Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church July/August 2012

We are planning a carnival this year with the money raised going to the ELCA’s Malaria Campaign, to help stamp out Malaria in Africa. Every day children and adults die needlessly due to malaria. The ELCA is working with other concerned organizations to eliminate malaria and stop these needless deaths. We have applied to Thrivent Financial for matching funds. There will be sign up sheets on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall to provide donations or to help with the carnival.

Donations needed: Baked goods: rice krispie treats,

brownies, cookies Clean stuffed toys for prizes People to help assemble games Generators (3) Canopies LOTS OF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! Please see Donna Daub for more information.

Carnival on the Hill August 18

10:30 AM—1:00 PM

Take note: Worship during July and August

is at 9:30 AM

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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 www.bergstrasselutheran.com

bergluth@dejazzd.com

Worship - 9:30 AM

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

Jean Wilhelm, newsletter editor

Due date for the September newsletter is August 19.

White Cane Project and Mission Trip

Chris A will once again be going to Ecuador on a mission trip to help the blind. We will be lending our support to this important ministry by having a Special Appeal to raise monies for white canes, magnifiers, and other items to assist the blind. Chris will purchase these much-needed items and take them with him, using his skills as a Blind Counselor to instruct people who are blind in their use. The Special Appeal will take place on Sundays, August 19 and 26. We have applied for a $200 matching grant from Thrivent for Lutherans to assist in this project. Envelopes for your use will be made available in the bulletins these two Sundays. Thank you for your support.

Summer Music and Anniversary

Celebration at Bergstrasse

As the season of Pentecost begins, our church music program will host a variety of anthems, psalms, hymns, solos, and instrumental pieces. Each Sunday, you’ll hear either Bergstrasse’s Senior Choir, soloist Donna Daub, an instrumental ensemble, or Joyous Praise Handbells singing or playing praises in worship and honor of our Lord. These musical offerings will be sure to inspire, strengthen, and delight you as they echo the words of scripture appointed for the day. You will also want to be sure to mark Sunday, August 26, as a time to gather and celebrate Bergstrasse’s 260th Anniversary. During worship that morning, our guest preacher, The Rev. Karl Krueger, Ph.D. from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, will remember and reflect on one of our founding fathers, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. Born in 1711, Muhlenberg emigrated from Einberg, Germany in 1742 (270 years ago) in response to a request from Lutherans from Pennsylvania to come, minister to them, and provide leadership. Now recognized as the patriarch of the Lutheran Church in the United States, Muhlenberg worked tirelessly to secure organization and control over less qualified pastors and to start new congregations among the early settlers. In 1748, he called together The Ministerium of Pennsylvania, the first permanent Lutheran synod in America. He also helped to prepare a uniform liturgy, wrote basic tenets for an ecclesiastical constitution, and worked to publish a Lutheran hymnal. Dr. Krueger’s presentation is sure to provide an interesting and entertaining saga of Muhlenberg and the early churches in Pennsylvania of which Bergstrasse figured prominently. Providing special music for our Anniversary celebration will be an octet from the Chester County Choral Society. Their a cappella singing will include two early American selections entitled Bright Canaan and Holy Manna that will certainly add to the festive nature of the day and help to recreate a time 260 years ago when Bergstrasse was organized. Don’t miss these wonderful opportunities during the summer to serve our Lord and enrich your life through word, music and song. Lift up your voice, rejoice, and be glad! Anne Lohr Music Director

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Sometimes I say after doing something really mean-ingful and well, “There now, I’ve justified my existence for another 24 hours.” As God’s people we are to make

a difference in this world. We are called to be God’s servant people, Luther’s “Little Christs” to others. Yet so many people live out their days with no fixed, concrete purpose, and, as a consequence, they are constantly knocked down by their dilemmas, instead of being lifted up by their dreams. There is a lot of talk in the media about whether the “great American dream” is still attainable for Americans. The “American dream” is for everyone to strive to obtain a good education, marry, have wonderful children, work like mad to get a lovely house in a great neighborhood, go on nice vacations, and retire on “Easy Street”. There is nothing wrong with such a dream, except that in too many cases all this is for oneself. If this becomes the great purpose of our lives, then one day when the meaninglessness of it catches up with us (the cars rust; friends & family die or move away; children grow up, marry, and leave; and the house becomes a burden), we look back on all of it and wonder, “Is this all there is?” Arnold Prater in his book, Release From Phoniness, (pp. 111-112) tells of a friend who told him this little story:

One Fourth of July, when his son was about six years old, he gave him a Roman candle, showed him how to hold it, and then lit it. Well, the little fellow had never seen a Roman candle before, and as the balls of fire began to shoot out—puff! . . . there went one—puff! . . . there went another—the little boy became frightened and started screaming, “Daddy, Daddy, what shall I do with it? What shall I do with it?” And all the while the balls of fire were shooting out—puff! . . . puff!—until they were all gone, and in his hands the little boy held only the charred remains.

