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SOUTHERN CLINTON COUNTY LUTHERAN PARISH
Volume 1 Number 1From the Office:Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Announcements for bulletins must be received in the office by Wednesday 12:00 Noon each week. Newsletter articles must be received by the third Sunday of each month. Please call the office at 748-7932 or email at [email protected] with any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Morning Prayer:Morning Prayer will be observed Monday-Friday at 8:30 AM in the chapel at United. The service lasts less than 30 minutes and involves Psalms, Scriptures, a hymn, and prayers. Morning Prayer is offered Sundays at 8:00 AM
Visitations:Please notify the pastor of illness, hospitalizations, and special needs. He is always delighted to be invited to visit in homes of the parish. Pastor Shipman can be reached by his cell phone 916-7780, or by email at [email protected].
Listen Online: Listen to Pr. Shipman’s sermon on United’s website! You can now listen to Pr. Shipman’s sermon by clicking on the menu at the top of our main page under “From the Pastor”. Let us know what you think! Check it out at www.unitedlutheran-lockhaven.org.
Our First Joint Newsletter
he September 2010 newsletter is the first edition for the Southern Clinton County Lutheran Parish. This newsletter is a combination of United Lutheran’s newsletter and Nittany Valley/Sugar Valley Lutheran Parish’s
newsletter. Content has been taken from both to make a more cohesive reading. Please send in your news to the office either by email to office@unitedlutheranlockhaven.org or by phone 7487932. We welcome all comments and suggestions. Please keep in mind that there will be mistakes and omissions. Please be aware that if information/news is not received by the third Sunday of the month it will not be in the upcoming newsletter. While a flexible schedule would be nice, it is impossible to organize and format a newsletter without a deadline. Please remember, this newsletter is for the Parish. The more information we have to report, the more successful our events will be. Advertising your event in the newsletter is the best publicity you can get for free!
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lease contact the office for all address changes, removal or addition to the newsletter listing. We do try to keep our information uptodate. The post office will not forward the newsletter to your new location. If you
will be away, please let us know. We will be charged an additional fee for all returned newsletters. Let’s try to keep our costs low while still getting the news and information out to everyone!
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Page 1 September 2010
Southern Clinton County Lutheran ParishSalona Lutheran Church, SalonaSt. John Lutheran Church, BoonevilleSt. Paul Lutheran Church, LogantonSt. Paul Lutheran Church, Mill HallUnited Lutheran Church, Lock HavenOffice Phone: (570) 748-7932Office E-mail: [email protected] United’s Website: www.unitedlutheran-lockhaven.org
SOUTHERN CLINTON COUNTY LUTHERAN PARISH
A Word from Our PastorAfter the decisive defeat of Rommel's forces in Egypt in 1942, Winston Churchill addressed the House of Commons. He told them, "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end, but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."
That is how I suggest we interpret the decision of our five congregations to work together in the Southern Clinton County Lutheran Parish. On the one hand, it is a dramatic decision to seek new ways to experience God's renewal of our lives together and to provide effective Gospel ministry in our region. We may be creating something others will wish to emulate.
But on the other hand, this decision in and of itself does not solve anything. It does, however, give us the opportunity to work together in prayer, fasting, study, and service to discover God's renewing power in our midst.
I appreciate those who have expressed reservations about this decision and about my qualifications to be the leader of this parish. Trust me, I have lots of reservations too. But now that the decision has been made, I ask that we commit to work together prayerfully for the renewal of these congregations.
We have a lot going for us. We have many faithful, devoted saints who have worked diligently to keep these congregations functioning. But even more, we have Jesus, we have the Word, we have the power of the Holy Spirit poured out on us in our Baptisms. We have everything the Apostles had when they went forth turning the world rightside up, and lots more.
How can we experience this renewal which I am convinced God wants to pour down in our midst?
First, I am inviting everybody to participate in a study of the PurposeDriven Life, by Rick Warren. We can order copies of the book for you, but I've seen them in WalMart, KMart, and most bookstores. You may even have a copy. We will gather each week to discuss the questions at the end of each chapter, and for prayer. You will also be asked to read and reflect on brief parts of the book every day for 40 days. Sessions will be held both in Sugar Valley and Lock Haven; please participate as you are able (see details elsewhere). Feel free to invite others.
Second, we need to examine how we relate to God and to one another. Luther wrote, "the entire life of a Christian must be a life of repentance." If we continue doing things the way we have been, we will see the same results. All of us need to change in response to God's call in His Word. All of us (and I'm including myself at the top of the list) need to be serious about prayer, fasting, and study of Holy Scripture. And we need to love one another, talk honestly and sensitively with one another, let our needs and concerns be known in constructive ways, and make it our priority to speak and act in ways that build up the Body of Christ.
