Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church January 2017

February 5 The Souper Bowl of Caring encourages churches, schools, organizations and individuals interested in fighting hunger and poverty to join thousands across the country and world to collect dollars in soup pots on or near Super Bowl Sunday.

Each participating group will then donate their collection directly to their charity of choice and report their amount to the Souper Bowl of Caring headquarters so totals can be announced to the media. None of the money is sent to Souper Bowl headquarters. The money collected at Bergstrasse will be given to Ephrata Area Social Services. We will collect cans of soup and crackers for the food bank at EASS.

Bergstrasse Lutheran will host 3 Community Meals in 2017 on February 16 at First United Methodist, August 24 at First United Methodist and November 30 at First United Methodist. This is a very important and needed mission for Bergstrasse to be participating in for outreach to our Ephrata Community. People are very appreciative of the meals served and the fellowship with others. We need 14 to 16 people for things to run smoothly. If you are interested in helping with the meals please let Almanara, Donna Daub or Mary Keisling know. The meals are always on each Thursday of the month, on a rotating basis at Bethany UCC, Main St., Ephrata; First United Methodist, Church St., Ephrata and Holy Trinity Lutheran, Main St., Ephrata. Meals are open to anyone in the area.

Bible Study Groups Resume

Both Bible Study groups, which have been on sabbatical during the holidays, will begin again the week of January 16. The Men’s Bible Study group will meet on Monday, January 16, at 10 AM at the Gus’s Keystone Restaurant. Members will begin a study of the Acts of the Apostles, Luke’s second volume that tells the story of the earliest church and its growth. The Women’s Bible Study group will meet on Thursday, January 18, at 10:30 AM at the church. Members will begin a study of the Acts of the Apostles, Luke’s second volume that tells the story of the earliest church and its growth. New scholars are always welcome.

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The beginning of a new year is for many of us a time of taking stock; reviewing what has gone before and looking forward to what lies ahead. The media has already started this review; it does this every year as we move toward New Year’s Day. The month of January gets its name from the Roman god Janus, the “keeper of doors and locks”. In the Church however, we know Christ as the true gatekeeper of human history. In Christ, we are not only a new creation; we continue to be renewed by a love that overcomes the world. 2016 was a significant year in our congregational life. Having received a surprise bequest from the Linda Falkenhagen estate, we spent time discerning how best to steward the bequest. Four major projects were envisioned, a portion of the monies (10%) was allocated to various benevolences, and a goal of 20% of each of the four projects was to be done using “seed

The Bell is published monthly (except a combined July-August edition) by Bergstrasse Lutheran

Church 9 Hahnstown Road Ephrata, PA 17522

(717) 733-7808 bergluth@dejazzd.com

www.bergstrasselutheran.com Sunday Church School - 9:00 AM

Worship - 10:30 AM

The Rev. Herbert A. Lohr, Pastor 687-6460 (home)

Jean Wilhelm, newsletter editor

Deadline for the February newsletter is January 17.

money” from present giving. We successfully completed all four envisioned projects—installation of handicapped bathrooms, installation of four new exterior doors, repaving of our parking lots and driveways, and installation of a new digital organ for worship. As to giving 20% of each of these projects, we gave more than 65%, and will easily complete the seed money in 2017. The 10% to be given to benevolence, has been distributed to more than nine agencies and organization over a period of three years—2017 being the final year for disbursement. While all this was happening, we continued to serve through our various ministries—worship, Bible studies, choirs, community meals, the prison project, Christmas Jars for needy folks, yard sales for needy families in our community, support of our sister congregation in Bangladesh, joint Lenten services, making banners for worship, confirmations, a visit from our Bishop, a polka mass, church picnic with wacky awards for faithful servants, making quilts and school kits for LWR, and Christmas Eve services (one just for kids and one for everyone) which were well attended. Looking ahead to 2017, I see three important focuses for us as a congregation. First there is the matter of my plan to retire at the end of 2017, and what kind of pastor is needed to shepherd this congregation. A well

discerned plan for the future of Bergstrasse congregation will need to be formulated by members and council with help from our Synod Bishop’s office. Once that direction is discerned, the kind of pastoral leadership will become clearer, and the process of calling a new pastor can begin. Hopefully this process will be completed before I retire or shortly after—minimizing the vacancy time. Secondly, because a change such as a pastor retiring can consume a congregation’s attention and energy, we will need to also focus on keeping all the ministries going that have defined us for over a decade. We have served faithfully for over a decade together through good times and tough times. We have remained true to our original vision and served others in Christ’s name. We need to continue to do that in this coming year, remembering that God will guide us and bless us as in the past. Finally, we need to complete our plan to provide 20% seed money to the four big projects we completed in 2016. Completion of this pay back will put our congregation on a surer footing financially for whatever future ministries and/or pastoral leadership we discern are needed. With gratitude to God for our past, and faithful to his promises for our future, may God continue to bless our life together as we begin a new year in Him. Pastor Herb