Countless untold millions of people in this fast-paced culture of ours stand holding life in their hands and crying figuratively, “What shall I do with it? What shall I do with it?” until life has run out for them and all that is left is the charred remains of frustration, bitterness, and boredom. All attempts to justify their existence have ended in failure. Recently I attended a memorial service for a man who lived over 100 years on this earth, and his life was definitely like a glorious Roman Candle on the Fourth of July. He had learned at a very early age how to live life so that all his days had meaning and purpose. He lived Jesus’ admonition in Matthew 20: 26b-28:

(Continued on page 4)

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Anna M, daughter of Wanda M, graduated from Cocalico High School and Willow Street CTC in June. She received a German award and was involved in Skills USA. Her activities at Bergstrasse have included acolyte, choir, handbells, lector and youth group. Anna will be attending HACC in the fall, and then attending Penn State. Blake R, son of Bryan and Brenda R, graduated from Ephrata High School in June. Blake’s activities at Bergstrasse have included acolyte and youth activities.

If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, he must be your slave—like the Son of Man, who did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.

Justified by grace through faith, this centenarian answered the call from God to serve others in the name of Christ, and so lived out the justification of his existence for over 100 years. He lived a life with meaning and purpose and was a blessing to many. So can we. There is nothing to hold us back. We too are justified by God’s grace through faith, granted in our baptism, and called to live lives of purpose and meaning serving others in Christ’s name. So, let us go in peace and serve the Lord! Pastor Herb

(Pastor’s message continued from page 3)

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Worship participants for July

Ushers Communion Ushers July 1

Altar Guild

July

Ben and Polly G Harold C

Clarence W, Jr.

Almanara B Clarence W, Jr.

Jane P Darlene K

July Sundays 9:30 AM Worship 24 9:00 AM Stitches of Love

July 1 8 15 22 29

Greeter Jean F Chad and Kathy L

Paul and Evelyn M

Almanara B

Erma S

Kathryn and Nancy S

Lector Selma H Peggy R

Curt H Chad L Polly G

Acolyte Anna M Annalin B Brooke S Anna M Kendall M

Nursery Kathy L Megan A Wanda and Kendall M

Lisa and Brooke S Kathy L

Counters Lyman and Selma H

Dave and Jean W

Dave and Jean W

Bonnie G Sandy S Bonnie G Sandy S

Organist Gail S Anne L Gail S Anne L Gail S

Flowers Donna D Bonnie G

Bulletin Neil S

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Worship participants for August

Ushers Communion Ushers

August 5

Altar Guild

August

John G Peggy R Deb B Ron M

Lyman H Chris A Jane P

Jane Darlene K

August Sundays 9:30 AM Worship 18 10:00 AM Carnival 26 9:30 AM Bergstrasse’s 260th anniversary With Rev. Karl Kreuger, Ph.D. to talk about Henry Melchior Muhlenberg 28 9:00 AM Stitches of Love

August 5 12 19 26

Greeter Jane P Darlene K Lisa S Sandy S

Lector Cleone R Deb B Anne L Chris A

Acolyte Blake R Justin C Brandon R Jordan C

Nursery Megan A Wanda and Kendall M

Lisa and Brooke S Kathy L

Counters Lyman and Selma H Lyman and Selma H Dave and Jean W Dave and Jean W

Organist Gail S Gail S Anne L Anne L

Flowers Deb B Donna D

Bulletin Bonnie G Jean F Vera S

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Once again, a big thank you to Nevin R and Inez H for their gardening talents. Nevin’s flowers along the west side of the church are beautiful. Every year he outdoes himself planting and caring for this carpet of color. How does he do it? Someone says it takes “lots of hard work and twenty-five loads of manure.” We all know what that means in Pennsylvania Dutch country. Nevin’s love of flowers as part of God’s creation shows. He even planted some geraniums at the new flag pole.

