Rooted in the Past; Sheltering the Present; Reaching Out to the Future; Empowered by the God of the Ages

CHURCH NEWSLETTER July 2018

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church

P. O. Box 484 5983 South Main Street Mt. Jackson, VA 22842 (540) 477-2421

mcoffice@shentel.net www.mountcalvaryva.org Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Virginia

Rev. Matthew A. Diehl, Pastor (mtcalrev@shentel.net) Members of Mount Calvary, Ministers

will begin July 1st and continue through August 26th.

9:00 a.m.

WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION

11:00 a.m.

MORNING PRAYER WITH HOLY COMMUNION

The early service will feature a shorter, less formal worship liturgy. The 11 o’clock service will use the ELW’s Morning Prayer (Matins) service. These two service offerings encourage our church family and our visitors to include regular Sunday worship in their summer plans.

Bring your appetite, a lawn chair, and something to add to the picnic table and join your church family for this always enjoyable evening.

“Welcome to our church – even though you’re sitting in our family pew….”

FROM PASTOR DIEHL… “But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe

in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How

beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:14-15

Dear Friends in Christ, When was the last time you talked to someone about Jesus? If we don’t tell others about Jesus, who will? If we don’t reach out to friends and neighbors, family and strangers, and share with them the message of Jesus, then how will they ever hear? A Lifeway Research survey showed that 79% of unchurched people would engage in a faith conver-sation if a friend asked them. And yet, only 39% of Christians said that they shared their faith with some-one in a 6-month period. It would seem that since there are so many who still need to hear about Jesus, too many of us aren’t talking. For six weeks this summer I am going to preach a series of sermons on evangelism with the intent to help us all (including me!) be better equipped and encouraged to share the love of Jesus in a broken and hurting world. The topics for this special six-week series will be the following:

• What is the Gospel?

• My Evangelism: An Assessment

• Obstacles in Evangelism

• Finding My Evangelism “Natural Place”

• Beginning a Gospel Conversation

• The Invitation We are one body, made up of many parts. Without each part, we cannot effectively do what God has called us to do. This is true for evangelism as much as it is for anything else we seek to do. Research has also shown that it typically takes 10-12 “seeds” to be planted before someone comes to believe in Jesus. Our seed might be #8 in a line of 10, but it is no less important. Evangelism is a communal effort. As we work together to share the love of Jesus, we must trust that God’s Spirit is at work. We must be careful to remember that our message is not about us or Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Our message must be about a God who came into the world to reconcile it to God’s self. Our witness requires our participation and commitment. Wouldn’t it be exciting to see how God can use YOU and ME to tell someone else about Jesus? Let’s make the most of every moment to share the love of Jesus with those around us. We are reminded in scripture that there is much joy in heaven when even one sinner repents.

Contrary to what many of us think or have heard, evangelism isn’t difficult. It’s just that we (myself included) have perhaps grown too casual in taking opportunities to share our faith with others. Nevertheless, we are often given opportunities to “evangelize” if we have eyes to see them.

I hope these six weeks together in worship focusing on evangelism will help us all to become better equipped and confident in sharing the love of

Jesus among all those with whom we interact. God has gifted each of us with the tools to share God’s love with others. So, let’s learn some more about those tools and get to work – together!

I look forward to greeting you in church next Sunday. Peace in the Lord,

JUNE 25th The June Council meeting was held Monday evening, June 25th, in the church social hall. The following were present: Pastor Diehl, Rebecca Diehl, Susan Foltz, Mary Ann Mahoney, Anita Miller, Barb Pifer, and Kay Whetzel. Lynn Holtzman, John Minnick, Joe Proctor, and Judy Fultz (church treasurer) were unable to attend. The agenda included the following announcements: Pastor Diehl reported that he received the Deed of Gift from Attorney Paul Neal

for the land Pastor Senger gifted to Mount Calvary. All resulting fees were paid

by Pastor Senger.

Vacation Bible School was well attended. The Christian Education Committee

will be meeting later to evaluate VBS and make suggestions for next year.

Pastor Diehl, Heather, and Rebecca will leave Wednesday, June 27th for the

National Youth Gathering held in Houston, Texas. They will return Sunday,

July 1st.

The vocal and handbell choirs will be taking the summer off. Rehearsals will

resume in September. Submitted by Barb Pifer, Council Secretary

Thank you all for the cards, visits, and flowers during the recent passing of Dollie Frye. She truly loved her church. A special thank you to Pastor Diehl for his care during the past year.

– The Frye Family

Mount Calvary members and Meal and Fellowship Committee, I will never forget your kindness. Thank you so much for your many contributions

toward the service during Mom’s recent passing.

