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Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church

MARCH 2019 NEWSLETTER

Grace and peace to you from God our father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we enter the month of March, we also enter Lent.

I found this article from Neela Kale very insightful for our focus this month. She shares: “Lent, the period of 40 days that precedes the celebration of Easter, has its origin in the early days of the Church. Converts seeking to become Christian, who at that time were mostly adults, spent several years in study and preparation. Under the threat of Roman persecution, becoming a Christian was serious business, so their process of preparation was intensive! Then they went through a final period of “purification and enlightenment” for the 40 days before their baptism at Easter. The rest of the Church began to observe the season of Lent in solidarity with these newest Christians. It became an opportunity for all Christians to recall and renew the commitment of their baptism.”

“Today we know Lent as a season of conversion. We acknowledge the ways we have turned away from God in our lives, and we focus on turning our hearts and minds back toward God. Hence the three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These observances help us turn away from whatever has distracted or derailed us and to turn back to God. Giving up something for Lent is ultimately a form of fasting. We can deprive ourselves of some small pleasure or indulgence and offer that sacrifice up to God. Or, we might “give up” a bad habit such as smoking as a way of positively turning our life back toward what God wants for us.” (From Neela Kale a writer and catechetical minister based in the Archdiocese of Portland. She served with the Incarnate Word Missionaries in Mexico and earned a Master of Divinity at the Jesuit School of Theology.)

Lent can also be a time to begin a new spiritual discipline, fancy words for a project, group or study that deepens our faith. As we walk together through this Lenten season there are multiple opportunities for us to try new things, personal devotions, group gatherings, and mid-week meals and study. Our theme this Lent is Serving God; focusing on scripture and concrete ideas of how to serve God in our daily lives. I encourage you this Lent to find something to incorporate into your life for these upcoming 40 days. As we grow together in our faith, seek to engage others to have a personal relationship with a gracious God. May you find a Lenten journey to guide you as we walk these roads together.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Zach

Allegheny Evangelical

Lutheran Church

1327 Alleghenyville Rd.

Mohnton, PA 19540

610-777-2520

www.aelc.org

Church Staff

Pastor

The Rev. Zach Labagh

pastorzach@aelc.org

610-777-2520

Director of Youth Ministry

Director of Christian Education

Tracey Ormsbee

chrised@aelc.org

Church Musician

Nancy Trievel

nmaier@frontiernet.net

Praise Team Leader

Bill Moczydlowski

wsmoczy@hotmail.com

Office Administrator

Dee Constable

office@aelc.org

Sexton

Jean Jones

Pastor Emeritus

The Rev. Charles Charles

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MUSIC NOTES

Sunday, March 3 - Transfiguration of Our Lord “Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus will be unable to avoid reflecting that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see the glory of the Lord in the word and in the supper and who are being ‘transformed into the same image’ by the Spirit of God.” Our senior choir will sing “The Light of Glory” at our traditional service.

Wednesday, March 6 - Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 pm “Lent begins with a solemn call to fasting and repentance as we begin our journey to Easter. The sign of ashes suggests our human mortality and frailty. With the cross on our brow, we long for the spiritual renewal….” Our senior choir will sing “Up Calvary’s Mountain.”

A Lenten Benediction For the season of Lent, our traditional service will end with “A Benediction of Peace” written by Heather Sorenson. This will replace the postlude to end each service.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you. May the Lord grant you His mercy and give you peace, abundant peace. May your table show the bounty of His grace. Let your journey show the beauty of your faith. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine on you.”

Sunday, March 10 - First Sunday in Lent “These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is an opportune time to return to the God who rescues; to receive the gifts of God’s grace; to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus; and to resist temptation at every turn.” Join the choir in singing “A Mighty Fortress” at the early service.

Sunday, March 17 - Second Sunday in Lent “Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek the face of the Lord again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.” Our Ensemble Bell Choir will play “Faith of Our Fathers” and the Bellievers Bell Choir will ring “You Raise Me Up”.

Sunday, March 24 - Third Sunday in Lent In today’s gospel, we hear the story of the fig tree. Yes, a fig tree that should be cut down, however the gardener gives it yet another year to grow. God’s grace is persistent like the grace of the gardener… Our senior choir will sing “Like A River Glorious”.

Save the Date! Sunday, May 5 - Bell Choir Concert and Dinner Our AELC Bell Choirs have already begun rehearsals for our annual Bell Choir Concert on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 pm. The Bells of Joy, Jubilation Bells, Ensemble Bells, and the Bellievers Bell Choirs will all perform! Our guest handbell choir will be Messiah College Handbell Choir under the direction of Dr. Shawn Gingrich. Dr. Gingrich is the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Hershey and an adjunct instructor of organ at Messiah College. He is also the director of the Hershey Ensemble which uses seven octaves of Malmark handbells. Dr. Gingrich received his Bachelor’s Degree in music education and sacred music from Lebanon Valley, a Master’s Degree in sacred music from Westminster Choir College, and his Doctorate in worship studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.