I've never done something like putting together a parish such as this before, and I expect to make lots of mistakes. I probably won't be alone in that. But as we work together, we can learn and grow and improve how we witness to the faith we have been given.
We are beginning a new chapter in the Lutheran witness in Clinton County. This can be a very exciting and fulfilling time for us and our communities. With your prayers, participation, and support, God will do great things in our midst.In Christ,
Pastor Steve Shipman, STS
PARISH NEWS
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SOUTHERN CLINTON COUNTY LUTHERAN PARISHf you are able, the Women of the ELCA group that meets at United invites you to participate in our group. We normally meet the first Tuesday of every month at 12:00 Noon and many of us bring a lunch to enjoy during the
meeting. Linda Shipman has been guiding us in a study of Catherine von Bora Luther. Oh, yes, and guys are welcome too!
Iouth Encounter, an independent largelyLutheran youth ministry organization, has announced a national gathering next July 710 in the Chicago area. The pastor would like to organize a group of youth and adults
from our parish to attend. We would need to plan now to begin fundraising, etc. More information will follow; please let him know of your interest.
Yonfirmation Instruction program will be set up to anybody in the seventh grade or higher who is interested. Time and location will depend on who will be participating. Yes, adults count as “higher” and we welcome
intergenerational participation. We must have at least one parent or other adult to meet with us each time.C
urposeDriven Life: Our first need as a parish is spiritual renewal of us, the members. After discussions with a number of people, Pr. Shipman will be offering a study of Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life in September
and October. The book is available many places (WalMart, KMart, Waldenbooks, Target, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Amazon, etc.) or we can order copies if you ask. The cost is relatively inexpensive if you buy the paperbound version. The plan is for you to read the daily devitional sections of the book and reflect prayerfully on the questions at the end of each chapter. Millions of people around the world have had their faith and life revitalized by sharing in this study. We will offer three times and two locations: you are free to mix and match if your schedule so requires:
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Wednesdays at 7:00 at St. Paul’s LogantonThursdays at 12:00 Noon and 6:30 PM at United Lock HavenYou are welcome to bring your lunch along for the 12:00 Noon group. Each session will close with a time
of prayer. Friends and neighbors are encouraged to come with you. The study begins September 8 (Loganton) or 9 (Lock Haven), and should conclude October 13 and 14.This will for now replace the Acts study; participants can decide what if anything they want to do after the Purpose Driven Life study concludes. The pastor is also willing to work with others who want to offer this in other places at other times. He doesn’t necessarily have to lead every discussion, but will make himself available as best he can. Please note that there are a number of (very good) books by Warren. We specifically will be looking at the PurposeDriven Life. We have copies of his related book, The PurposeDriven Church, which we would be happy to share with those desiring to see what his insights mean for a congregation. Ideally, everybody in the parish will want to benefit from this study. But if you cannot participate at this time, please pray for the study and for spiritual renewal of all our congregations.
arish Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 19th at Booneville Lions Park, Pavilion #2. The morning will begin with Holy Communion at 10:30 AM. Everyone is invited and encouraged to join the fellowship. There
will also be a Holy Communion service at United beginning at 9:00 AM for those unable to attend the picnic. Mark you calendars now!
P Rally Day Brunch will be held on Sunday, September 12th following the worship service at United in Fellowship Hall. Rally Day marks the beginning of the Sunday School year. Everyone is welcome and
encouraged to attend! The first official day of Sunday School at United will be Sunday, September 26th from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM. All children from the parish are welcome!!
Aoung at Heart will meet at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, September 8th at Haywood’s in Mill Hall. Everyone who is of “retirement age” are welcome to join the fun and Fellowship. For more information, please call
Vesta Schach at 7696509.Y
he parish office will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 6th. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 7th.T
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SOUTHERN CLINTON COUNTY LUTHERAN PARISH
NEWS AROUND THE PARISH
Salona Lutheran+ Services for the month of September will begin at 10:30 AM.
September 5th – Rev. W. Stevens Shipman; Reader: CindySeptember 12th – Rev. Dennis Smith; Reader: DeannaSeptember 19th – No Service Held; Holy Communion Service at Parish Picnic 10:30 AMSeptember 26th – Rev. W. Stevens Shipman; Reader: Darla
+ Council meeting will be held on Monday, September 13th at 7:30 PM at Salona Lutheran.