Sincerely,

Becky Heishman To my church family,

Thank you for the many cards, phone calls, hugs, and all the good wishes I received for

my birthday. Your friendship is a gift I enjoy and value all year long. Mickey Williams

QUILTERS GUILD

Again, Mount Calvary’s Quilters Guild has had a busy, productive year of selecting and cutting fabric, pinning and sewing patches and hems, and tying knots. In July, 40 of their quilts will be taken to the Lutheran World Relief warehouse

in New Windsor, Maryland. Those quilts join

hundreds of quilts from many other churches to

be sent to individuals and families, bringing warmth and comfort to lives disrupted by natural

disasters or civic unrest. Last year, the Guild’s LWR quilts were sent to Georgia, giving comfort to those affected by several tornadoes which hit the state. In addition to the quilts for LWR, the nine members of the Quilters Guild also created seven more quilts to auction, sell, or donate, bringing this year’s total to 47 quilts. Since its organization eleven years ago, Mount Calvary’s Quilters Guild has created a total of 510 quilts, an astounding number for this small, obviously dedicated group!

PARTICIPANT SUMMARY 2018 Vacation Bible School

Sunday-Thursday, June 17-21

PRIMARY (Pre-K - Grade 2)

ELEMENTARY (Grades 3-6)

YOUTH & ADULT

Class participants 10 6 6

VBS Teachers, Dinner Staff, Center Leaders, and VBS Helpers

22

TOTAL 44

June Hyde Crystal Minnick

Mary Ann Mahoney Debbie Price

Pat McKee Kay Whetzel

Anita Miller Mickey Williams

Barb Pifer (Chairperson)

As always, thank you for your care and support of OCC!

John Minnick

July 2, 1865 The Salvation Army was founded.

July 4, 1861 Samual Smith composed “America” using a German tune, not knowing the tune was also used for “God Save the Queen.”

July 4, 1831 The Liberty Bell cracked tolling the death of Chief Justice John Marshall. July 11, 1786 Ambrose Henkel, founder of The Henkel Press, was born.

July 16, 1505 Martin Luther celebrated with his friends before entering the monastery the next day. July 25, 325 The First Council of Nicea – origin of the Nicene Creed – concluded. July 27, 1516 Martin Luther preached for the first time about indulgences.

July 30, 1956 By act of Congress, “In God We Trust” became the official motto of the United States.

First Reading Lamentations 3:22-23 First Reading Jeremiah 23:1-6 The Psalm Psalm 30 The Psalm Psalm 23 Second Reading 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Second Reading Ephesians 2:11-22 The Holy Gospel Mark 5:21-43 The Holy Gospel Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

First Reading Ezekiel 2:1-5 First Reading 2 Kings 4:42-44

7-10 The Psalm Psalm 123 The Psalm Psalm 145:10-18 Second Reading 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Second Reading Ephesians 3:14-21 The Holy Gospel Mark 6:1-13 The Holy Gospel John 6:1-21 When the great promise of the Spirit was fulfilled

on the day of Pentecost, it was fulfilled not in reference to the apostles only.

Charles Hodge (1797-1878) Presbyterian theologian

First Reading Amos 7:7-15 The Psalm Psalm 85:8-13 Second Reading Ephesians 1:3-14 The Holy Gospel Mark 6:14-29