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Faith Formation Spot Light The 5th/6th Grade Class is in the spotlight this month. The children will decorate the bulletin board in the lobby and will write to Gura our sponsored child from India. These activities are a great way to engage our children and to help them be faithful followers of Christ.

Adult Faith Formation March 3 – Lisa Peterson-Smith will talk about Legacy and the Church Life Cycle. March 10 – 24 – Glenn Beyer will lead a 4-part session on the Gospel of Mark. Join Glenn to learn about the shortest of the Gospels that presents Jesus Christ to Gentiles and to encourage believers to endure and persevere in the face of persecution and perhaps even martyrdom. The emphasis of Mark revolves around significant events in the life of Christ, such as his crucifixion and suffering. Jesus as teacher and his followers as disciples are also key to the gospel's message. March 31 – Colette Price will talk about the M & E committee. April 7 – Glenn Beyer finishes his session on the Gospel of Mark.

Lenten Devotionals Lenten Devotionals will be available in the Lobby starting Wed. March 6 (Ash Wed.). Use these daily devotionals to set aside more time for prayer and form a deeper relationship with Christ, our hope and our light. The library in the Augsburg Room is always open for anyone who wants to enrich his/her spiritual growth through reading. There are a variety of great books for all ages.

Lent Challenge Starting on Sunday, March 10, the Faith Formation classes are challenged to bring in items for Family Promise. The class that collects the most items throughout Lent and ending on Easter Sunday, April 21, wins an ice cream party. May the best class win!!!

Lent Focus This year we are supporting Family Promise, an organization that helps the homeless. Because donations are vital to FP, we will collect items (listed below) for both the families and the organization. Look for a Collection Display in Lobby. A Giving Tree will be part of the display, highlighting tangible opportunities to contribute to every day expenses incurred while serving families and youth. Here is a List of Items:

Toilet paper, Paper towels, Tissues, Hand soap, Feminine hygiene products, Deodorant Shaving Sticks, Lotion, Shampoo & Conditioner, Washcloths, Diapers & Pull-ups, Wipes Laundry Detergent, Cleaning Supplies Brooms, Mops, Gift cards to grocery or department stores Office supplies, Protein Bars, Water Bottles, Over-the-counter medicine, Band Aids, First Aid kits, NEW OR GENTLY USED: Vacuums, Art supplies, Alarm clocks, Gloves School Supplies, Back Packs, Scientific Calculators. URGENT NEEDS: Pillows, Bath Towels, 4 Blankets, 8 Pillowcases, 3 Single Bed Mattress Pads (Not thick, easily washable. Can be gently used).

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Souper Bowl of Caring Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Souper Bowl of Caring on Sunday, Feb. 3. We collected 364 non-perishable items and $490 for the Lutheran Pantry, plus an anonymous donor gave an additional $500. Because of your generosity, we continue to make a difference in the fight against hunger. Bear Creek Camp In February, Alicia Nelson, Bear Creek Camp program director, spent time with our Faith Formation kids, getting us all excited for another BCC summer. If your child is interested in attending BCC, let Tracey know.

We continue to sell Giant and Redner’s gift cards to support our campers. $50 for a $50 card. A percentage of the sales goes toward giving $100 to each camper to defray the cost of camp. Thanks for your continued support of our BCC kids.

Women’s Group The next Women’s Group will be Thursday, March 14. We will gather at 5:30pm for dinner, followed by a Chonda Pierce video, Laughing in the Dark and Bible Study. Chonda is an American comedian often billed as “The Queen of Clean.” She is the RIAA’s most-awarded female comic in history.

Easter Preludes If anyone is interested in playing a prelude for the Easter program, April 28, please see Tracey Ormsbee. We love to hear young people use their talents to the glory of God.

Candy Needed Wrapped candy is needed for the Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 27. We do not need eggs. Drop off the items with Tracey Ormsbee.

Easter Program This year our Easter Program will be held on Sunday, April 28, the Sunday after Easter during the Faith Formation hour, starting at 9am in the sanctuary. The Easter Program includes a play, Props for Easter presented by the confirmation class. The younger children will present a musical, It’s About Life. Practices will be announced soon. There will be one final practice on Saturday, April 27, at 9am followed by the Easter Egg Hunt. Everyone is needed.