A big thank you to Inez H for planting and caring for the McCracken Memorial area. It has never looked better. There is a new knock-out rose bush in front of the angel that is covered with beautiful rose blossoms—a very nice addition. Inez’s garden and her love of flowers as part of God’s creation makes the memorial area a wonderful summer setting for meditation and/or prayer. Thank you to the Tuesday Boys for painting and replacing ceiling tile in the lower level hallways and one of the Sunday School classrooms. Little by little this much needed upgrade is being accom-plished. And thank you to all the fellows who turned out for the recent Saturday work day. The guys leveled the ground piles below the lower parking lot and filled low spots in the cemetery. And finally, a big thank you to Mary K for feeding the work day workers. All of these folks are helping keep our grounds and facilities well cared for. We are being good stewards of all that God has given us.

This is Bergstrasse

Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church was established on May 18, 1752 when twelve men from the Lutheran Church in Earltown (now New Holland) chose the present site and each signed a covenant declaring their intention to build a new church here.

The document for purchase of the land is dated March 5, 1753 and the actual deed for the property was received February 27, 1762.

The first pastor, in 1753 and 1754, was Johann Theophilus Engelland, a Lutheran minister who also occasionally preached at Lancaster. In the years following, pastors who served Bergstrasse also served New Holland and later included Muddy Creek and several other churches in the area in their service.

Next: The Church Buildings

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July 1 canned meats / tuna 8 laundry soap 15 peanut butter / jelly 22 pancake mix / syrup 29 cereal August 5 toothpaste / brushes / deodorant / powder 12 spaghetti / sauce 19 instant potatoes / rice 26 kool aid / juice

Balance as of 5/31/12 General Fund $11,093.02 Improvement Fund $16,901.80 Mission Plus $50,609.44 Mission Plus 2 $ 2,657.47 Parsonage Secty Dep/ Memorial Fund $ 1,738.12 Handicap Accessible $ 745.00 Organ Fund $ 107.92 Deficit $1,199.44

Glenn B Lyman H Terry H Shirley M Alex R Dennis R Polly S Erma S Clarence W, Jr. Richard A Nancy A (Mildred W’s daughter) Connie A (Lisa C’s aunt) Doris B John B Clyde B Joe C (Lisa C’s husband) Sandy D (Ron D’s mother) Theresa D Rachel E (friend of Annalin B) Naomi G (Jane P’s mother) Samuel Hy (Lyman and Ron H’s brother) Addison H (Wendy H’s granddaughter) Henry K Troy K (Barry and Darlene K’s son) Don L (Pastor L’s father) Wanda L (friend of Deb B)

Lucas M (Mary D’s neighbor) Will M Diann M (friend of Deb B) Ruth M (Darlene K’s sister) Martha R (Mary Ann S’s mother in Bangladesh) Susan R Terry S (Polly G’s nephew) Roxanne S Thelma S (Jean F’s sister) Lori S June S Lauren T Ruth T (Darlene K’s aunt) Gladys W

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Bergstrasse Lutheran Church

Council Minutes Highlights

May 14, 2012

Members Present: Chris A, Almanara B, Brad H, Selma H, Darlene K, Chad L, Pastor L, Jane P, Clarence W

Jr.,

Members Absent: Randy R

The meeting was called to order by : President Chad L who opened with a prayer

Minutes of the April 9, 2012 were approved.

Treasurer's Report: No major concerns, Offering is looking good.

Committee Reports

Cemetery: Map project is proceeding. Maj Winters showcase was discussed – possible spot by the

front door.

: Mowing contractor has been contacted for unsettled issues – Chris A will continue to call

: Committee has requested a member from Property to be present at Cemetery meeting

Christian Education: Last Sunday School class was held for the summer. Almanara B & Donna D. have

retired as teachers. Sunday School low attendance issue was

discussed, looking for options & suggestions to keep Sunday School open.

Property: Fixed some tombstone, pulled stumps, moved remainder of dirt, mulched flower beds.

Replacement of ceiling tiles in basement continue.

