online at alcsyracuse.org Volume 42 No 6

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Monthly

Messenger June, 2019 ATONEMENT

LUTHERAN CHURCH 116 W. Glen Avenue Syracuse, NY 13205 CHURCH OFFICE Phone: 315-492-9065 Fax: 315-492-1206

PASTOR:

Pastor Dana Smith (315) 492-9065 Emergency #: 315-925-7746 prsmith@alcsyracuse.org

SOUTH VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN (SVPC): Pastor Beth DuBois (315) 469-0946 svpcpastor@gmail.com

ATONEMENT MINISTRIES ADMINISTRATOR Laura Light (315) 492-9065 laura.light@alcsyracuse.org

CHILD CARE CENTER 315-492-7407 childcare@alcsyracuse.org MESSENGER SUBMISSIONS: Laura Light Laura.Light@alcsyracuse.org or place in Laura’s mailbox in the Church Office by the middle of the preceding month.

If you have an email address, please sign up for digital receipt of the Messenger. It is so much more beautiful in color! laura.light@alcsyracuse.org

JUNE WORSHIP SCHEDULE @ Atonement

Sunday June 2nd & 9th,

Worship: 8:30 and 10:45 am

Education Hour (all ages) @ 9:30 am

“SUMMER SCHEDULE BEGINS”

Sunday June 16th , 23rd & 30th

Worship at 8:30 am & Joint Worship at 10:00 am in the Chapel with SVPC

Wednesday Nights @ 6 p.m.

“All are Welcome”

Neighborhood Dinner with Worship

June 2019

You might have heard me tell this story before, but it’s a good one, so bear with me. A

few years ago, I read an article about this group home down South and it had changed over time

from being an orphanage to serving any children in need. As you might imagine they dealt with

some heartbreaking stories. This was hard work, with children who needed this love and care

desperately, and had grown up in such more situations. The reporter writing the story asked the

director how the staff stayed positive and upbeat after dealing with the stress of handling that

kind of pain all the time, how they handled these heart wrenching stories day in and day out.

And the director shared, “You have to keep a sense of humor.” Then she showed the reporter a

file in her desk where she kept an anonymous collection of cute or funny things the children had

said or done. “Whenever I get over-whelmed,” she said, “I just open this drawer and read a few

of these and I feel better.” The article hand printed a few of the things the kids had said, and one

stuck in my mind all this time, it was from a boy around the age of 9 who said: “Germs, germs

germs, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. That’s all I ever hear about around here and I ain’t never seen either

one of them.”

And isn’t that the problem that many of us face? That we haven’t seen Jesus? As we cel-

ebrate the festival of Pentecost – this is something that the followers of Jesus were facing as

well. God knows that now that Jesus has died, rose and ascended into heaven, that the followers

of Christ don’t have a tangible human to look at anymore – they don’t have a Rabbi and Teach-

er, a Messiah that they can hug and touch and actually follow around. They were left with only

his words and lessons for them. And by the time they find themselves in their little start up

Christian community – they have forgotten a lot of what Jesus promised them – they have for-

gotten that he said he was going to solve their ,”never seeing Jesus problem.” Jesus had prom-

ised them the Holy Spirit, and on Pentecost he delivers.

It is likely that the disciples heard those words, they heard Jesus promise to send them the

Spirit to send them an Advocate and they probably looked at each other quizzically and then –

nodded as if they understood when they really didn’t, and then – promptly forgot what he said.

And you can admit it, we are all too familiar with this; it’s what we all do when our spouse or

boss or teacher or significant other tells us things we don’t understand and don’t care enough

about to ask for clarification, and so we do the old, nod and ok. And then we promptly forget

all about it.

“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send

you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the

Holy Spirit. [John 20:21-22 NRSV]

“When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warn-ing there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through

their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them. [Acts 2:1-4 MSG]

So, they kind of forgot about it, they forgot about what Jesus had said about the Holy

Spirit, that he was sending them an answer. Then with the whole death, resurrection, going

into hiding, seeing Jesus again for a few weeks and finally his Ascension, with all of that oc-

curring, they forget his promise of the Holy Spirit. And here the disciples are, minding their

own little, insignificant, Messianic Christian, storefront cult business, singing hymns and

praying and still hiding out from the authorities when: WHOOSH! Jesus’ promise of a Spirit

of Truth comes true. Noise, wind, fire, voices shouting, movement, out of control religious

excitement.

So while we might not have that same experience on Pentecost, the church was born

in answer to the problem of talking about Jesus without being able to see him. “Germs,

germs, germs, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. That’s all I hear about around here and I ain’t never seen

either one of them”. Though I understand what that young man was talking about, I would

beg to differ. He saw Jesus every day in the very existence of that home, built and supported

by the Church. He saw Jesus every day in the people who bathed, fed, disciplined, taught and

loved him.

And that’s true for us as well. We see Jesus in the church as well. The church is both

a place and a people. It is a place and a people where Jesus is not just talked about but is

shown to the world. It’s a place that has the love of God soaked into the walls.