St. Paul, Mill Hall+ Services for the month of September will begin at 9:00 AM.
September 5th – Rev. W. Stevens ShipmanSeptember 12th – Rev. Dennis SmithSeptember 19th – No Service Held; Holy Communion Service at Parish Picnic 10:30 AMSeptember 26th – Rev. Robert Logan
+ Council meeting will be held on Monday, September 13th at 6:30 PM at Salona Lutheran.
+ Our Food Pantry is open on Wednesday, September 8th from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We welcome any and everyone who would like to help us in this vital ministry to the community. Also, we pack boxes of food for the hungry on Tuesday, September 7th at 6:00 PM.
St. John, Booneville+ Services for the month of September will be held at St. John, Booneville at 10:30 AM.
September 5th – ALWL Linda ShipmanSeptember 12th – Rev. W. Stevens ShipmanSeptember 19th No Service Held; Holy Communion Service at Parish Picnic 10:30 AMSeptember 26th – Rev. Robert Logan
+ Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14th at 8:00 PM at St. Paul, Loganton
St. Paul, Loganton+ Services for the month of September will be held at St. John, Booneville at 10:30 AM.
+ Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14th at 7:00 PM at St. Paul, Loganton.
+ St. Paul’s will be hosting the Clinton County Shrine Club on September 15th. A signup sheet for food donations and help before and after the meal is in the Mill Street Vestibule.
United, Lock Haven+ Services for the month of September will begin at 9:00 AM
+ Rally Day will be held on Sunday, September 12th in Fellowship Hall following the worship service. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. The first official day of Sunday School will be Sunday, September 26 th from 10:3011:15 AM.
+ Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 28th at 6:30 PM in the Painter Room.
+ Join the choir!! Please prayerfully consider becoming a part of the music ministry by lifting your voice in song. We rehearse Sunday mornings from 88:45 AM in the choir room. Rehearsals will start Sunday, September 12th. Just show up and we will welcome you enthusicastically. Or call Kathleen Malenke at 7483040 if your have questions. If you can’t commit to a whole year of rehearsals, try us out by joining for 2 months, 3 months, or through the Christmas season. We need you!
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SOUTHERN CLINTON COUNTY LUTHERAN PARISH
Over 80 BirthdaysJosephine Barnhart – Sept. 12160 Warrensville Rd.The Meadows Room 302Montoursville, PA 17754
Relda Feidler – Sept. 22Lock Haven Hospital Extended CareLock Haven, PA 17745
Ella Mae Hake – Sept. 24110 Lavender LaneMagnolia, DE 19962
Laura Eisaman – Sept. 2940 Angus LaneMill Hall, PA 17751
Under 18 Youth BirthdaysKarlie Fryer – Sept. 1st Jessalyn Myers – Sept. 7th Kaylee Lukehart – Sept. 10th Logan Fryer – Sept. 18th Sydney Andrus – Sept. 19th Trevor Adair – Sept. 20th Lauren Stiening – Sept. 29th
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Jersey Shore, is our sister church in the western cluster of the West Branch
Conference of the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Rev. Kerry Aucker is the pastor. We will be praying for St. John’s through the month of September.
THANK YOUS!!!!
+ Dear Friends in Christ, The Lock Haven Corps of The Salvation Army would like to thank you for your donation of food. Your contribution will be applied to support the may programs that The Salvation Army provides to those in need in our community. Thank you and God Bless! ~Major Margaret Johnson
+ Thank you for your cards and prayers. I am feeling and doing much better since my knee surgery. ~Lorraine Galbraith
+ Dear Friends, Thank you for your generous monetary donations to benefit our Center. We could not continue to provide services to our clients without the help of thoughtful donors like you. It is a requirement of some of our funders that we receive local support from businesses, entities and individuals to show the community’s support of our efforts. We are grateful for your support and wish each of you health, peace and happiness. Kind Regards, Lori Callahan, Fiscal Coordinator
+ Dear Friends of United, Thank you for your many prayers, thoughts and altar flowers. Lou is recovering well from his hip replacement surgery. He works with a cane or walker, and is now allowed to him short distances. I continue to make very slow. The pain is being controlled, so I am getting some sleep at night. Thanks again, Carol & Lou Brungard
