We know love by this: that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us…and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

- 1 John 3:16-18

A number of years ago, a cartoon appeared in a national magazine. It showed a young George Washington, hatchet in hand, telling his father, “I admit it! I chopped down the cherry tree! I did it with my little hatchet!” The father, with frustration etched on his face, responds, “That’s the trouble with you, George! You always ad-mit it! Now, when are you going to do something about it?”

We Christians are very good at talking about love. We listen to countless sermons on the love of God. We are constantly reminding ourselves how important it is to love one another in the same manner that God has loved us. We mention love over and over again in the life of the Church. But like little George Washington in the magazine cartoon, we often have trouble doing something about it.

The author of First John admonishes Christians not to love “in word or speech, but in truth and action.” We know the wisdom of these words. We also know that Christ taught his disciples to love one another as he love them. Somehow, though, when it comes to putting our words into practice, we often find a way of qualifying what Jesus said and did.

We constantly try to place limits and restrictions on love, either on whom we will love or on how far we are willing to go. It is, after all, much easier to talk about the love of Jesus than to love others unconditionally, as Jesus commands us. We are much more comfortable discussing loving God and loving neighbor in abstract or intellectual terms, without actually having to go out and do it. Sadly, many nominal Christians never do break out of these self-imposed spiritual shackles to ex-perience the joy of sharing God’s love first-hand in concrete and personal ways.

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In s i de j un e 20 1 5 n ewsletter

2 Pastors Page (cont.) 6. Announcements 10. Financial Facts

3. St. Peter’s Pride 7. Announcements 11. Thoughts & Prayers

4. Community News 8. Graduates 12. Volunteers

5. Set the Stage 9. WELCA 13. Calendar

14. Sponsor Page

From the Pastor: Living Out Love

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F r o m t h e p a s t o r ( c o n t . )

A few years ago I recall reading about a group of teenagers from several congregations across South Louisiana who gathered in New Orleans for a week-long urban work camp. Most of these teenagers had grown up in church-going families. Several were from the metropolitan New Orleans area. However, few of them (if any) had ever been exposed to the staggering problems faced every day by people living and ministering in the inner city.

As the week progressed, the group was exposed to and participated in a variety of forms of hands-on ministry. At a soup kitchen, they ate and conversed face-to-face with homeless people, many of whom had walked several miles for their only hot meal of the day. They saw and heard the stories of teenagers their own age who lived on the streets. They also worked on houses being renovated for the working poor by the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

During the course of that work camp, a remarkable transformation took place. Those teenagers had talked about the love of Jesus Christ and the importance of loving other people all their lives. But now, as they risked living out that love in new and sometimes intimidating situations, their own faith deepened and grew, and their eyes were opened to the presence of the living Christ in a very powerful way.

That is how it is for anyone who truly follows Jesus Christ. When we overcome our fears and inhi-bitions and dare to risk living out Christ’s love in our own lives, our eyes are opened, too. Our faith matures and we experience the joy of true discipleship. “Therefore, little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action!”

Peace be with you!

Pastor Henry

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We congratulate Nathan

Critchlow on is confirma-

tion, May 24, 2015. Proud

parents are Beverly and

Neal Critchlow. Nathan

was confirmed with the

approval of the congrega-

tional council by

Pastor William Henry Jr.

On Sunday, May 17th our Sunday School students were presented with

certificates of participation and completion of the 2014-15 Sunday School year.

Many thanks to the dedication of our Sunday School teachers who volunteer

their time to teach our youth.

Sunday school for youth will resume in the fall.

Adult Sunday school is offered year round from 9-10 am in the church library.

S t . P e t e r ’ s p r i d e

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C o m m u n i t y n e w s

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a n n o u n c e m e n t s :

Vacation Bible School - will be held here at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church July 27th—31st. We will have a camping theme this year as the kids hike along in their journey of faith learning new songs, making crafts, enjoying fun snacks, learning about God’s word, and more. Save the date because it is going to be S’MORE

fun than ever! (More details to come)

Save the Date:

Lutheran Day at Kennywood will be on July 29, 2015. The cost

of the tickets are $22.00 per person.

(More information will come !)

