“serving and ministering to the community since 1873” rev...
TRANSCRIPT
VOLUME 19 ISSUE 3
April 2014
APRIL
Newsletter
The April newsletter is in honor of the birthdays
of our daughter Penny Nacci and granddaughter
Taylor Bechtel by Frank and Carole Nacci.
“Serving and Ministering to the Community Since 1873” Rev. John A. Hart, Pastor
Phone: 610-282-3336, Email: [email protected] “Trinity Tidings” is a monthly publication printed on the
premises of Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church (Hospital Code: 244)
Robin McCloud, Office Secretary, Email: [email protected]
HOLY TRINITY MEMORIAL
LUTHERAN CHURCH
604 Fourth Street
Catasauqua, Pa 18032
Phone:610-264-2641
Fax:610-264-2661
Website: www.holytrinitymemoriallutheran.com
Email: [email protected]
Please don’t forget to bring your offering envelopes for the missed Sunday on Feb. 16th. Anyone that would like to make a donation to defray the cost of snow removal please do so. This is the main cause of our deficit this year to date. Thank you for your continued support!!
Matthew: The Jewish-Christian Gospel
Matthew's Gospel- Matthew was the most popular gospel in the early church (the
'ecclesiastical gospel'); it was also the gospel most often quoted by the early church fathers. One rea-
son for Matthew's popularity was that its author was one of Jesus' disciples. A second reason was the
gospel's comprehensive scope, with both infancy and resurrection narratives. A third reason was its
organized teachings, like the Sermon on the Mount, which made it ideal for instructing new believ-
ers.
Matthew's gospel is said to underlie the Catholic Church's claims that Peter was the head of the
church ("You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church," Matt. 16:18) and that Peter's suc-
cessors, the popes, continue in this role or capacity today. It is believed that Matthew's gospel was
written in the mid-80s; it has 1,068 verses, making it the second longest gospel.
Matthew's Placement- If Mark was the first gospel to be written, which most NT scholars
now believe, why does Matthew have pride of place? First, it was once believed that Matthew was the
first gospel to be written. Second, it was thought to have been written by one of Jesus' disciples,
which Mark clearly was not. Third, Matthew is more complete than Mark's gospel (it has both birth
and resurrection narratives) and it has better teaching materials. Fourth, it is the best bridge be-
tween the two testaments, because Matthew's narrative presents Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Matthew, the Tax Collector- The author of the first gospel is "Matthew, the tax collec-
tor" (Matt. 10:3). Interestingly, Mark and Luke refer to him as Levi (a second name?) when he is
called by Jesus and do not add the words "the tax collector' after his name in their lists of the twelve
disciples (as Matthew does in 10:3). Tax collectors were despised by the Jews because they collabo-
rated with Rome and because they allegedly had no principles, so it is strange that Matthew calls
himself "the tax collector." (Could this be Matthew's secret autograph?) Some commentators believe
that Matthew may have worked for Herod Antipas near Capernaum, collecting custom taxes on mer-
chandise carried through Galilee on the road from Damascus to Acre, a city on the Mediterranean
Sea. As a customs official, Matthew would have known how to write and keep records and could have
written down many of Jesus' teachings, which are a central feature of his gospel.
-----TO BE CONTINUED NEXT MONTH------
2014 Monthly Fellowship and Refreshments
On Sunday, February 9th, which was a very cold day, we were treated to warm comfort food by Rose Kolodish. She served delicious ziti with meatballs, crisp bread slices, spinach dip, brownies and a mouth-watering peach cobbler with whipped cream. Thank you Rose for taking the chill off!
Baseball type food was served up in the Alice Storch Ball Diamond home of Trinity’s Youth Group. The Youth Group with Diane Czar’s help on Sunday, March 9th offered yummy hot dogs with the trimmings, baked soft pret-zels, freshly popped popcorn, cold soda, and ice cream which took us all “out to the ball park”. The tables were ar-ranged in the shape of a baseball diamond with the bases well marked.
