The Chimes July/August 2015

Saint Paul’s Summer Worship Schedule (In effect through Rally Day, September 13)

Sunday

9:30 am: Holy Communion

Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 415 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore, PA 19003

The Rev. Dr. Harry W. McDowell II, Senior Pastor The Rev. Laura Tancredi, Associate Pastor

610-642-3211 610-658-3262 (fax) www.stpaulsardmore.com

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“God’s work. Our hands.”

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015

Day of service

& Rally Day Picnic!

Nearly 10,000 congregations of the Lutheran

Church will gather to serve communities in ways

that share the love of God with all of God’s

people.

The Chimes, the newsletter of Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, is published for the inspiration, education and entertainment of its members and friends. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Just mail, e-mail or deliver them to the church office.

The next issue of The Chimes will be published on Tuesday, August 25. Your articles are due in the office no later than noon on Tuesday, August 18. Thank you! Ch

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Pastor’s

Letter

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I am very happy that I am able to share with you an exciting event coming up at St. Paul’s! As part of our 250th Anniversary, Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber will be speaking at St. Paul’s on Friday, October 2nd. The event will begin at 6:30 that evening. A former stand-up comic turned pastor, Nadia Bolz-Weber is a renowned speaker, who founded House for All Sinners and Saints, a mission congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Denver. She is the author of Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and Saint, as well as her forthcoming book Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People. Having seen Nadia speak before, I can tell you firsthand that this experience is not to be missed. She is a witty, engaging speaker, but even more than that, she offers a clear articulation of just what it means to be Christian and Lutheran in the 21st century. Many of our youth had the opportunity to see Pastor Bolz-Weber at the 2012 Youth Gathering. As one of them put it, “She’s like a pastor, only cool.” Nadia’s wide appeal to those who may often be marginalized by the church allows her to speak words of grace and welcome to those who we may overlook. She cuts through all the layers to get to the heart of the gospel and proclaim the radical and transformative grace of God. These are the reasons why Nadia Bolz-Weber is such a popular and sought-after speaker in the Lutheran church, and why you should come on October 2nd. These are also the reasons why we are going to require tickets for this event! Because of our limited space at St. Paul’s, we need to make sure we don’t have more people than seats. With how popular Nadia is, people will be coming from near and far to hear her speak, and we want to make sure St. Paul’s members have an opportunity. …continued next page

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Tickets will be available on EventBrite starting July 1st. The full URL is at the end of this article. Tickets are free to St. Paul’s members until August 15th. That is when tickets become available to the public and will cost $10—so be sure to reserve your tickets before August 15th! I know this will be a fun evening and a chance for all of us to consider what our faith means at this historic juncture for our congregation. I look forward to seeing you there! In Christ,

Pastor Laura Tancredi

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nadia-bolz-weber-at-st-pauls-tickets-16979375770

Prayers

Please pray for our men and women in the armed services, especially Mark Allen (son of Carol Henry); Michael Burns (son of Linda and Bob Burns) and Brandon Mader (grandson of Wendy Black). Prayers are also requested for: Tim Bradford (friend of Hazel Pelletreau); Amy Carafa (daughter of Judi DellaBadia); Nathaniel Theodore Chletsos (friend of Amanda Vickrey); Kristen Coffey; Charlotte Conybear; Jennifer DeHardt (friend of Debbie Keyser); Laurie DeWarf, Steve Engh (father of Anita Engh); Kara Granger (friend of Liz Cassidy); Jeff Hayden (friend of Hazel Pelletreau); Bruce Houck (friend of Sandy Farina); Sara Jacobs (friend of Hazel Pelletreau); Barbara Johnson (wife of Jack Johnson); Johanna Karén (granddaughter of Richard & Dorothy Linderman); Frank Lexa (father of Lisa Lexa); Joyce LLana (cousin of Judi DellaBadia); Gregg Martin (brother of Linda Martin); Tobie Monella (friend of Judi DellaBadia); Marion O’Kane (grandmother of Paul Trombello); Hailey Parker (granddaughter of Millie Parker); Walter Proschinger (brother of Christa Scheidly); Mary Simeone (friend of Laurie DeWarf); Delores Stevenson (mother of Debbie Moran); Catherine (friend of Liz Cassidy) and Maya (friend of Debbie Keyser).

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People of St. Paul’s: Barbara Henderson

As noted when we kicked off our People of St. Paul’s series, one way of defining stewardship is our response to God for the gifts that God has given to us. You’ll read elsewhere about financial contributions but contributions of time and talents are an important dimension to our own religious experience. Those contributions can also enrich the experience of our fellow church members and our mission in our local and global communities. That potential for enrichment underlies the Worship + Two initiative. Everyone is encouraged to worship regularly and to contribute in at least two other roles at St. Paul’s.