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January 1 cereal 8 fruit juice, canned fruit 15 bath products (bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper) 22 pasta, spaghetti sauce 29 pancake mix, pancake syrup

Congregation Council News The new council for 2017 will be formally installed on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at the morning worship. The 2017 council includes Deb Burkholder, Lisa Conway, Mary Duing, Cathy Feather, Dave Heisey, Darlene Kreider, Jane Pittman, Peggy Rushton-Witmyer, Nevin Rutt. The council will meet for the first time on Monday, January 16. This evening session will begin with an orientation session that will include team building, orientation to individual responsibilities, the election of officers, and goal setting. The evening will conclude with the first business meeting.

Bad weather? Please call the church office, 733-7808, when the weather is bad to see if worship has been cancelled. A message will indicate the cancellation on the voicemail. We will also have the information on WGAL TV and website.

The flower and bulletin charts for 2017 have been placed on the bulletin board. The cost for sponsoring the altar flowers is $30. The cost for the bulletins is $10 per week.

Seed Money Received for Projects

Seed Money

Collected

20%

Congregation

Funds Still

Needed

Project

Cost

Bathrooms $9,926 $11,498 $1,572 $57,489

Doors $ 0 $5,532 $5,532 $27,660

Paving Parking Lot

(Church)

$8,024 $14,545 $6,521 $72,727

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As of 11/30/16 General Fund $ 9,221.02 Improvement Fund $ 7,120.85 Mission Plus $212.963.82 Mission Plus 2 $ 2,709.38 Parsonage Security Dep/ Memorial Fund $ 6,785.01

Organ fund $ 511.20

Polly’s Prison Project Report By Polly Gunzenhauser

Like many members of our Bergstrasse congregation, I felt the need and calling to serve God, to reach out to the community to see where our church could help those in need. A few years ago I had the privilege of meeting Chaplain Michael Booth from the Lancaster County Prison. Through him I became aware of the need of the children and families of those imprisoned in the Lancaster County Prison, especially around Christmas. Others shared my concern and excitement, and thus was born our first Christmas Prison Project. This year has been our 11th year for this much needed ministry (“I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:36b) Without your support, dedication, and generous giving, these families and especially the children, would not have had the good Christmas that we helped make possible. I personally have enjoyed our offering of love and the excitement it gives me and those who help me do the buying and wrapping of gifts. I thank everyone who helped purchase the gifts and all who helped wrap the gifts, especially Kathy Landis, who spearheaded this year’s project. Her helpers were Almanara Buffenmyer, Cleone Rudisill, Donna Daub, Deb Burkholder, Mary Duing, and Selma Hainley. Well done all! Everyone helped make this year’s project a heartfelt success. And the gratitude and surprise of the families that receive these gifts is beyond words. We do it because we care, and we know God is with us and the families we help. Thank you everyone. This year Polly and her helpers were able to gift nine children with over $700 that was given by Bergstrasse members.

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January 1 8 15 22 29

Greeters Darlene Kreider Betty Evans Jane Pittman Ben and Polly Gunzenhauser

Cleone Rudisill

Lector Bonnie Grater Curt Hare Deb Burkholder Cleone Rudisill Wendy Hainley

Acolyte Jaidyn Feather Bishop Villarreal Marissa Spacht Jaidyn Feather Bishop Villarreal

Counters Dave and Jean Wilhelm

Dave and Jean Wilhelm

Bonnie Grater Bonnie Grater Selma Hainley Cathy Feather

Flowers

Bulletin

Ushers Communion Ushers January

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Altar Guild

January Ron Martin Glenn and Almanara

Buffenmyer

Jane Pittman

Worship participants for January

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Almanara Buffenmyer Deb Burkholder Mary Duing Betty Evans Polly Gunzenhauser Ron Hainley Robin Irons Howard Jorgensen Darlene Kreider Shirley Martin Paul Michael Courtney Ressler Mitzi Rice Toni Rice Donna Ruhl Peggy Rushton-Witmyer Gail Smith Erma Snader Noah and Joan Stahl Vera Strickler Nancy Sweigart Ruth Troutman John Althouse Halley Bittle Mike Boyer Eric Buchanan (Polly Gunzenhauser’s nephew) Evanna Estes (friend of Mary Duing) Diane Evans Kevin Ferguson (friend of Ben and Polly Gunzenhauser) Rick Gerhart Elmer and Sheila Gockley Earl Goshert (Jane Pittman’s step-father) Naomi Goshert (Jane Pittman’s mother) Sarah Irons (daughter of Robin Irons) Mary Lou Keller Madeline Kilmer (Megan Ament’s grandmother) Alice Kuhn (Deb Poling’s mother) Jeorgette LaForet (friend of Peggy Rushton-Witmyer) Beverly Martin (Jean Fryberger’s niece) Caitlyn Mertz (family of Jane Pittman) Mark Mertz (Jane Pittman’s cousin) Marge Miller Vivian Showers (friend of Betty Evans) Jennifer Sikie (family of Jane Pittman) Neil Steffy Tom Stuber (Jane Pittman’s brother-in-law) Joe Suprik (friend of Jane Pittman) Tom Swalwell Cosette Sweigart (Polly Gunzenhauser’s niece) Vernon Sweigart (Kathryn Sweigart’s son) Randy Walker (friend of Chad and Kathy Landis) Harry Werner (friend of Sylvia Smith-Garman) Hudson Wise (Ron and Donna Daub’s nephew) Miriam Wolf

