficult, so please help us to complete our audit on time. Call either the church at 610-264-3221 or Bette MacHose at 610-264-0871
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St. Pauls Child Care Center
Fundraiser for new secure doors
December 19, 2013 5:00pm10:00pm
Present this coupon and Child Care Center will receive 20% of your dinner ticket
Child Care Center
November is here already. Soon we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. The months are just flying by. This month should be fun and exciting for all.
All of our children will be learning Thanksgiving Songs and Finger plays, doing Thanksgiving projects involving: Native Americans, Pilgrims, and of course Turkeys. They will learn about the First Thanksgiving and we will celebrate with a Thanksgiving meal here at our school. The children will make something to wear during our feast and some will be Pilgrims and some will be Native Americans. We will all gather around the table for a Center Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, November 13th, in Fellowship Hall.
This month the teachers will be busy preparing for the Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Margaret Bossons
Child Care Fundraiser
Child Care Center is holding a fundraiser at the Blue Monkey on Thursday, December 19 from 5-10pm. This fundraiser is being held to raise money for new secure doors for the Child Care Center. You must present the coupon in this Epistle notice fo