Future 2nd Sunday of the month Fellowship and Refreshments:
April 13/May 11 – No F & R - Palm Sunday Brunch/Mother’s Day
June 1 (1st Sunday) – Linda & Lester Ettl (Music Sunday)
July 13 – Carole Nacci/Wendi Thomas
August 10 – Pat Fried/Sue Marakovits
Sept 14 – Cheryl Kneiss, Barb Fister, Sandy Svitana
October 26 – Intention to Give: Sherry Creyer/Karen Faust/Vickie Chimics
Nov 9 – Jill & John Sutter
December 14 – Janis Charvala/BJ Kunkel
Want to host a Fellowship & Refreshments in 2015? Contact Janis Charvala, 610 440-0073.
See you after church on Music Sunday, June 1st!
Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner
What a great evening! The aroma of pork & sauerkraut greeted everyone as soon as they come through the doors. The 4:00 and 6:00 seating lingered as they enjoyed the food
and fellowship in the Alice Storch Room. The Kitchen Crew under the direction of John Wargo and Fred Knauss outdid themselves. The lettuce with bacon dressing received rave reviews. Many compliments were received about our youth servers. Our dessert table groaned under the many delicious baked goods that Trinity’s bakers made. The most asked question was: “When is your next dinner?” Stephen Spaits and Meseret Hart each won 2 tickets to the Nacci’s Box Suite at the Iron Pigs. Thanks Carole & Frank Nacci!
Results after the food bills were paid: $606.21 was the total; $250 was sent to PA Wounded Warriors and $356.21 was put in Trinity’s Sidewalk Fund.
“Diabetic Alert Dog for Matthew”
The proceeds from our 9th Annual Victorian Tea/Raffle will benefit Trinity’s Sidewalk Fund and a “Diabetic Alert Dog for Matthew”. Matthew and his family reside in Northampton. Matthew’s mom, Cindy Globosits tells us that Matthew is a Type 1 Diabetic and like most Type 1 Diabetics, he does not always “feel” his low/high blood sugar levels. Zuker, his Diabetic Alert Dog, is able to smell when Matthew’s blood sugar is out of a safe range and alert him. Since they received Zuker on July 11, 2013, he has alerted several times every day.
In September 2012 after a scary low, Matthew was placed on a waiting list for their Diabetic Alert Dog and at that time gave a $1,000 deposit. They were given a fundraising goal of $24,000. They currently owe less than $3,000. The wonderful people of Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers delivered Zuker without the full amount being paid yet.
By supporting our Basket Raffle on Friday, April 25, we can help them wipe out the balance. Mark Friday, April 25 from 6 to 8 pm on your calendars!
Next dinner: Baked Chicken Dinner probably in September.
Church Council Members Term Ending Dec. 2014 Term Ending Dec. 2015 Term Ending Dec. 2016
Arden Strickland: 610-351-0341 Barb Fister: 610-266-1160 Dale Greenzweig: 610-419-3843
Wayne Kincaid: 610-266-0526 Cheryl Kneiss: 610-262-0467 RuthAnn Reinsmith: 610-264-4346
Paul Gillette: 610-262-7934 Sherry Creyer: 610-262-1811 Carol Cunningham:
Rick Martson: 484-661-5183 Carole Nacci: 610-264-8785 Mark Fried: 610-262-2645
Youth Rep.: Madison Gogal
OFFICERS President: Barbara Fister Vice President: Arden Strickland
Secretary: (Rotating) Financial Secretary: Olin Webb Treasurer: John Marakovits
$ FINANCIAL UP-DATE $
The church’s budget deficit at the end of February was (-$4,572.00).
The budget deficit at the end of February of 2013 was (-3,382.40) -
$1,189.60 less. However, this year we lost Sunday, February the 16th, to
bad weather.
All of our bills are paid current including our monthly benevolence
commitment to the synod of $500 which is next owing for March.
During February, special donations received included the following:
$50.00—Building Fund
$335.00—Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
$20.00—Narthex Tower Fund
$183.58—Metsehet Fund (“Souper” Bowl of Caring)
$200.00—Numan Orphanage Fund
$277.84—Heating Fund
Thank you all for these special contributions. They are greatly ap-
preciated.