Congratulations to those with January birthdays: 5 Pastor Herb Lohr 6 Glenn Buffenmyer 10 Chris Weaver Alex Ressler 14 Chris Ament 27 Harold Coldren 29 Austin Landis 31 Beth Weaver

Seeking the best I believe that appreciation is a holy thing — that when we look for what’s best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does all the time. So in loving and appreciat-ing our neighbor, we’re participat-ing in something sacred. —Fred Rogers

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Dear Carolers, Thank you for visiting and sharing Christmas carols with us at Ephrata Manor! Thanks, too, for the thoughtful and yummy gifts! God’s Blessings to each of you in the new year 2017. Love, Phyllis Roberts Ruth and Jerry Troutman

Pastor Herb and Anne wish to thank everyone who remembered them with cards, cookies, and gifts this Christmas. A special thank you to members for the gifts given at the Christmas Eve service.

Thank you for your generous gift of quilts and kits for LWR’s distribution overseas. These gifts of your hearts and hands are beautiful expressions of God’s grace and love to people all around the world. We received 91 mission quilts, 1 blanket, 57 school kits. Some items may not have been processed and additional receipts will be sent as they are scanned into the system. Melanie W. Gibbons Quilt and Kit Ministry Manager, LWR

Thank you for your thoughtful donation of $1,000 on 11/14/16 directed to the Lutheran Build. With the generosity of friends like you, we can help more families build and repair decent, affordable homes in our community. Stacie Reidenbaugh Executive Director Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity

A New Year poem Another fresh new year is here . . Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, To love and laugh and give! This bright new year is given me To live each day with zest . . . To daily grow and try to be My highest and my best! I have the opportunity Once more to right some wrongs, To pray for peace, to plant a tree, And sing more joyful songs!

William Arthur Ward

Christmas Jar Project A new ministry proposed by Polly Gunzenhauser, to help folks in need, got off to an enthusiastic start in 2016. Called “The Christmas Jar”, it encourages participants to deposit their change in a jar all year long. Close to Christmas, participants count their harvest, and prepare to give their jars full of coins to a needy person or family. This past year, seven members began and gifted seven Christmas Jars. They included Almanara Buffenmyer, Evelyn Michael, Donna Daub, Polly Gunzenauser, Kathy Landis, Wendy Hainley, and John Althouse. The harvest included over $700 for needy folks, and a lot of enthusiasm for our participants. Everyone said they would be happy to do it again. If you would like to participate in this new outreach ministry this year, contact Polly Gunzenhauser for details.

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2017 offering envelopes

The offering envelopes for 2017 have been placed on a table in the Narthex. Please pick up your box of envelopes.

Haiku for the Heart Listen to your heart For within there is an “ear” Attuned to God’s voice. —Peggy Ferrell

Get moving Faith is the word that describes the direction our feet start moving when we find that we are loved. Faith is stepping out into the unknown with nothing to guide us but a hand just beyond our grasp.

Frederick Buechner

Epiphany’s significance The church season of Epiphany begins on January 6 each year. The name comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “to appear, to show or to manifest.” The ending date of the Epiphany season is determined by Ash Wednesday, which is determined by the date of Easter. Traditionally, Epiphany Day marks the arrival of the Magi, or wise men, to worship the infant Jesus. The significance of Epiphany for Christians is that it symbolizes the first recognition of Christ

by Gentiles, or non-Jews. The season of Epiphany emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, the light of the world. Symbols for the season include light, a star and the color green, which represents life, growth, hope and eternity.

Kindness counts

• Make blankets or scarves for homeless people. • Send a care package to someone who’s in college or the military. • Collect coins for a charity or cause. • When you can’t attend an event, give the tickets to strangers. • Provide tutoring or mentoring in your field of expertise. • Offer to babysit or pet-sit for free. • Send a note of appreciation to someone who’s made a difference in your life. • Share your gifts of music, reading or conversation at a nursing home. • Donate old sports equipment to schools. • Give someone the benefit of the doubt — maybe even a family member or yourself!