Work day set for June 9th @ 7:30 start – lunch will be provided

: replace in ground oil tanks to indoor tanks

: replace tower lights to LED lights

: replace sexton's house windows in near future

Music & Worship: Ordered larger & longer acolyte robes

: Planning for a 260th anniversary service

Unfinished Business: Wedding request for Sept 1st for Katie K - Motion approved

: Discussed possible “Vision Group” committee members- looking for about 5

Book Study – Studied ½ of Chapter #3

Pastor's Report – Request 14 days of vacation June 18 to July 1. Motion approved

: Barb Yeakal is listed on members list – has requested to transfer membership to

Ephrata Church of The Brethren. Motion approved

: Rev Herbener has asked Pastor Lohr to serve as Hospital/Crisis Visitation for Trinity

Lutheran Church of New Holland while they search for a new pastor. Pastor Herb

would give reimbursements to the organ fund. Motion approved

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: Pipe Organ update – Anne & Herb L bought two ranks of organ pipes and a

Swell Shade motor. These were purchased at no expense to the congregation

: Richard S is back from Bangladesh and will report his work on June 10 at

morning service. Enough funding to return Richard to the mission field will have

been secured by the end of June. The ELCA Global Mission's people will be

arranging for his return shortly thereafter.

Next Meeting June 11th @ 7:00 pm

Respectfully submitted by Brad Hagen , Council Secretary

Council Minutes Highlights

June 11, 2012

Members Present: Chris A, Almanara B, Brad H, Selma H, Darlene K, Chad L, Pastor Herb L, Jane P,

Clarence W Jr.

Members Absent: Randy R

Treasurer's Report:We are at break-even on our offering, good shape considering summertime.

Committee Reports

Cemetery: Mowing company will be reviewed in the July meeting. Cemetery Committee moved that

Maj. Winters Display case to be built in the Narthex. -

Christian Education:Suggesting that Youth and children classes be combined – idea will be taken under

advisement.

Finance: Budget topic needed for next year budget

Property: Work day was held on Sat. June 9th – dirt was moved, tombstones were repaired, burned scrap

couches, ceiling tiles replaced. Property so moved to remove buried oil tank and install 2 ea

275 gal. Tanks in craft room. Price at $1825. Funds will come from Improvement Fund.

:Bids are being secured for floor replacement – up & downstairs

Music & Worship: August 26th will have special service to honor Bergstrasse's 260th annv. With a

history of early Bergstrasse pastors & etc. by Dr. Kruger. Also, music by Chester County

Choral Society.

:Music & Worship so moved that we buy new numbers for Hymnal Chart in the

sanctuary

:Kids Carnival Aug 18th - Tentative

Unfinished Business: Building Use Policy is finished and ready to be put into action

:Yard Sale moved to June 30th , rain or shine

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Congratulations to those with July/August birthdays: July 1 Dave W Ben G 3 Terry H Jerry T 4 Pat H 5 Earl E 8 Michelle H 9 Lisa S 13 Darlene K Miriam H 15 Vera S 17 Gail S 18 Kayla S 20 Sandy E 21 Kathy L 29 Sandy S 31 Randy R August 1 Susan H 3 Bonnie G 6 Wanda M 13 Kendall M 17 Shirley M

20 Mary K Donna D 24 Neil S 31 Chris W Anniversaries July 1 Ben and Polly G 5 Lawrence and Mitsuko R 15 Ron and Donna D August 19 Joe and Lisa C

New Business: It has been noted that offering envelopes placed in the offering plates are being

processed with one check and directions are also accompanying them as to how to

direct the money to several different accounts. In order for your requests to be credited

to the proper account, please enclose a separate check for each account that you would

like for your financial giving to go to.

Pastor's Report – Pastor will be on vacation June 18th to July 1st Pastor Martin Swartz will cover

both Sundays June 24th & July 1st

:Member Tina E has requested that a letter of transfer to be sent to Mt. Eden Ev.

Lutheran Church in Quarryville, Pa. Tina lives much closer to that church.

: Emily K, a member of one of my previous parishes and Imad B of

Seattle, Wa have asked Pastor Lohr to perform their marriage at the home of the bride

on Saturday, July 14th. This will be a Christian & Muslim ceremony.

Respectfully submitted by Brad H , Council Secretary

260th Anniversary at Bergstrasse

August 26 9:30 AM

Special music from the Chester County Choral Society. Guest pastor, The Rev. Karl Krueger, Ph.D. from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadel-phia will remember and reflect on one of our founding fathers, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.

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Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church

9 Hahnstown Road Ephrata, PA 17522

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Our mission at Bergstrasse is to widen the community of people who know, love, and follow God.