As you receive this report in late March or Early April, please keep
in mind that Palm Sunday is just around the corner on April 13, followed
by Easter Sunday on April the 20th. A good portion of our church’s annual
budgeted income is received during the Easter season. Please be extra gen-
erous to the church this Easter. It has been a very difficult winter to say the
least. The Easter receipts will go a long way to help smooth things out
financially. Please take advantage of the remaining events and special
services during Lent and Easter. See you in church. Thanks for your sup-
port. John Marakovits, Treasurer
About the 3rd week of April, you should be receiving your offering enve-lopes for May and June in the mail. If you do not receive them, please call Robin in the Church office 610-264-2641.
PROPERTY TEAM MEETING
Anyone interested on becoming
part of the Property Team, male or
female, please come out on Mon-
day, April 7th at 7:00 p.m. for the
meeting.
“Simply Giving”
“Simply Giving” allows you to share first fruits through planned giving. Activate your stewardship into an on-going automatic withdrawal of your tithes and offerings. Holy Trinity benefits by having a steady income no matter what the season or weather. To learn more, call the church 610-264-2641. “As each has re-ceived a gift, employ it for one another, as good stew-ards of God’s varied grace.” I Peter 4:10 – RSV
At any time, you can give donations to the “Pastor’s Discretionary
Fund”. This fund is used to give temporary financial assistance to people of our congregation and
community when a sudden need arises. You may send contributions to the church or place them in the
offering plate on Sunday mornings. Please mark your checks or enve-
lopes “Pastor’s Discretionary Fund”.
Landscaping Alert: We’re looking for Trinity mem-bers who like the great outdoors and enjoy watching flowers grow! Last year, we had 14 members who weeded and checked our flower beds and property throughout the spring, summer and fall. That meant that every 7 weeks, each team of 2 took a turn. The schedule this year will begin the week of April 13 and continue through the week of October 26. Many hands make light work….contact Janis Charvala (610 440-0073) for more information.
HOLY TRINITY NEWS
To my friends at Holy Trinity, A big thank to all for caring when I fell & broke my hip. Your many prayers & cards mean a lot to me & helped me on my way to healing. I have a bit of a road to travel yet, but I am making progress. I look forward to coming to worship when Spring is here. Again, thanks to all for caring. In Christ, Leona K. Callahan (Tia’s mom)
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS: Thank you to everyone who contributed to the WeeCare collection so far it con-tinues till April 11th. The non-perishable items for babies and chil-dren will be donated to the Catasauqua Food Bank at the end of the collection. We appreciate your generosity. Our Sunday School Easter program
will be on Sunday, April 27th during worship, so there will be no closing that day. Come out and support our youth as they express their faith in celebration of the Easter Season. We will also be having a hoagie sale the end of April. Look for upcom-ing details.
If someone in your household is graduating from High School, Col-lege/University, or Trade School (including advanced degrees), please call the church office with the info. We would love to include it
in the June edition of the “Trinity Tidings.” Call Robin in the office and let her know.
Trinity Morning Glories
We are a daytime women’s group here at Holy Trinity. Our focus is on the spiritual and service to others. Along the way, we share food, work, laugh, chat and pray together! Please join us!
Note: Our meetings will always be the 3rd Monday at 10:00 (exception: June’s time will be 11:30).
On Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, 19 women shared a delicious and nourishing Soup, Bread, Cheese and Dessert Luncheon. Nancy Miller’s “Love” devotions reminded us how much love plays a part in our lives. “Sweet With Your Sweetie/s” Date night results were $757 which was split 50/50 between the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund and Lehigh Valley Hospital Pediatric Heart Fund. This very enjoyable evening will again be scheduled in Feb. 2015. Special thanks go to Karen Frankenfield, Barb Fister, and Cheryl Kneiss for coordinating the event and to Lois McAllister and Barb Fister for their delicious turkey bar-b-que. Judy Spaits led us in making 60 St. Patrick’s Day napkin holder for our adopted Northampton Meals on Wheels (MOW) routes. Using $150 from our fund and January White Sales, Nancy and Cheryl completed a Bedroom Box for Lutheran Congregational Services’ Refugee Reset-tlement Welcome (LCS RRWH) Items. Cheryl will deliver the box along with the 43 bottles of shampoo which we donated at this meeting.