On Wednesday, February 13, 8 of us gathered for dinner and to make a Heart Craft just in time for Valentine’s Day. Jodie Schaeffer hosted the evening. Missing from the picture: Missy Bruno

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CAT CLASS In January and February, the CAT Class learned about Communion. After Glenn Beyer walked them through the theology and history of communion, it was time for them to dig into communion, literally. On Feb 3, Kevin Kring joined the CAT Class to teach them about making wine. He did this by making it with them. As they left class that Sunday they had produced enough to make about a gallon

of wine. Kevin provided some photos of the process of the wine which he shared is “fermenting nicely, the sugar has been digested, the juice squeezed out and it’s ready for a month long nap in a dark place”. He plans to be back in about a month to bottle it with them so we can have “house made” wine for communion this year. Feb 10 brought Janine Labagh to class to have them get their hands sticky, creating communion bread, which we shared at the 10:30 service that day, and have enough for another worship service.

Our 2 mission trips are coming together. We currently have 10 people scheduled for each trip. Our Erie Group will be heading out to assist in some great exterior projects in the surrounding areas. This is an excellent opportunity for group building and making memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

Our Pittsburg Group will be heading out to a variety of local organizations to assist in community service, from helping at food pantries and soup kitchens, to processing and organizing newly donated items.

There is still space for anyone who would like to attend.

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Download our Church app today. https://tithely.app.link/AELC

WOMEN’S GROUP Next meeting is scheduled for

Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 pm. Sign-up sheet in the lobby.

Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 21 at 7 pm

Sign-up sheet in the lobby.

Spring Blood Drive at AELC Saturday, March 16

Your Chance to Make a Difference or Even Save a

Life The bloodmobile will be here from 8:00 am until noon on Saturday, March 16. If you have any questions or want to sign up to donate, contact Bill Baxter at church, or at 610 775-3763, or dandbbax@gmail.com or sign up online at www.giveapint.org. Our online sponsor code is 3222.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

BEGINS ON

SUNDAY, MARCH 10…

PLEASE REMEMBER TO

TURN YOUR CLOCK

AHEAD ONE HOUR

WEATHER INFORMATION: In the event of severe weather for an upcoming worship service, please go online to www.wfmz.com and check for any delays or closings or log on to your Tithely app for updates.

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February 3, 2019

Scout Sunday at

AELC

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The Treasurer’s Report

GENERAL FUND UPDATE

Total General Fund Weekly

Attendance Income Budgetary Need

Jan 20, 2019 102 $4721 $5377

Jan 27, 2019 148 $5805 $5377

Feb 3, 2019 158 $6484 $5377

Feb 10, 2019 129 $4170 $5377

Total 537 $21,180 $21,508

For the month of January our income exceeded our expenses by $10,000 and the General Fund checking account stood at $27,300. The income includes offerings from members who donate annually. We also received a $1500 grant which Pastor Zach obtained from the synod for our Interwoven Ministry.

January income was about $4000 above budget and expenses were about $6000 under budget.

Thank you for your generous giving this year and to help us continue to engage others to have a personal relationship with a gracious God!

Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars® by March 31: Eligible Thrivent Financial members who have available Choice Dollars® have until March 31, 2019, to direct them. Don’t miss this opportunity to recommend that Thrivent Financial provide outreach funding to Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church. Go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to learn more. Or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt.

NOTICE Please help our Safety and Property Committee by making sure all doors are closed and locked when you leave the building. Your continued help with this matter makes us and the church a safer place.

NOTICE:

AELC is no longer accepting items

for Ian’s Boots.

Opportunity House has bins located

locally for your drop-offs.

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BOWL-A-THON

March 3 at BERKS LANES

Support the West Berks Mission District

Get a group of 5 together and bowl from 1 - 3 PM. Each bowler is asked to have $15 in sponsorships. Bowlers bowl for 2 hours at no charge, shoes

included and enjoy a snack and drink as well. Not just for youth; families and folks of all ages welcome . . .

Sign up in the lobby so we can register your team

Time to Celebrate with Pastor Tim Garman &

Peace Lutheran Pastor Tim will be installed as Pastor at Peace Lutheran on March 24 at 3pm at Peace Lutheran Reading, 1728 Center Ave. All are welcome!

Men’s Bible and Brew at Stoudt’s Brewery in January We had a great discussion on Support and Accountability.

Our Mid-Week Lenten series this year will focus on “Serving God.”

We will begin at 6pm with a simple soup and bread meal, and then share in a time of worship/discussion starting around 6:30. All ages are welcome to come and share in our time together.

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Interwoven

In January we began Interwoven!!!

With a generous grant from the Synod, and

support from our congregation we had our first

gathering on January 27. At that meeting we had

some wonderful food prepared by Helen Heath

and Anna Albera, while we talked about how

connected we all are. Then we attempted to make

paracord bracelets/lanyards, some more fruitfully

than others! At our Second event we

had Peanut Butter Chicken Chili, learning about how things we know as

“normal” can sometimes change, for the better. During that night we made 30

“urban survival kits” consisting

of a water bottle, (12 donated

from Nalgene), toothbrush and

floss (donated by Diebler

Dental), washcloths, soap,

toothpaste, deodorant, 20ft of

paracord and a turtle, for the

paracord, to allow it to be used

to keep things together. These

packs will be donated to the

Berks Coalitation to end

homelessness in Reading. We have had a great group of youth, and

some families in attendance, as we have fun, food, and serve the

community. We have some ideas for future events coming up, and are looking forward to this ministry continuing

to thrive at AELC.