SUMMARY OF THE

2018 VIRGINIA

SYNOD ASSEMBLY Only By Grace Can We Stand

Synod Assembly is our annual opportunity for the 150 congregations of the Virginia Synod to come together and be reminded what it means to be a part of the wider church. Our theme during our June 8-10, 2018 gathering was “Only by Grace Can We Stand”. During the weekend, Bishop Humphrey, helped explore the theme for the Assembly based off of Ephesians 2:19-21, with three keynote presentations that led into small group time. During small groups participants at Assembly were encouraged to get to know Lutherans and congregations from around the state and to share their experiences as church together. They also discussed and shared their opinions on the current format for the Assembly, and shared ideas for how future Assemblies could take shape. The Rev. Ron Glusenkamp, the director of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, was present at this year’s Assembly to represent the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, bringing good news from the wider church. The Rev. John Wertz Jr. was joined by The Rev. Stephen Bohannon, acting as the Roving Reporter to deliver a report for the ongoing ForwardingFaith campaign. It was announced that to date we have reached our $2.5 million goal which was set not by the need, but rather what the synod could raise. We are continuing to encourage more congregations join in holding their own appeals as part of the campaign, seeking to stretch our total as high as $4 million. Future campaign training events are being planned now. Thank you to all the congregations and members who have helped us exceed our basic goal for ForwardingFaith. Elections also took place over the weekend with Dan Kahill, of Christ in Roanoke was elected as the Virginia Synod Council Treasurer. The Rev. Lauren Miller of Peace in Charlottesville was elected to serve as clergy member following her appointment to the Synod Council earlier this year. Tyler Wertman of Grace in Waynesboro, The Rev. Jonathan Boynton of Grace in Winchester, and The Rev. Leslie Scanlon of Grace in Chesapeake are the newly elected members joining Synod Council. Elections for the 2019 Churchwide Assembly also took place with The Rev. Kathryn Pocalyko of Our Saviour in Richmond, The Rev. Phyllis Milton of Gloria Dei in Hampton, Hunter Simpkins of Grace in Chesapeake, Mycha McNett of Muhlenberg in Harrisonburg, Deacon Christine Van O’Linda Huffman of St. Michael in Virginia Beach, Megan Crummitt of St. Paul’s in Hampton, Todd Recupero of Trinity in Newport News, The Rev. Martha Miller Sims of Grace in Winchester, and The Rev. Tim Crummitt St. Paul’s in Hampton all being elected to serve. One resolution was passed over the weekend, memorializing the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination in the Lutheran Church. Lutheran Family Services of Virginia Hearts & Hands award winners were recognized during this year’s Synod Assembly. Kim Begnaud of Trinity in Stephens City received the silver award, Jane Perry of Zion in Edinburg received the Gold award, and Karen Murphy of Bethlehem in Lynchburg was presented with the Diamond award. The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick, Assistant to the Bishop, and Deacon Lisa Geiger, Candidacy Process Administrator, were installed into their new positions in the Synod Office during the Friday afternoon worship service. Isaac Wilson of Christ in Fredericksburg, president of the Lutheran Youth Organization, presented the Youth Assembly report, centered on the Youth Assembly theme of “Who Stands by Me?”. He shared a summary of this year’s Youth Assembly, and raised up aspects of the current Assembly format the youth feel are important as the format is reviewed for future assemblies. The incoming LYO Board president will be Turner Barger of Epiphany in Richmond.

♥ Terry and Gloria Chambers ♥ Susan Foltz ♥ Dwight Frye

♥ Eleanor Funkhouser ♥ Frances Gerow ♥ Jeanette Jones

♥ Bill Lloyd ♥ Stephanie Melbourne ♥ Emma Smith

♥ Geraldine Whetzel ♥ Kay Whetzel ♥ Mickey Williams

♥ William Ballance, former pastor of Mount Calvary ♥ Lauren Barnett,

daughter of Tammy Barnett ♥ Lorenzo Bean, husband of Dorothy Bean

♥ Bob Blackburn, brother-in-law of Anita Miller ♥ Victoria Bohus, friend

of Bucky Miller ♥ Alice Coffelt, friend of Reba Thompson ♥ Christopher

Diehl, cousin of Pastor Diehl ♥ Ginger Estes, sister of Robin Frye

♥ Mary Beth Foltz, sister-in-law of G.B. and Susan Foltz ♥ Carol

Griffin, sister-in-law of Jill Griffin ♥ Mike Grim, son of Dorothy Bean

♥ Larry Heltebran, step-father of Steve Povlish ♥ Daryl Kingree,

nephew of Donnie Pifer ♥ Dick Krol, friend of Kay Whetzel ♥ Shirley Leake, friend of

Mickey Williams ♥ Matt Long, father of Stella Long ♥ Barbara McDonald, aunt of

Lisa McDonald Miller ♥ Johnny McDonald, brother of Lisa McDonald Miller ♥ Spencer

McIntosh, father of Noel Frye ♥ Shirley McWilliams, niece of Frances Gerow

♥ Donna Painter, friend of the G.B. Foltz family ♥ Linda Ryman, sister of Paul

Ryman ♥ Wilson Ryman, friend of G.B. and Susan Foltz ♥ Kenneth Scruggs, son of

Pat McKee ♥ Pastor Franklin Senger, former pastor of Mount Calvary ♥ Ann

Thompson Shirkey, friend of G.B. and Susan Foltz ♥ Barbara Steele, mother of Pam

Steele ♥ Neil Showalter, friend of Donnie Pifer ♥ Charlie Stephens, father of Regina

Clements ♥ Heather Taylor, friend of Bucky Miller, Donnie Pifer, and Roger Rudy

♥ Ryan Tomoff, friend of Susan Foltz ♥ Naomi Wine, friend of Mickey Williams

♥ Nancy Zirkle, friend of Jane Grant Burner

Sunday Offering

Received* Worship Attendance May 27 47 $2,727 June 3 31 $5,286

June 10 39 $2,940 June 17 61 $2,302 June 24 58 $1,781

Averages 47.2 $3,007.20 *Budget needs per week: $3,345