This month we feature Barbara Henderson, who has contributed in a wide variety of roles from President of Congregation Council to czarina of paper goods. Barb could not take a more personal interest in advocating for and maintaining our sanctuary and grounds if it were her own home and with her family participates fully in life at St. Paul’s.

What first attracted you to St. Paul’s? Bill and I were looking to get married. We were both raised Catholic and after a dismal attempt at finding a priest who would marry us at 4 pm on a Saturday in a Catholic church, we gave up and I asked a work colleague, Mary Beth Cheloha, if I could come to church with her. I tell everyone that I was going to go to both a Lutheran and an Episcopalian church but I never made it past St. Paul’s. I loved that the people sang loudly and all the verses, did not mumble the prayers, and stayed past communion.

When did you join? We started coming in 1991 and joined in 1992. We were married in St. Paul’s by Pastor Treichel in November 1992 – at 4 pm on a Saturday afternoon!

Which volunteer activities have you been involved with? I’ve had the chance to participate in a range of roles in the Sunday worship service – usher, lesson reader, communion assistant and host for coffee fellowship. Apart from Sunday mornings, I have been involved with decorating the

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church, organizing fundraising for youth trips, coordinating kitchen cleanup, planting around the sanctuary, assisting with Vacation Bible School, serving as a member of the Finance and Christian Education Committees and a member of Congregation Council.

What volunteer activities have meant the most to you? I have enjoyed serving as Chair of the Property Committee as it is important to me to keep our house of worship in good working order.

Does your involvement in volunteer activities color your perspective on what it means to be a member of the St. Paul’s community? My involvement in volunteer activities most certainly colors my perspective on what it means to be a member of St. Paul’s. My St. Paul’s family means a lot to me and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without the people of St. Paul’s.

What advice do you have for someone trying to decide whether to get further involved at St. Paul's? I would encourage every person to step up and just help out! As Nike always reminds us – just do it! You learn many things about the church and its people when you volunteer.

Any other thoughts or ideas to share? Church becomes so much more when you are active. Come to worship and get involved.

Thanks to Barb for enriching the St. Paul’s community in so many varied ways!

Congratulations 2015 Graduates

Blake Ertner graduated from Haverford High School. He will be attending Bloomsburg University Business School for Computer Science. Maxwell Frey graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BA in Economics and a certificate in Computer Science. Last month he began a position with Personal Capital in Denver, CO. Justin Kolb graduated from Norristown Area High School. He has enlisted in the Army full-time and leaves for Basic Training in July.

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Upcoming Guest Preachers Sunday, July 19 The Rev. Sanford H. Groff, Jr

Sunday, August 30 The Rev. Elton Richards (Bio on the following page)

Sunday, October 4 The Rev. Wilbert “Wilk” Miller (Note change of date)

Sunday, October 25 The Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger (Commemorative Service)

Upcoming Special Events Friday, October 2 The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber 6:30 pm Tickets available on EventBrite and are free for St. Paul’s members from July 1 – August 15 (4 tickets per member). See Pastor’s Letter for details. Saturday, October 24 Dinner-Dance at St. Davids Golf Club Invitation to follow.

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Guest Preacher: Elton Richards One of the many highlights of our 250th anniversary celebration has been the inspired preaching of our guest pastors, complementing the equally wonderful preaching of our own two pastors. Yet another treat is in store for us as a surprise guest has been added to the list: The Rev. Dr. Elton P. Richards, who will bring the message on August 30. Pastor Richards was raised in Media, graduating from Media High School in 1950 and from Dickinson College in 1954. One month before starting law school he was drafted into the U.S. Army and spent most of his two-year duty dribbling a basketball around Europe. When he returned home, he shocked his parents and his college classmates by announcing his intention to go to seminary. After a short stint at the Conwell School of Theology at Temple University, his mother introduced him to the pastor of the new Lutheran mission church in Media. A visit to the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia was arranged. At the interview the seminary had no transcript of college grades and was confronted by the reality that the candidate was still a Methodist. Acceptance to the school was probationary on the condition that Mr. Richards be assigned to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ardmore for his introduction to Lutheranism. A handful of longtime St. Paul’s members will remember Pastor Richards when he was a beloved intern here. Even then his sermons were riveting and often laced with humor, adding to their appeal. Pastor Richards remained at St. Paul's for three years during his seminary training. Upon his ordination in 1959 he was called to be the Assistant Pastor at St. Paul's, remaining another three years. After his marriage at St. Paul's to Anne E. Sohland, a daughter of the congregation, Pastor Richards was called in 1962 to be the pastor of a mission church in Levittown. During his six years there he attended Princeton and received his Master’s Degree in Preaching in 1965. In 1968 he was called to the mother church of Reading, Trinity Lutheran, founded in 1751. During his time there Trinity Lutheran broadcast services on the radio and, starting in 1975, a TV ministry began, including “Lend a Hand,” a ministry to the deaf. In 1982 Pastor Richards served as Chaplain for the national assembly of the LCA in Louisville, Kentucky.