On Monday, March 17, 2014, 17 women enjoyed a variety of tasty cheeses, cheese fondue, crackers and fruit for lunch. Karen Frankenfield’s devotions reminded us of the “Pot of Gold” at the end of God’s rainbow. We donated $200 to Trinity’s Paul Frantz Scholarship Fund. Easter Treat Bags were prepared for Trinity’s Shut-Ins. Mary Ann Farrand proposed a Trinity Book Swap; books will be placed on the blue rolling card in the hall outside the kitchen. Take/read/return or bring books to swap. Karen Frankenfield spoke about Act I Productions, a Christian based professional live theater & musical troupe. She will inquire further about productions/dates.
Future dates
Monday, April 21, 2014 – 10:00: Devotions – Janis Charvala; Order Pizza
Drinks: Ruth Morris: Fresca/Diet Coke, Carol Hartranft: 2 Cokes, Rena Bond: reg/diet ice tea;
Chips: Bodil Rasmussen; Sixth St. Shelter Diaper Drive – Nancy Miller
Monday, May 19, 2014 – 10:00; Devotions;
Breakfast Brunch: Casseroles: Lucy Lynn, Cheryl Kneiss; Fruit: Ruth Ann Reinsmith;
Pastries: Ruth Morris, Sara Jensen; OJ: Judy Spaits; Mixed Juice: Brenda Ondush;
Muffins: Karen Frankenfield/Suzanne Webb
Health Forum: Nancy Miller/Mary Ann Farrand; LCS RRWH: Bathroom Box
Monday, June 16, 2014 – 11:30: Devotions; Picnic at Kneiss’
Bring canned food for Catasauqua Area Food Bank
Monday, July 21, 2014 – 10:00; Devotions; Appetizer Array; MOW Tray Favors,
Sixth St. Shelter Supplies Project
Plan August 2014 thru and including January 2015
LENTEN MOVIES are on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and continue through Thursday, April
10th. We are watching “The Bible” series and may have a field trip to see “Son Of God” after
Easter”
PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP & BRUNCH
APRIL 13TH
(NO 8:00 a.m. Worship) 9:00 a.m. Sunday School,
Choir, Pastor’s Bible Study; 10:30 a.m. Procession of the
Palms, Holy Communion, Palm Sunday Narrative; 11:30 a.m. Palm Brunch.
Adults—$5, Children under 10-$2 (Traditional breakfast foods and drinks) Please sign
the sheet in the Alice Storch Room if attending the brunch.
MAUNDY THURSDAY—APRIL 17TH 6:00p.m. Soup Supper—7:30p.m. Worship
(You may sign-up in the Alice Storch Room to help provide soup, bread, or desert, or to help clean up.)
GOOD FRIDAY—APRIL 18TH
7:30p.m. The re-enactment of the ancient rite of “Tenebrae” (Latin mean-
ing “shadows”). Dating from the 8th century, it commemorates the suffer-
ing and death of Christ. Extinguishing of candles symbolizes the fading loy-
alty of the disciples and friends of Jesus.
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD—EASTER DAY—APRIL 20TH
(NO Sunday School Classes/ No Pastor’s Bible Study)
6:00a.m. Easter Vigil/Dawn Candlelight service with Communion
8:30a.m. Continental Breakfast (please sign up in the Alice Storch room if attending)
10:30a.m. Easter Holy Communion/Choir
“Joyful Giving Circle” Help further the ministry of Holy Trinity…Don’t wait for a special occasion to make a contribution in honor or in memory of someone. You can find the form under “ special occasion forms” on the website. Print , fill out, mail or drop it in the offering plate. We will print your dedication in our next newsletter.
Study with Pastor Hart on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Join us and increase your Bible knowledge. All adults are welcome. The studies are always very interesting.
PAUL FRANTZ
SCHOLARSHIP
applications are now available from Christa Held. Due date is Sunday, April 13th. Scholarship is open to all graduating High School Seniors continuing their education in the fall. Call Christa with any ques-
tions at 484-357-6351.
Remember or Honor Loved Ones
Altar Flowers
TO THE GLORY OF GOD:
April 6- In loving memory of David Svitana by Sandy and Erich Svitana.
April 13- PALM SUNDAY –Palms dedicated in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gillespie & daughter Joyce Gillespie .
ALTAR—In loving memory of our daughter, LeeAnn by Suzanne and Olin Webb.