Glade Run Foundation

Thank you for your generous donation of $45

to Glade Run through the SWPA Synod. We

are grateful to receive it. Your support has

helped Glade Run provide hope and healing to

over 4,000 individuals through mental health,

educational, autism and cultural programs

each year. We are blessed hat you share our

mission to link faith and service and provide

the resources that enable us to continue to do

God’s work for over 160 years. Thank you

again, and we look forward to your continued

support.

Sheila Talarico

Executive Director, Glade Run Foundation

June Birthdays

1 Colleen Prenovitz

4 Alex Humes

5 Pat Wagoner

5 Thomas Manuel

6 Cora Plank

8 Harold Schoeffel

9 Heinie Raupp Jr.

10 Casey Anthony

11 Zoe Birckbichler

12 Pam Volz

14 Scott Grosick

16 Helen Barto

16 Jen Vicheck

17 James Burkert

17 Baylee Mc Combs

19 Emma Plank

21 Ty Wearing

22 Patti Flach

23 Dennis Nulph

23 Bill Painter III

23 Troy Anthony

29 James Merrison

Happy Birthday!

St. Peter’s Church Family Wishes Many

Blessings To You!

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a n n o u n c e m e n t s :

Dear St. Peter’s Lutheran Church,

First, let me just say, thank you!

Your recent donation of $185.50 means that you

understand just how important it is for a child to

come to camp. Donors like you make this out-

door ministry possible. You help us guarantee

the opportunity to come to camp for all children

who might otherwise be unable to afford a week

of “life-changing adventures in faith” at Luther-

lyn.

We want you to be an active member of our

community too. Please visit our website at

www.lutherlyn.com to keep informed of all the

exciting opportunities happening this spring and

summer. Watch for invitations and retreats that

are offered year round.

Again, thank you! We love your support and

cannot do this without you!

Yours in Ministry,

Rev. Randy Gullickson

Executive Diretor

Thank you for your thoughtful gift of $57 from

St. peter’s Lutheran Church for Lutheran Senior

Live Foundation. You gift joins with that of many

others to create a concrete manifestation of the

Christian communities care for older adults.

For more than 120 yeas, Lutheran Sr. Life has

reached out to provide excellent care for the

health and well being of older adults. We are

equally dedicated to serving their spiritual

needs. As a Lutheran social ministry organiza-

tion, we are committed t those principles.

Your partnership in our mission is deeply appre-

ciated. Thank you for helping us bring a more

Abundant Life to older adults whom we serve re-

gardless of their physical condition or financial

circumstances.

Sincerely,

Frances M. Grabowski

Director of Annual Giving

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G r a d u a t e s

High School Graduates of 2015

Madison Shay Ainsworth graduated from Mars High School and will be attending Slippery Rock University in the

fall. While at Mars, Madison was an on the cheer squad for 4 years. She participated in Bible Bowl, and youth

group here at St. Peter’s. When Madison is not in school she is working at TJ Max or enjoying time with her

friends and family.

Morgan Lee Ainsworth graduated from Mars High School and will be attending Kent University in the fall. While

at Mars, Madison was an on the cheer squad for 4 years. Morgan also competed for Star Styled Dance Studio all 4

years. She participated in Bible Bowl, and youth group here at St. Peter’s. When Morgan is not in school she is

working at Little House Childcare or enjoying time with her friends and family.

Andrew Lingenfelter is graduating as Salutatorian from Seneca Valley High School on Friday, May 29, 2015. While

attending Seneca Valley, Andrew was a 6 year member of the Cross Country team and Outdoor Track and Field

team and a 3 year member of the Indoor Track and Field team. He was also a member of National Honor Society

and Science National Honor Society. Andrew also competed each year in the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engi-

neering Fair, winning 1st, 2nd and 4th places, numerous special awards and was chosen to participate in the Intel In-

ternational Science & Engineering Fair.

Andrew also won the National Chemistry Competition in 2011. He also was a key member on the engineering team

that participated in the Westinghouse Chain Reaction Contraption competition for 3 years. In that time, the team

accumulated two 1st place finishes and several special awards. Andrew was very active in Boy Scouts, earning the

Rank of Eagle in 10th grade and serving as Den Chief for a Cub Scout den for 5 years. Upon graduation, Andrew has

accepted an offer to attend Yale University in New Haven, CT where he plans to study Physics.