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After a pastorate in Reading of more than twenty years he was called to be the Senior Pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Iowa. During his career he became a nationally acclaimed preacher. Even in retirement he is in great demand to preach and preside at weddings and funerals. He is the author of The Legacy of Love: Gospel Sermons for Lent and Easter and many articles and blogs. After his retirement in 1997 Pastor Richards served as Vice President of Advancement at Grand View University as well as an interim pastor for a number of congregations. In 2000 the Richards moved to State College. For the past nine years Anne and Elton have been residents in the continuing care retirement community of The Highlands at Wyomissing. Anne was a teacher and counselor in various schools during her career. The Richards have two sons: Russell, who lives near them in the Reading area and has a career in banking, and David, who lives in midtown Manhattan with his wife and two daughters. David has his own theater management company on Broadway. Anne and Elton consider themselves to be products of the nurture and faith of the St. Paul's family and are grateful to God for the opportunity to return and express thanks.

Families with Young Children Second Sunday Summer Fun Series

After church on the second Sunday of each month, there will be activities for Families with Young Children (FwYC) in the field behind St. Paul's so please bring your play clothes. - Sunday, July 12 - Wet and Wild (bring a swimsuit and towel) - Sunday, August 9 - Family Field Day (parents should bring play clothes too!)

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2015 Confirmation

Front row: Pastor Laura, Runa Kennedy, Cole Lukasiewicz, Amanda Vickrey, Andrew Vickrey. Back row: Pastor Skip, Michael Ashburn, Analiese Gale, Kelsey Stanton, Jim Schneider, Will Horn, Colin Marshall, Kevin Maurer, Carolyn Ashburn

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Church Musicians return to St. Paul’s on August 6 for Hymn Festival

On August 6-7 church musicians from all over the region will attend a workshop conducted by Jane Knappe and the Augsburg Fortress staff. During the intense two days, they will attend sessions on worship leadership, music selection, handbells, children’s choirs and technical skills.

The highlight of the event will be the hymn festival at 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 6. Hymn festivals are a way of promoting congregational song in churches, as well as bringing communities together through music and liturgy. “Let the Whole Creation Cry: A Hymn Festival” follows a pattern for worship that includes hymn introductions and accompaniments, readings, reflections, and prayers prepared by John Ferguson, retired professor of organ and church music and cantor to the student congregation at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. Congregational hymns and choral anthems will be led by Anton Armstrong, professor of music at St. Olaf College and conductor of the renowned St. Olaf Choir.

“Whether you sing in a choir or just love adding your voice to a strong singing assembly, you won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to make music with two of the world’s premier leaders of choral and congregational song,” says Martin Seltz, publisher, Augsburg Fortress.

The hymn festival is part of the Augsburg Fortress Summer 2015 Music Clinics, which annually draw hundreds of church musicians at six locations across the United States with the purpose of exploring fresh and innovative ways to enliven music in worship. The event is free and open to all.

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AFF Children’s Event August 4th 6:30 PM

Kids of all ages from 1 to 100 are invited to fill trays for Aid

For Friends. Escape the heat of summer by stocking our

freezer with tasty summer suppers for our homebound

neighbors.

Away in August or busy that evening? Consider donating food,

grocery gift cards or checks with "AFF Event" in the memo

line. Food donations online via the following link:

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F094BA5AB2CA6F85-aidfor

Gift cards and checks may be delivered to the church office

at any time. Frozen donations delivered to the freezer

clearly marked anytime two weeks prior to the 4th. Baked

goods left in the kitchen after church on the 2nd or the

next two days.

Summer is the highest demand and the lowest supply for the

AFF freezers - help us help our silent hungry friends.

Blessings,

Jody Betz alfabetz@msn.com & Lisa Lexa baldwin2020@gmail.com

AFF Co-Coordinators

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AUGUST Birthdays

1 Lisa Tintera 2 John Curtis, Jayleb D’Antonio, Cindy Hoegg, Carter Merbreier 4 Sanford Groff, Josephine Norquist 5 Lindsay Cannon, Dan Joseph, Andrew Roth 6 Katelin Hamilton, Andrew Isenberg, Frances Wilson 7 Nicholas Dormans, William Miles, Jr. 8 Barbara Dieter, Mirielle Harkins 9 Annabellee Miller, Jake Riggs 10 Rudolph Sander 11 Thomas Keyser, Stephen Niedich, Mara Penne 12 Joan Swan 14 Michael Casey, David Stanton 15 Jason Baxter, Laura Erickson, Ava Jacobsen 16 Natalie Carstens 17 Mary Ayres, Judith Crysler 19 Gus Johnson, John Robinson, Molly Schimpff, Antoinette Whaley 20 Mary Lynn Kennedy, Robert Pavlenco 21 Elizabeth Marren, Kelly McCoy, Anna Sachs, Kate Trombello 22 Cynthia Chester 23 Cole D’Antonio, Marylyn Sander 24 Dane Hopkins 25 Kevin Clouse, Caroline O’Mara 26 Elizabeth Bowers 27 Barbara Curtin, Analiese Gale, William Lukasiewicz, Matthew McCoy, Killian Riggs, Janet Sides 28 Andrew O’Mara, Elisabeth Wagner 31 Amanda Ertner, Emily Hampson, Brayden McDonald