April 20- EASTER– Individual Lily Plants
ALTAR—In honor of our daughter, Penny, to celebrate her birthday by Frank and Carole Nacci.
April 27- In honor of our granddaughter, Taylor, to celebrate her birthday by Frank and Carole Nacci.
Bulletins
TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND:
April 6 - In memory of Allan B. Creyer by Sherry, Holly and Andrew.
April 13 - In honor of Lester Ettl’s “50th
something” birthday by Linda,
Lucas and Lindsay.
April 20 - OPEN (Easter Sunday)
April 27 - OPEN
Pew Candles
Pew candles for special Sundays like All Saint’s Sunday, a Sunday in Advent, Christmas, Easter, etc. are $15. Call the secretary (610-264-2641) with your dedication to be included in the Sunday bulletin.
“Trinity Tidings”
All dedications are taken for 2014. Thank you.
Please Note:To reserve a flower dateflower date, fill in the Flower Chart in the narthex and call Suzanne
Webb 610-264-4880 with your dedication. If you do not call Suzanne, the dedication will
read “To the glory of God by (your name)”. To dedicate a Sunday bulletinSunday bulletin, call the church sec-
retary (610-264-2641). Bulletins are $10, altar flowers are $35. Please pick up your flowers or
have someone pick them up for you.
IF HOSPITALIZED, BE SURE TO SIGN A
RELEASE CARD AND USE OUR
HOSPITAL CODE #244.
WE ARE A HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE
FACILITY.
Madison Gogal has once again been designated as the State Champion in the 2014 PA State DECA Business & Marketing Program. This year, Madi-son chose to work with KidsPeace in
an effort to re-brand and re-energize the foundation’s image. The purpose of her efforts was simply to make the public more aware of all the great youth services and offerings Kidspeace has and how chil-dren in need can find the help/assistance they may need.
Have you remembered Holy Trinity in your will?
Youth News – April 2014
The youth were very visible at the Five Loaves and Two Fish pork & sauerkraut dinner in March! Enthusiastic compli-ments were heard for the service provided by Jack and Sam Wetzel, the Hart crew, Rachel Held, Joey Kober, Noah Schock, and Caleb Staub.
Add to that line-up card Zach Held, Ethan Schock, Alex and Emily Suter, Keianna and JJ (my friend Sheryl’s grandkids) – sorry if I missed anyone – and you’ll have the roster of youth who set up, served, and cleaned up at our 4th annual ball-park refreshments on March 9th. Special kudos to the youth who operated and cleaned up the old-fashioned popcorn cart donated by the Gogals; and to our “clean-up batter”, Zach Held, who slid head first into the pile of dishes in the sink and started washing! Thank you also goes out to our adult helpers! We hope everyone enjoyed their ballpark favorites, including cold (root) beer! The kids pitched a perfect game!!
If they haven’t already, the youth will soon be asking you to sponsor them in the 30-Hour Famine. They’ll be going with-out food from noon on Good Friday until 6 pm on Saturday, April 19th to raise hunger awareness and funds for World Vision. We look forward to your usual generous pledges, which are 100% tax deductible.- don’t hesitate to ask for a re-ceipt!
As part of our 30 Hour Famine, we’ll be visiting Ten Thousand Villages for a behind-the-scenes tour of the store to learn more about fair trade and to gear up for our shopping event on Sunday, May 4th, the Sunday before Mother’s Day. Any purchases made from 1-5 pm that day will provide a portion of the sale to the youths’ “Nohla” fund. We send $35/month to World Vision to support our South African sister, her family, and her village. We hope to see many of you at Ten Thousand Villages after worship on May 4th – tell your friends, family, and coworkers about this great opportunity to shop for Mother’s Day, graduation, Father’s Day, birthdays…..No coupon or flyer needed.
To help highlight the work of Ten Thousand Villages, the youth are inviting you to clean out your linen closets and do-nate any pillow cases in good condition to our laundry basket in the narthex. We’ll deliver the pillow cases to TTV when we visit them on April 19th. Volunteers at TTV will turn them into pillowcase dresses like the one at our display. (While you’re cleaning out your linen closet, pull out any old towels you’d like to have the youth deliver to Peaceable Kingdom.)