+ Thank you to everyone for your cards, prayers and get well cards to Tom during his illness. ~Elizabeth Briggs
+ Thank you for the couch and chair. They are greatly appreciated. God Bless! ~ Wendy Seyler & Girls
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SOUTHERN CLINTON COUNTY LUTHERAN PARISH
Josephine Barnhart, 2160 Warrensville Rd., The Meadows Rm 302, Montoursville, 17754Hazel Best, 559 Jericho Rd., Bridgton, NJ 08302Pat Boyce, 312 Frederick St., LHCarol and Lou Brungard, 121 Jay St., MHLaura Eisaman, 40 Angus Ln., MHRelda Feidler, Lock Haven Hospital Extended Care, LHAgnes Getz, 3532 Coudersport Pike, LHBill and Maude Gramley, 893 Lusk Run Rd., MHElla Mae Hake, 110 Lavender Lane, Magnolia, DE 19962Judy Harter, P.O. Box 206, McElHattanDorothy Hill, Rm. 2018, SusqueView Home, LHHarold Hohenberger, 42 Weaver St., MHVance & Gloria Klepper, 1206 S. Hillview St., LHSara McCaleb, SusqueView Home, LHPatricia Newman, Heartland Home, 46 Elementary Lane, WoolrichCharlie Randecker, 42 Farley Circle, Lewisburg, PA 17837Charles “Smiley” Wilt, 974 W. Third St., LHJerome Yost, 1024 W. Fourth St., LHKen Zener, 224 Center St., LH
PRAYER LIST:In Our Parish: Karl Beck, Dick Bliler, Cindy Bryan, Ethel Donahue, Sue Eminhizer, Edith Haagen, Mickey Matthews, Anna Royer, Erma Watters, Anna Rhine, Rick Eisenhower and Connie Bartges Stover.In The Military: Mark Daniels, Daniel Haagen, Rich Brungard, David Cross, Rick Foster and David Eisenhower.
In Our Community: Dylan Eisenhower, Shiela Russo, Betty Taylor, Ian Ingram, Ashley Stamper, Chuck Eisenhower, Charles Ward and Dale Bonar.
SEPTEMBER WORSHIP ASSISTANTS AT UNITEDSeptember 5 September 26 Assisting Minister – Jane Oakley Assisting Minister – Amy KnarrCommunion Assistant – Don Oakley Communion Assistant – Linda ShipmanAcolyte/Crucifer – Amy Knarr Acolyte/Crucifer – Karen RickerUshers – Norm & Rose Wolfrom, Joan Gruendler, Ushers – Chris Glantz Ann Kling, James Brand Emily & Sean JanoscratNursery Attendant – Devin Gardner Offering Counters – Colleen Stiening,Offering Counter – Ken Englert, Nancy Gallagher Wayne McCollough
September 12 Assisting Minister – Norm Wolfrom September Altar Guild – Peg & Harry WenkerCommunion Assistant – Wayne McCollough September Evangelism Greeters – Joan Gruendler,Acolyte/Crucifer – Cindy Rogala Lorraine GalbraithUshers – John & Gina Cross, Ken Englert, Nancy GallagherNursery Attendant – Jean McKeagueOffering Counters – Bill & Grace Gardner
September 19Assisting Minister – Bill GardnerCommunion Assistant – Jean McKeague
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SOUTHERN CLINTON COUNTY LUTHERAN PARISHAcolyte/Crucifer – Taylor SeylerUshers – Shane, Devin & Jeff GardnerNursery Attendant – Michelle MillerOffering Counters – Jeff Gardner, Chris Glantz
CAMPUS CORNERA Word from our Protestant
Campus Minister
he longawaited opening of the PCM House at 110 Akeley Lane has come! The Protestant Campus Ministry greets the student body, faculty and staff of Lock Haven University this fall
with a place that will house numerous ministries and opportunities to nurture faith and serve in Jesus’ name. From Bible study to worship, from quiet time to music, from eating food to discussions around the kitchen table, from pastoral counseling to support groups, from fish ponds to barbecues, from the front porch to the back deck, from a place to just hang out to a place where guest musicians and speakers will stay; these activities and others will make this house a home.
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Many of our sponsoring churches adopted rooms to make them ready for the start of the academic year: St. Luke’s UCC, the living room; Great Island Prebyterian, the dining room and upstairs bedroom; the Dunnstown UMC, the kitchen; the Swissdale UMC, the hallway and bathroom; and the Covenant UMC Youth Group, the chapel and back porch. United Lutheran and St. Paul’s Episcopal Churches, LHU alums from the area, members of the Akeley family from whom we are acquiring the house, and many community friends, have also lent a hand as needs arose. The Seeleys took on the campus minister’s office and several local LHU students did some furniture moving, sanding, painting, cleaning and anything that needed to be done. We were also able to almost completely furnish the house with contributions from you, members of our sponsoring churches.