It is not by accident that the New Testament constantly refers to the church as the

body of Christ. Too often we think of the church in personal terms, in terms of what am I get-

ting out of it, of how am I being fed, of how are my needs being met, etc. To think that is to

misunderstand the nature of the church. The church was born out of the Holy Spirit, born out

of the promise kept by Jesus to send us an Advocate to send us a way to see Jesus while he’s

not physically present with us. The church is a work of the Holy Spirit in the world. We

here, both the building and the people – we are a work of the Holy Spirit in the world.

So let’s get to moving, let’s get to witnessing, let’s get to shouting! Let’s make some

noise in this place and share that the Holy Spirit is here and is working! It’s time to throw

open the doors and invite other people to see God who can feel so hidden at times! It’s time

to be the face of Christ for the world, so that they only thing they are left not being able to

see are germs! It’s time! Let’s celebrate that first church by embracing the story of Pente-

cost, by feeling the fire of the Spirit and sharing it with those who need it!

Blessings,

The Rev. Dana Smith, Pastor

Our youth said “Farewell” to Jeff LaDuca during this may’s youth group. They and we have been so thankful and

blessed by his involvement with the youth. Thanks Jeff! We are all going to miss you lots! (Check out some pictures

of their surprise of mini golfing with him!)

We also offered a blessing and sending for Jeff at each of our Worship services on May 26th, where congregation

members could offer their thanks for Jeff’s ministry here at Atonement over the years. Then we blessed him together

on his next journey. We wish him much luck!

Upcoming Youth Events:

June 28th-29th - Lock-in for 7th through 12th graders (See Pastor Dana for permission

slip)

July 2nd — Gaga tournament (for 7th –12th graders @ St. Mark’s Baldwinsville

August 4th –8th (6pm-8pm) Vacation Church School! Don’t miss out! Older youth

can assist!

August 2nd—Movie Night! (The whole conference is invited!)

September 22nd—Mission Project at Vanderkamp (see Mrs. Doris for more info)

Outdoor Evening Movie Nights

First Fridays:

July 5th- @ 8pm Lion King

August 2nd—@8pm Bed Knobs and Broom Sticks

September 6th- @8pm Batteries not included

Wednesdays (following dinner):

July 24th—TBD

August 14th- TBD

September 18th- TBD

Pentecost—Sunday June 9th!

Sunday School Year End Celebration

Come join us for the last Sunday school class of the summer! We’ll celebrate with some special treats!

Don’t forget to wear the color RED!

Worship Volunteers!

We are running low on people to help during worship services!

This is one of the many opportunities for you to volunteer at Atonement! If you are interested in participating in worship in

this way, please see Karen Douglass to be added to the list!

We need: Acolytes : responsibilities include lighting the candles, collecting offering plates, collecting cups at communion, putting out the candles at the end of worship Readers: responsible for reading one Scripture reading during worship Worship Assistant: responsibilities include leading prayers, scripture readings, assisting with communion Communion Assistants: responsible for helping to share the communion elements Altar Care: responsible for washing and putting away our communion ware at the end of worship

Save the Date!

August 4th—8th

6pm –8pm

WHOOOSH: Take Flight to Where God Leads You! is the

2019 Abingdon Press VBS! Participants will be encour-

aged to allow God to lead them as they journey to places

of freedom, fun, and opportunity, remembering God’s

miracles as they go.

Volunteer Meeting : June 3rd @6pm

JUNE 2019

Develop a heart of generosity

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Acts 20:35b

A friend who regularly volunteers to serve meals to the needy illustrates the truth of Jesus’ teaching.

“It’s so rewarding to help,” she says, explaining that the time and hard work is worth it. “I think I get more out of it

than they do.”

It feels good to give, but we are blessed with so much more when we give generously. The act of giving truly bless-

es us by shaping our personalities and developing our character. That’s a truth affirmed by research. (Check out

“The Science of Generosity” white paper from the University of California at Berkeley, or “The Science of Generosi-

ty Initiative” at Notre Dame University!)

Generous people tend to be the kind of good folk we want as friends and neighbors. We often think of generosity

only in terms of financial giving, but generous people go way beyond that, embodying generosity with all they have

and all they are. They are not merely generous, they are generous-hearted.

Anyone can develop a generous heart, or a more generous heart. Begin by deepening your relationship with God,

seeking guidance and wisdom in daily prayer. Then simply begin to pour yourself out for the sake of others, giving

generously as a spiritual exercise and discipline. Here are five action steps:

Give smiles. Smile at everyone you see. You may be surprised at how it changes your outlook.

Give nice words. Say something nice to everyone – family and friends, coworkers, parishioners, store clerks, folks

in an elevator.

Give courtesy. Hold a door open for the person behind you; stop for pedestrians; let someone go ahead of you in

line.

Give your time. Serve people face-to-face: tutor schoolchildren, serve meals, visit a shut-in, teach ESL, volunteer at

a homeless shelter.

Give your resources: Slowly increase your giving to God’s ministry. Make tithing a long-term goal.

Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive. When we give our time, talents and possessions, God blesses us

by developing in us a generous heart.

--Rob Blezard

Copyright © 2019, Rev. Robert Blezard. Reprinted by permission.

Pastor Blezard works as content editor for www.stewardshipoflife.org and serves as an assistant to the bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod and. He blogs at www.thestewardshipguy.com.

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Do you have opinions on money? Youth? Inviting people? Or even our property?

Then do we have an opportunity for you! We are looking for new team members for our committees!

Being a part of a committee is an easy and wonderful way to serve your church and community! Most com-

mittee’s meet less than once a month and truly won’t overburden your time. As a member of a committee

you would help make decisions easier for our Council, by fleshing out ideas based around your committee

theme, coming up with solutions and providing the reasons why these are the best options. You’d also give a

helping hand in planning events, welcoming new people and taking care of our beautiful property. There are

lots of roles available for all skill levels and time availability on all of our teams. You can help with things as

easy as writing welcome cards to visitors to helping plan and support Vacation Bible School. We need you in

order to be a functioning and vibrant place!

If you have questions about a committee or wish to share your time and talents with one, please see the fol-

lowing people.

Stewardship – TBD

Finance – Karen Douglass

Youth/ Christian Education – Doris Plochko and Elizabeth Soe

Outreach – Lynn Strumlok

Property – Craig Miller, Laura Light, Kevin Smith

Worship and Music – Karen Douglass

Visitation Team – Lynn Strumlok, Karen Douglass, Harold Wilber

BEGINNING SUNDAY JUNE 16TH

…….

Worship Services will be on “Summer Schedule”

Regular Worship at 8:30 a.m.

and

Joint Service at 10:00 a.m.

in the Chapel with the SVPC

Do you have a Facebook page?

Then don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook! You can find the church page at: Atonement Lutheran Church @alcsyracuse Check out our page to see up-dates, invitations to events happening around our communi-ty and the newest of pictures of our community!

*Important Phone Number*

If you need to reach Pastor Dana for an emergency or when the office is not open,

you can use the following num-ber any time:

(315) 925-7746 If for some reason Pastor Dana is not

available this line can also be answered by Pastor Beth .

Please do not hesitate to call if you have been hospitalized,

are in need of spiritual support, or need to speak to a Pastor immediately. If not answered immediately, someone will

call you back soon. Feel free to give this number to anyone

within our church community.

Do you know how many

opportunities there are

for you to volunteer

around Atonement?

Lots! With a reduction in staff there is

way too much for one pastor to do! So we need you! Please consider volunteering to help with one of the

following: -Setting up communion -Unlocking and opening the building -Making coffee and setting up fellowship time -Donating baked goods for fellowship time -Cleaning up after Wednesday Night Dinners -Closing up the building -Youth mentoring -Filling candles in the Sanctuary -Changing linens on the altar -and many more! Please consider volunteering to help out with these

things around the church! You don’t have to agree to do it every week, but even once in a while is a great help! If you are interested, but don’t know how to do one of these items, just ask and we will find someone to teach you how.

thoughts for

JUNE..…

keep them in mind…

“If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy..”

Follow us on Instagram

@atonementlutheran

Bible, Baked Goods

and Beverage

Our Summer Bible Study is going to meet at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Camillus and will be led by Chris Jones. The first session will be Saturday, June 15th. The study is entitled: “Lessons from Esther.” The first of 3 sessions is entitled “For Such a Time as This: Esther the Queen - Voices in the King’s Court..”

All ladies of the congregation are invited. Anyone needing a ride should call the church

by 8 a.m. the morning of BBB at 315-492-9065.

Our Church Family

At Home or Rehab Center Joanne Claeys Paul Douglass (Karen Douglass’ brother) Kevin Gentry (SVPC) Marcia Gessler Barry Graumenz Jean Graumenz Denise Grimes John Harper Sherry Hothem Tom Irwin Krista LaPoint Colleen Lasky Marva Metz Kelly Monceif (friend of Larry Fuller) Carol Perry (The Hearth in Green Point) Abraham Isaac Saraka (Pr. John & Shannon’s infant) William Smith Barbara Voltz Wae Kaw (Ta Per’s husband) Charmaine Woods (Doris Plochko’s sister)

Ongoing Care and Concern

Josie Abrams (SVPC) Bronwyn Barr Bob & Jim Burke (Brothers of Myron Burke) Beth Ann Collins (Betty Gabriel’s daughter) Harriet Gabriel Janet Haire (SVPC) Sarah Schramm (Carolyn Schramm’s daugh-ter)

Homebound Members and Friends Emilie Bachmann Pat Strong Marion Buermann Claire Varacelli—SVPC Esther Forster Dennis Walker Dina Gerlach (SVPC) Sandra Walters Bobbi Mettler Brenda Wilber

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Couldn’t be simpler…!

Youth Group Friday, June 27th Lock In

(See Pastor Dana for Permission slip)

The Messenger

Atonement Lutheran Church

116 W. Glen Avenue

Syracuse, New York 13205

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