Gifts of Flowers for the Altar Consider becoming a weekly or monthly sponsor of altar flowers for Sunday

morning worship. The cost of the flowers is $25 per week, $100 or $125 per month. A sign-up chart for sponsoring altar flowers is available in Fellowship Hall, or you may call Dottie Buchanan at 484-420-4969. The dedication(s) for your flowers will be published in the appropriate Sunday bulletin(s).

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JULY CALENDAR

Please join us every Sunday for coffee fellowship following the 9:30 am service in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, July 5 9:30 am Colonial Liturgy with Holy Communion 8:00 pm NA/Fellowship Hall Monday, July 6 12:30 pm Mahjong/Kugler Room Tuesday, July 7 7:00 pm AA/Fellowship Hall Saturday, July 11 9:30 am We All Have Questions/ Kugler Room Sunday, July 12 9:30 am Holy Communion 10:30 am FwYC Summer Fun Series/church lawn 8:00 pm NA/Fellowship Hall Monday, July 13 12:30 pm Mahjong/Kugler Room 6:30 pm Greater Philadelphia Paper Pholders Tuesday, July 14 7:00 pm AA/Fellowship Hall Sunday, July 19 9:30 am Holy Communion Guest Preacher: The Rev. Sanford Groff, Jr. 8:00 pm NA/Fellowship Hall Monday, July 20 12:30 pm Mahjong/ Kugler Room Tuesday, July 21 7:00 pm AA/Fellowship Hall Sunday, July 26 9:30 am Holy Communion 8:00 pm NA/Fellowship Hall Monday, July 27 12:30 pm Mahjong/Kugler Room Tuesday, July 28 7:00 pm AA/Fellowship Hall 8:00 pm Outside group/Kugler Room

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AUGUST CALENDAR Sunday, August 2 9:30 am Holy Communion 8:00 pm NA/Fellowship Hall Monday, August 3 12:30 pm Mahjong/Kugler Room 6:30 pm Greater Phila. Paper Pholders Tuesday, August 4 6:30 pm Aid for Friends Family Cooking Event/Basement

kitchen 7:00 pm AA/Fellowship Hall Thursday, August 6 Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinic 7:00 pm Augsburg Hymn Festival/St. Paul’s Sanctuary Friday, August 7 Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinic Sunday, August 9 9:30 am Holy Communion 10:30 am FwYC Summer Fun Series/church lawn 8:00 pm NA/Fellowship Hall Monday, August 10 12:30 pm Mahjong/Kugler Room Tuesday, August 11 7:00 pm AA/Fellowship Hall Sunday, August 16 9:30 am Holy Communion 8:00 pm NA/Fellowship Hall Monday, August 17 12:30 pm Mahjong/ Kugler Room Tuesday, August 18 7:00 pm AA/Fellowship Hall Thursday, August 20 7:15 pm Church Council Meeting Sunday, August 23 9:30 am Holy Communion 8:00 pm NA/Fellowship Hall Monday, August 24 12:30 pm Mahjong/Kugler Room 1-6:00 pm Red Cross Blood Drive/Fellowship Hall Tuesday, August 25 7:00 pm AA/Fellowship Hall 8:00 pm Outside group/Kugler Room Sunday, August 30 9:30 am Holy Communion Guest Preacher: The Rev. Elton Richards

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What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is a system through which lay members of

our church are trained and organized to help provide Christian caregiving

to members of our congregation and community. This multiplies the

amount of caring ministry St. Paul’s can provide by giving us a whole

team of skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing

love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses

in life.

Stephen Ministry Needs Your Prayers…

For Pastor Laura, as she goes to the Stephen Leader Training in

Pittsburgh, August 16-22. This intensive training, is an engaging week

of learning, discovery, worship, relationship building, and catching a

vision for all that is Stephen Ministry --- bringing Christ’s love and care

to hurting people in our congregation and community.

If you are interested in learning more about our Stephen Minister

program at St. Paul’s or know of someone who is going through a hard

time and could benefit from a Stephen Minister, please talk to one of our

Stephen Leaders: Beth McElvenney, Hazel Pelletreau, Pastor Skip, or

Pastor Laura.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, August 24

1:00 – 6:00 pm

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