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AELC Prayer Ministry Recognizing the importance of prayer for our congregation and the world, AELC has a prayer ministry that communicates needs in various ways. We primarily communicate through a weekly email and listing prayers in the Sunday bulletin. We also have a closed Facebook group to share emergency requests and praises. To receive the weekly email, send requests, updates or praises - please email Roxanne Loose at reign0827@hotmail.com or the church office at office@aelc.org. You may also call the church office to leave a request. If you would like to be a part of the Facebook group, please let Roxanne know so you can be added. There is a Prayer Request box and slips in the lobby. Feel free to add requests this way; it will be checked weekly. When adding someone to the list, please make sure you have their permission. Additionally, if you do not use email or social media and would like to be a part of this ministry, please leave your name and phone number with Roxanne or the office and we will communicate with you in a way that works for you!

AELC Home Worshippers

Please keep these Home Worship members in your thoughts and prayers:

Molly Althouse, Jean Epler, Earl Eshelman, Jeanne Fiant, Ruby Fryberger,

Shirley Kachel, Ellen Kern, Charles Moyer, Janet Orth, Paul Pray, Malcolm Reider, and

Colleen Williamson

Looking Ahead… Our next newsletter is the APRIL issue. If you

have content for the newsletter, please submit

your articles by March 15 to the church office via

email at office@aelc.org or in mailbox #2.

Church Lock-Up Schedule – March

Mar 3 Harry Kring 610-777-7758

Mar 10 Steve Davis 610-334-0834

Mar 17 Family Promise Week

Mar 24 Ron Fluck 610-223-6709

Mar 31 Tom Herman 610-909-4968

Ushers – March

8:15 am Mike Grim, Darryl Breniser, Greg Duffin

10:30 am Kevin Naugle, Robert Carl, John Thomas & Mark Smith

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March Birthdays 1 Shirley Kachel Patricia Ebling 3 Dorothy Smith 4 Jessica Angstadt 5 Allan Benfield Corinne McCurley 6 Rodney High 8 Lynn Scheetz 9 Erik Peterson-Smith 10 Jessica Fiant 12 Thaddeus Ganster 16 Melvyn Smith Helen Heath 17 Charles Moyer Lucille Spangler Bennett Moczydlowski 20 Anna Mae Peterson 21 Nicole Heath Alexis Thomas Jaxon Thomas 24 Kate Naugle 25 Michael Kline 27 Lauren Lorah 29 Edith Austin Ann Deibert 30 Kristen Kintzer 31 Vincent Bruno

Worship Schedule – March Mar. 3 – Transfiguration of Our Lord 8:15 am Traditional Worship - HC 9:00 am Faith Formation Class/CAT Class 9:30 am Adult Faith Formation Class 10:30 am Praise Worship - HC

Mar. 6 – Ash Wednesday 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service at AELC

Mar. 10 – 1st Sunday in Lent 8:15 am Traditional Worship - HC 9:00 am Faith Formation Class/CAT Class 9:30 am Adult Faith Formation Class 10:30 am Praise Worship – HC

Mar. 13 - Wednesday 6:00 pm Midweek Lenten Soup/Study

Mar. 17 – 2nd Sunday in Lent 8:15 am Traditional Worship 9:00 am Faith Formation Class/CAT Class 9:30 am Adult Faith Formation Class 10:30 am Praise Worship – HC

Mar. 20 – Wednesday 6:00 pm Midweek Lenten Soup/Study

Mar 24 – 3rd Sunday in Lent 8:15 am Traditional Worship - HC 9:00 am Faith Formation Class/CAT Class 9:30 am Adult Faith Formation Class 10:30 am Praise Worship – HC

Mar. 27 – Wednesday 6:00 pm Midweek Lenten Soup/Study

Mar 31 – 4th Sunday in Lent 8:15 am Traditional Worship - HC 9:00 am Faith Formation Class/CAT Class 9:30 am Adult Faith Formation Class 10:30 am Praise Worship – HC

Communion is celebrated on the 2 & 4 Sunday’s of the month at the 8:15am service and every Sunday at the

10:30 am service. Fifth Sunday of the month – communion at both services.

March Anniversaries 20 Anna Mae & Karl Peterson (1965) 24 Loretta & Don Lamont (1956) 24 Sheri & Michael Kaufman (1996) 26 Ann & Michael Deibert (1994) 29 Colette & Kim Price (1987)