College Graduates:

Shelby Ainsworth, daughter of Brenda Ainsworth, graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a de-

gree in Business Management. Shelby plans to work one more summer at Camp Lutherlyn, then move to Alexandra,

Virginia to work in her field of study.

Kelly Anthony, daughter of Shawn and Amy Anthony, grand-daughter of Joe and Sue Ludwik and great grand-

daughter of Ruth Corfield graduated with honors from Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh. She received a degree in

the Science of Veterinary Technology. Her ceremony was on March 22nd at Soldiers and Sailors Hall in Oakland.

She is currently employed at Bradford Hills Veterinary Hospital and Pet Hotel working as a veterinary nurse and a

manager of the hotel in Wexford. We are very proud of her and her hard work as she takes her state boards exam

in July.

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W E L C A

WELCA SCHOOL

KITS

Collection will begin now

and continue through mid

September. A bin will be

located in the back of the

church with a list of items

needed for each kit. Please

consider donating the follow-

ing items to help make much

needed school kits:

4– 70 sheet spiral notebooks

(8 1/2 x11)

1 ruler (inches on one side

cm on the other side)

1 pencil sharpener

1 BLUNT end scissors

1 eraser (2 1/2 “ long)

5 unsharpened pencils with

erasers

5 ballpoint pens (no gel pens)

1 box of 24 Crayola crayons

If you want to give a mone-

tary donation instead of items

please give it to Nancy Zat-

terio or turn it into the

church office marked School

Kits.

(Please make checks pay-

able to WELCA not St.

Peter’s Lutheran Church)

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A Financial Update – in an effort to keep everyone informed about our current financial

situation the reconciled treasurers report of our current fund as of the end of April 2015 is

as follows: Current Fund +$15,481.02, Building Maintenance Fund $1,115.45, Memorial

Fund $7,345.43, Youth Fund $9,088.51, Manna Fund $2,145.46, Emergency Fund

$3,748.46, Priority Project Fund $5,072.52. Many thanks to those who continue to give to

these funds which give us the ability to serve Christ and others.

F i n a n c i a l f a c t s

Our Monthly Benevolent Cause for June

Our Monthly Benevolent Cause for June will support the Evans

City Fire Department. If you would like to support this benevo-

lent cause, mark the other line

on your contribution envelope EC FIRE DEPT.

Reminder to Members

Please remember to fill out a com-

munion card ONCE a year and

place it in the offering plate. Also,

please remember to use a contribu-

tion envelope (provided for you) or

a church pew envelope so proper

credit can be given for your mem-

bership here at St. Peter’s.

According to our constitution active

members are required to communed in

the congregation and contribution of

record in the current or preceding calen-

dar year to maintain their active

membership.