Keep up with what the HTML Youth are up to by visiting our technology-free sites – Follow us on our “Nohla” board in the narthex, and “like” us at our photo display in the Alice Storch Room.
SOCIAL MINISTRY NEWS – 4/2014
Think outside the gift box this year when planning for Easter baskets and for Mother’s Day! Shop the Fair Trade table in the back of the sanctuary for a variety of chocolate bars, chocolate-covered raisins,
thin mints, and dried pineapple or mango. Looking for something sugar free? Take a catalog from the basket and shop by mail, phone, or online for beautiful handcrafted items, or make a donation that will give seeds, animals, and other much-needed items to families around the world or right here in the U.S. Zero calories!! How fun would it be to include a gift of chicks or bunnies in your child’s or grandchild’s Easter basket! Or…ship the Ten Thousand Villages end of the table for gift ideas. A few items are for sale at the table….but you can head to the TTV store next to Bonefish Grill at the Lehigh Valley Mall to choose from jewelry, purses, scarves, musical pieces, pottery, frames, linens…all artisans have been paid a fair price up front. Your gift will give twice!
P.S. Read the Youth News to see how your purchases on May 4, the Sunday before Mother’s Day, can benefit Holy Trin-ity youths’ sponsored child, “Nohla”.
Preview for Mother’s Day:
$5 Blanket Sunday on May 11th – watch for dedication forms in your May “Trinity Tidings”/on the HT website, and in Sunday bulletins starting April 13th. Your $5 donation will give a blanket where needed through Church World Service. Your dedication will honor or remember your mother or other special women in your life, and will be included in the May 11th bulletin.
“Stewardship is what I do after I have said I believe.” - October 2012 “Stewardship”.
SOS—Save Our Scholarship The Paul Frantz Scholarship Fund is very low. The money does not come
from the general fund. The scholarships are given to deserving seniors from our congregation based on their
grades and contribution to the church and community. If you would be interested in contributing to the Paul
Frantz Scholarship Fund, you can put your donation in the offering plate (marked “Paul Frantz Fund”) or
mail it to the church. Any amount would be appreciated.
Thank you, Paul Frantz Scholarship Fund Committee
P.S. We have some wonderful candidates this year!
Lauren Faust is being honored on March 27th for the Exemplary Achievement Award. The fol-
lowing is a recommendation letter written by Amanda Schmalz for Lauren.
Lauren Faust is an exceptional young lady who deserves the honor of award for Exem-
plary Achievement. Caring, compassionate, and always thoughtful of others, Lauren’s spar-
kling personality makes her an absolute gem. She is quick to hold your hand when you are
down, and rejoices with her friends and family when good news happens. This past Christmas,
she has volunteered her time and energy with the Salvation army, bagging toys for underprivi-
leged children. Always one to set the best example, Lauren independently thanks her team
members and family for their support, and sends thank you cards. Everyone Lauren meets is
touched by her graciousness and altruistic nature; she was even Prom Queen for the Camelot House and her
corsage was donated by hr team of medical professionals. Her nature is upbeat and positive, and she is curi-
ous about everything, remembering to ask about supporter’s personal lives and new words she hears.
Lauren sees people for their goodness, and pays no mind to someone’s race, gender, disability, age, or
religion. Determined to work after her graduation, Lauren can tech every American a lesson by her example
of working hard and saving her paychecks. Sometimes Lauren will finish all of her tasks at via, and help her
colleagues with their work. Never one to be limited, Lauren strives for independence and has surpassed many
expectations set when she was born. She even goes swimming, horseback riding, and hiking with her summer
camp. A wheelchair was purchased by the camp specifically for Lauren to go on nature trails with her friends.
There are few people who lead by example every day, and fewer still who have the ability to encourage
and inspire a much as Lauren does.
THANK YOU to Barbara Fister, Patti Fister, Karen Frankenfield, Cheryl
Kneiss, Lucy Lynn, Rita Medence and anyone that I failed to mention, for your
years of service with the monthly newsletter. You were faithful volunteers for
years with Donna and just a short time with Robin. Thank you Joe Schwin-
denhammer who faithfully made the trip each month to the post office for us
to mail the newsletters. All of you were greatly appreciated!!!!