In addition, we were blessed with 20 or more Volunteers in Mission (VIM) from the Williamsport District of the United Methodist Church who, over a two week period, did extensive outside renovations as well as some interior work to assist our churches. A miracle happened before our very eyes as these folk, along with all of our own wonderful volunteers, accepted Christ’s call to be the hands, feet and heart of God as we sought (an continue to seek) to minister to our college students.
Lest we think the job is done, there are still opportunities for service! We are in need of the following items: pots and pans, various sized trash cans, two garbage cans, folding chairs for the chapel, bath and kitchen towel sets, and a bedroom dresser. The Property Committee is also looking for people to be on standby for various tasks such as general repairs, speciality skills in plumbing, electrical work, masonry and carpentry, and housekeeping. If you are able to assist in any of these ways, please contact me at 5702448260.
Currently, the house will be open 10 am to 10 pm Monday through Friday, closed on Saturdays, and open 110 pm on Sundays. If you are interested in being on a list to take a turn in closing, please see your pastor or lay representative to the board.
An open house, ribbon cutting ceremony and house dedication are tentatively scheduled for Sunday afternoon, October 3rd. More details to follow. We plan to invite the media and hope for a good representation from our churches. Please plan to attend if you are available that day.
Thank you for your prayers, assistance, contributions and energy to see this opportunity come to fruition. I will keep you posted every step of the way! In the words of St. Paul, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 1:4)
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SOUTHERN CLINTON COUNTY LUTHERAN PARISH
Together in ministry,Pastor Jeff Seeley
(W)holy, (W)holy, (W)holy!Health, Healing and Wholeness – September 2010
“After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill; his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him.” (1Kings 17:17, NRSV)
If you have ever heard an infant suffering from whooping cough (pertussis), it can be an extremely frightening experience (check out http://www.babycenter.com/2 sounds-of-whooping-cough 10316927.bc )! Inflammation from this bacterial infection leads to a cough so sever that the child cannot catch his breath. Between coughs, he gasps for air, leading to the distinctive “whooping” sound of the illness. Whooping cough is not just a childhood disease, and the number of active cases here in the US are climbing – in California alone, the number of cases has quadrupled over that of last year – enough for it to be labeled an ‘epidemic’. Cases have also increased in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Oregon and South Carolina, and it is believed the numbers will further increase when children return to school.
Why the sharp increase? It is not due to parents failing or refusing to immunize their children, nor is it due to an increase in immigration, as one might suspect. Instead, because immunity to the disease decreases over time, adolescents and adults are increasingly vulnerable to the bacteria as they age. They may even be unknowingly carriers of the disease. In addition, re-emergence of the disease appears to be cyclical, occurring every 3 to 5 years. That is why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-dtap.pdf) recommend that children, adolescents, and adults receive regular immunization. This is especially important if they live with, or are caregivers of, infants under the age of three months.
Children should receive immunization against pertussis at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months-of-age, with booster shots administered between 15-18 months, and again at 4-5 years. Different formulations are used in children over the age of 7, adolescents, and adults, and should be determined by the prescribing physician. Adults should be re-vaccinated every 10 years.
Like many other respiratory infections, pertussis is spread by droplet via unprotected coughs. The time required for the bacteria to grow can vary from 6-21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms mimic those of an ordinary cold, with runny nose, congestion, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a cough. However, instead of the cough subsiding in a week or two, the pertussis cough typically intensifies. The most vulnerable is the unimmunized infant, in which a classic case of whooping cough can rapidly worsen. Uninterrupted coughing leads to the gasping for air; blueness of the fingers, toes and skin around the mouth; drooling; and vomiting. Eating and drinking become increasingly difficult, rapidly leading to exhaustion, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, seizures, pneumonia, even death.Currently there is no treatment for the cough, which can linger for months, and can return with subsequent respiratory infections – earning tit the name the “100 day cough”. A cool mist vaporizer may provide some relief. However, the best protection against pertussis, remains immunization. In the coming months, the CDC hopes to raise public awareness of the disease, particularly in physicians and other health care providers, who may unwittingly be passing on the disease to the very patients they are trying to protect.
If you are not sure when you last received an immunization against whooping cough, please speak to your primary care provider. If you have an infant, try to limit your child’s exposure to adults and adolescents who may not have been immunized. And finally, as with any respiratory infection, practice good cough and cold etiquette; remember to cover your cough, and practice good hand washing techniques!
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SOUTHERN CLINTON COUNTY LUTHERAN PARISHSeptember blessings!
Debbie Best, Diakon Family Life Services
Page 9 September 2010