Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church October 2017

Martin Luther Comes to Bergstrasse October 29

Who better to assist us in celebrating the 500th Anniversary of our Lutheran Reformation than Martin Luther himself! On October 29, Reformation Sunday, Russ Kuhn (who some of you know as a substitute handbell player) will portray Martin Luther as he delivers a fiery, historic discourse outlining the trials of the 16th century European church, his personal belief and actions, and his profound confidence that God will continue in his faithful care of all peoples throughout the ages.

During this Sunday morning service, we will also welcome guest organist Gene Traas. Gene currently serves as Director of Music Ministry at Calvary Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin and is

delighted to come share his musical talents and abilities with our congregation. He will lead us through song and praise as we sing many of Luther’s hymns and will direct our choir and handbells as they present “Built on a Rock” by Al Fedak. A rousing prelude “Fugue a la Gigue” (Buxtehude) and postlude “Giant Fugue” (J.S. Bach) are sure to make your spirits soar at this celebration of our Lutheran heritage. As Luther was convinced that worship is the greatest and most loving service we can perform for God, and thus, the greatest power the church has, let us come this day to remember, give thanks, and celebrate our Lord.

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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

Worship - 10:30 AM

The Rev. Herbert A. Lohr, Pastor

717- 687-6460 (home)

Jean Wilhelm, newsletter editor

Due date for the November newsletter is October 15.

Balance as of 8/31/17 General Fund $ 519.93 Improvement/ Capital Improvement $ 885.65 Mission Plus $104,482.80 Mission Plus 2 $ 2,717.15 Parsonage Rent Security/ Memorial Fund $ 7,748.67

October 1 Pancake mix you make with water, pancake syrup 8 Peanut butter, jelly 15 Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, powder 22 Instant coffee, hot chocolate, instant oatmeal, soup 29 Soup, crackers

Blessing of the Animals service Sunday, October 1, 4:00 PM

October 1 is the Sunday closest to a Saint’s Day—St. Francis of Assisi, Renewer of the Church, 1226. Francis was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. In a public confrontation with his father, Francis renounced his wealth and future inheritance and devoted himself to serving the poor. Francis was instrumental in found-ing the monastic order that bears his name—the Franciscans. Francis had a spirit of gladness and gratitude for all of God’s creation and is considered the

patron saint of animals. The Sunday nearest his saint’s day has been a traditional time to bless pets and animals, creatures Francis called his brothers and sisters. Again this year, we will commemorate St. Francis’ Day with a special service for the Blessing of the Animals. This service will begin at 4 PM on Sunday, October 1, on the church lawn. Bring your pet and a lawn chair, and invite a friend while you are at it. Each pet will receive an individual blessing. Refreshments for pets and people will follow the service.

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Holiday Bazaar at Bergstrasse Lutheran Church

Saturday, October 7 8 AM to 2 PM

Some of the vendors include: • Tupperware • 31 • Tastefully Simple • Pampered Chef • Avon • Dried Flower Arrangements • Lilla Rose Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Greeting Cards • Table Runners • Glassware • And more

We will have a bake sale and also hot dogs and sauerkraut, chips and drinks available for sale. Donations for the bake sale would be appreciated. There will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. Donations for the bake sale should be at the church by Friday, October 6 or may be dropped off at Darlene Kreider’s home. There will be a silent auction with donations from the vendors and a quilt from Stitches of Love.

Contact Darlene Kreider for more information.

All proceeds will be used toward the seed money for projects.

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“Faith, like light, should always be simple and

unbending; while love, like warmth, should beam forth on every side and bend to every

necessity of our brethren.”

Martin Luther

Save the date Picnic at

Bergstrasse Sunday,

November 5

Congregational meeting will be

held following the worship service.

Pastor Herb will be on vacation October 4-8 and October 16-24. Filling in for Pastor Herb on Sunday, October 8 will be Pastor Jim Roth and Pastor Don Lindman on October 22. Also, substitut-ing for Anne at the organ will be Douglas Bomberger.

Should you need pastoral services during Pastor Herb’s absence, please call the church office (717-733-7808).

CROP Walk October 15, 2017

1:00 PM Warwick-Ephrata Rail Trail

Beginning and ending at Hope United Methodist Church 3474 Rothsville Rd., Ephrata

Call 717-738-3774 for more information

Advice from a pumpkin Be well-rounded. Get plenty of sunshine. Give thanks for life’s bounty. Have a thick skin. Keep growing. Be outstanding in your field. Think big! —Ilan Shamir

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Worship participants for October

Ushers Communion Ushers

Oct. 1, 29

Altar Guild

October

Mary Keisling Peggy

Rushton-Witmyer Deb Burkholder

Nevin Rutt Darlene Kreider Cathy Feather

Jane Pittman Betty Evans

October 1 8 15 22 29

Greeters Darlene Kreider Betty Evans Jane Pittman Ben and Polly Gunzenhauser

Cleone Rudisill

Lector Deb Burkholder Selma Hainley Bonnie Grater Curt Hare Peggy Rushton-Witmyer

Acolyte

Bishop Villarreal Marissa Spacht Jaidyn Feather Bishop Villarreal Marissa Spacht

Counters Earl and Sandy Eshleman Dave and Jean

Wilhelm Dave and Jean Wilhelm

Bonnie Grater Mary Duing

Bonnie Grater Mary Duing

Organist Anne Lohr Douglas Bomberger

Anne Lohr Douglas Bomberger

Anne Lohr

Flowers Karen Plowman

Bulletin

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Mabel Bolar Maralyn Damizzi Sandy Eshleman Betty Evans Polly Gunzenhauser Carolyn Hibshman Howard Jorgensen Darlene Kreider Larry Lausch Shirley Martin Evelyn Michael Courtney Ressler Mitzi Rice Polly Schmuck Erma Snader Noah and Joan Stahl Neil and Vera Strickler Ruth Troutman Halley Bittle Mike Boyer Evanna Estes (friend of Mary Duing) David Evans Kevin Ferguson (friend of Ben and Polly Gunzenhauser) Adoraé Gardner Rick Gerhart Elmer and Sheila Gockley Earl Goshert (Jane Pittman’s step-father) Naomi Goshert (Jane Pittman’s mother) Nancy Heiser (Jane Pittman’s cousin) Donna Hollinger (friend of Nancy Sweigart) Chris Horbey Robert L. Hornberger (Polly Schmuck’s brother) Caitlyn Mertz (family of Jane Pittman) Mark Mertz (Jane Pittman’s cousin) Jennifer Sikie (family of Jane Pittman) Jared Snyder (Gail Smith’s grandson) Tom Stuber (Jane Pittman’s brother-in-law) Joe Suprik (friend of Jane Pittman) Tom Swalwell Cosette Sweigart (Polly Gunzenhauser’s niece) Vernon Sweigart (KathrynSweigart’s son) Randy Walker (friend of Chad and Kathy Landis) Harry Werner (friend of Sylvia Smith-Garman) Miriam Wolf

Congratulations to those with October birthdays: 3 Anna Mumma 11 Selma Hainley 12 Carl Smith Bill Irvine 14 Bob Holmes 19 Toni Rice 22 Riley Ament 26 Wendy Hainley 27 Justine Hallgren 30 Brooke Stover Anniversaries 1 Brad and Susan Hagen 10 Ronald and Shirley Martin 15 Noah and Joan Stahl

John, Annalin and I thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, cards, flowers, and visits during my recent surgery and hospital stay. We are truly blessed to have such a great support system. We appreciate all your help and concerns! May God continue to bless our leaders, church and community. I look forward to seeing you all within the next few weeks! John, Mabel and Annalin Bolar

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Council Highlights September 11, 2017

Members Present: Deb Burkholder, Lisa Conway, Mary Duing, Dave Heisey, Darlene Kreider, Pastor Lohr, Peggy Rushton-Witmyer, Nevin Rutt Absent: None

Treasurer’s Report: The continuing financial crisis requires funds to be used from the undesignated memorial fund to cover general expenses. The downward trend will leave Bergstrasse with a $ 50,000 deficit, below budget expenses for the year. New Business: • The wooden rail outside the entrance must be repaired or replaced. • A stewardship letter of request will be sent to all members in October. We ask members to

consider the difficult financial state of the church, and consider your gift. Action Items: • Pastor will be on vacation October 4th-8

th, and October 16

th-24

th. Pastor Jim Roth will be guest

pastor October 8th; Pastor Don Lindman will be guest pastor October 22

nd. The guest organist will

be Douglas Bomberger on both dates. • October 1st the Blessing of the Animals will be held at 4PM. The next meeting of Council will be October 9

th at 7:00PM.

Respectfully submitted, Peggy Rushton-Witmyer, Council Secretary

Seed Money Received for Projects

Funds still needed for projects $11,006

Seed Money

Collected

20%

Congregation

Funds Still

Needed

Project

Cost

Doors $ 97 $5,532 $5,435 $27,660

Paving Parking Lot

(Church)

$8,974 $14,545 $5,571 $72,727