4/2 -4/5, 2015 04/07/2015 04/12/2015 04/26/2015 Totals

Current Fund $ 1,216.00 $ 2,673.00 $ 1,438.00 $ 5,327.00

Lent Service $ 77.00 $ 35.00 $ 120.00 $ 232.00

Synod Benevolence $ 60.00 $ 128.00 $ 162.00 $ 350.00

Flowers $ 14.00 $ 44.00 $ 35.00 $ 93.00

Memorial $ 25.00 $ 53.99 $ 35.00 $ 113.99

EDCO Park $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 15.00 $ 25.00

Thrivent Choice $ 272.00 $ 272.00

Building Maint. $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $ 100.00

Sunday School $ 12.00 $ 9.00 $ 21.00

Campership Income $ 410.00 $ 410.00

Manna Program $ 50.00 $ 50.00

Totals $ 1,397.00 $ 272.00 $ 3,000.99 $ 2,324.00 $ 6,993.99

T h o u g h t s & P r a y e r s

Dorothy Aiken (Kay Burr’s Neighbor) Barbie & Her Daughter Nadia (from Teresa O’Malley) Daryn Barnhart (teen- health issues from: Cheryl Tho-mas) Sharla Barron- Bariatric (Surgery) John, Summer, Timothy Barron & Family Rob Boring (Liver Problems-nephew of Joe & Sue Ludwik) Valerie Brown (cancer) Dan Budisky (Health Problems) Eilene Budisky Mary Jo Burd Jane Carruth (Colon Cancer - B.Barkley) Bob Crosen (Cancer – Jay Thomas’s Brother) Kathleen Flower (COPD- Pattie Flach) Pat Foringer- (ALS) David Fulghum (health problems) Doris Galko (dialysis – K. Morris) Logan & Shirley Gibel (from: Prenovitz) Sue & Glenn Goehring (Health Issues) Ashley Gross (Dick & Marcia Marburger’s Granddaughter) Ethel Hannah Melinda Johns (Cancer- Carol Kerr’s Niece) Arlene Karmen (cancer- from Pat Enslen) Alma Kincaid (Leukemia – from: Marsha Reedy) Kathy Krosel (Broken Shoulder) Miriam Logan (Health Problems –K. Ferrari) Kim Long (cancer) Sue Ludwik (Lung Problems) Celeste Lunn Dick Marburger (surgery) Kim Marburger (Larry Marburger’s Wife- health problems) Sue Mick Desmond Moore

Nick Morgan (Health Problems – from Rege & Becky Rengers) Evelyn Rader (Heart & other health problems- Kay Burr’s Sister) Rita Reifenstein Ray Rinkus (ALS – brother in law of Flachs) Abigal Ritenour (child- medical problems) Angie Robson (breast cancer- Great Niece of Kay Burr) Tom Robson (cancer- From: Kay Burr) Don Roccia (cancer- from: Patti Flach) Sarah Rush (cancer – J. Enslen’s niece) Sarah Sahnkle (bone cancer – 12 yrs. old- C. Bittner) Diane Scavo (Cancer – from: Mary Fulghum) Ron Schettler (cancer – from Kay Burr) Shirley Smith (Health Problems – from: Helen Painter) Carrie Sphar (cancer – from: Cheryl Thomas) Sadie Terek (cystic fibrosis – from: Kim Morris) Garret Thomas (cancer – from: Kim Morris) Cathy Van Dyke (Robin Van Dykes Sister In Law) Dave Van Dyke (Cancer) Florence Wahl (health issues) Hannah Wahl (Daughter of Rev. Andy Wahl) Betty Westerman (Beverly Barkley’s Mother) Laura Young (Price) – cancer INTERCESSIONS FOR CONSOLATION IN GRIEF

Members and friends who have entered the Church Triumphant in the previous 3 months:

The Family of Don Wagoner (3/27/15)

The Family of Vince Kline (4/23/15)

PRAYERS FOR OUR HOMEBOUND Please contact the church office as soon as possible

to request additions or changes. Lucy Dunbar (at home)

Jean Enslen (Saxony House)

Ethel Burgard (at home with back pain)

Flo Dally (Concordia Home, Cabot)

Marge Kretzler (at home)

Helen Painter (at home)

Calvin Rasp (at home)

Joan Snyder (at home)

Florence Wahl (at home)

Shirley Wise

Please contact the church office as soon as possible to request additions or changes

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C h u r c h c a l e n d a r

14

202 Van Buren St.

Evans City, PA

16033

Call us: 724-538-5810

E-mail us

stpeterslcec@zoominternet.net

St. Peter’s

Lutheran

Church - june

The June Newsletter is sponsored by:

Luann & Perry Brosius

S p o n s o r i n g t h e n e w s l e t t e r

God’s Son

Never Fails

Website: http://

www.stpeterslutheranevanscity.org/

Our Staff:

Pastor Henry,

Interim Pastor

Heidi Beahm, Secretary

Marlene Domhoff,

Organist / Music Director

Joe & Sue Ludwik, Sextons

The Sunday Bulletin Deadline is

Wednesdays at 10 am

Monthly Newsletter Deadline is the 3rd

Sunday of each month

Sunday School: 9 am

Weekly Worship Services:

Sundays at 10:15 am

Check Our Weekly Calendar of other events.

Summer Office Hours for Secretary: