The Lamplighter The Lamplighter...16 The Lamplighter Website: The Lamplighter Non Profit...

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The Lamplighter Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Prosperity, S.C. 29127 Permit No. 4 The Lamplighter of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church February 2015 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" 8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do jus- tice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:7-8 I am writing my newsletter early this month, and as I do, I can’t help but be amazed by the incredibly low prices that we are paying for gas now. I know they are still higher than they were before the unsettled times of the early 2000’s, but after al- most 10 years of paying more than $3.50 a gallon, I never would have imagined that gas would be in the low $2.00 range. In fact, if gas stays this low, I might even buy a truck when my trusty red car finally dies. With this massive change in pricing, it is easy to see how something so simple can make a major change in our lives. We likely all have a little more spending money now that it takes less to fill up the tank. These small changes in how we live add up to big differences in our daily lives. As a church, our priority for the year is engagement. In the text above we see how the sacrifices that God desires are never the grand showy changes, but instead, God calls us to “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” This year we are calling everyone in the church to ask, how they can become more connected with God, their church, and their community. I pray that simply moving forward in this direction will help each of us to live richer lives. In what small ways is God calling you this year and how can your church help? God’s Peace, Pastor Jason Schafer

Transcript of The Lamplighter The Lamplighter...16 The Lamplighter Website: The Lamplighter Non Profit...

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The Lamplighter

Website: www.stlukesprosperity.com

T

he Lam

plighter

Non Profit O

rganization U

.S. Postage Paid Prosperity, S.C

. 29127 Perm

it No. 4

The Lamplighter   of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church

        February 2015    7Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" 8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do jus-tice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? —Micah 6:7-8 I am writing my newsletter early this month, and as I do, I can’t help but be amazed by the incredibly low prices that we are paying for gas now. I know they are still higher than they were before the unsettled times of the early 2000’s, but after al-most 10 years of paying more than $3.50 a gallon, I never would have imagined that gas would be in the low $2.00 range. In fact, if gas stays this low, I might even buy a truck when my trusty red car finally dies. With this massive change in pricing, it is easy to see how something so simple can make a major change in our lives. We likely all have a little more spending money now that it takes less to fill up the tank. These small changes in how we live add up to big differences in our daily lives. As a church, our priority for the year is engagement. In the text above we see how the sacrifices that God desires are never the grand showy changes, but instead, God calls us to “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” This year we are calling everyone in the church to ask, how they can become more connected with God, their church, and their community. I pray that simply moving forward in this direction will help each of us to live richer lives. In what small ways is God calling you this year and how can your church help?

God’s Peace, Pastor Jason Schafer

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The Lamplighter

Website: www.stlukesprosperity.com

The Lamplighter Editor: Donna Eustace Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am—1:00 pm Phone: 803-364-4093 Fax: 803-364-5150 Email: [email protected]

Sunday Services: Sunday School 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am

2015 Yearbook and Directory Deadline.  End‐of‐year reports, infor‐ma on and any changes to the yearbook are due to the office by Mon‐day, Feb. 9. This gives  me for reviewing and edi ng before prin ng. We plan to have the 2015 yearbooks ready for distribu on soon a er coun‐cil’s approval.  

You are invited to join us for our Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper on February 17 at 7:00 p.m. Our Lutheran Men in Mission will prepare the meal. Following tradition, at the end of the meal we will burn last years palm branches to use in the Service of Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday.

On Ash Wednesday, February 18, we will have two services. One at 12:00 pm (noon) for those who would rather come to worship in the day, and an-other at 7:00 pm that evening. These will be services of Holy Communion. Our regular Wednesday Lenten Services will be held each Wednesday, Feb. 25 through March 25th. A light supper will be held at 6:00 p.m. Next, the St. Luke’s Players will present a series of Lenten dramas starting at 7:00 p.m. Come, enjoy and be challenged by Signs of Our Times, a Lenten series by Mary Ann Smith. It is produced by special arrangement with Contemporary Drama Service, Colorado Springs, Co. Please bring a friend and join us in this Holy season.

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Worship Trends

Attendance General Fund Operating Operating Expense Only

Dec. 21 238 $5,306.00 $525.00

Dec. 24 191 $1,185.00 ——-

Dec. 28 145 $ 2,758.00 $335.00

Jan. 04 199 $4,194.00 $640.00

Jan. 11 215 $4,007.00 TBA

Jan. 18 210 TBA TBA

Jan. 25 TBA TBA TBA

January 1st Sunday offering of $ 766.28 received for parsonage improvements.

Offering needed weekly to meet 2015 budget: $4,870.38

Amount due to J. C. Lester funds for Parsonage Improvements as of Jan. 5, 2015 =$1,830.25.

Financial Report General Funds December 2014

Income Needed to Cover Budget Year to Date: $ 239,573.00 (** assuming 1/12 of budget spent each month**) Budget Received to Date General Fund $ 200,305.92 Operating Expense Only Fund $ 29,633.00 Total Budget Received to Date: $229,938.92 Disbursed to Date General Fund $202,050.76 Operating Expense Only $ 29,298.00 Total Budget Disbursed to Date: $231,348.76 Balance General Fund 12/31/2013 $ 42,396.24 Balance General Fund 12/31/2014 $ 40,651.40

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Lenten living Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18 this year. Christians have observed this season of the church year since the fourth century. It’s traditionally a time of reflection, penitence and spiritual renewal before Easter. During Lent, some Christians give up something that hinders their relationship with God. Others do some-thing extra for their spiritual growth or make a special sacrifice. The key is to make Lent a memorable sea-son of sincere spiritual growth — a time that can set the tone for the rest of the year.

Manna House Update Manna House begins its 26th year of providing food for those in need. In 2014, it was able to serve 1,115 people, representing 613 families. St. Luke’s has helped through both food and monetary donations. Our ladies also provided workers for one hour per day for two weeks during the year. In 2015, we are asked to help staff Manna House the weeks of February 2-6, June 8-12 and October 23-30. We will soon be taking our red bags to Manna House. Items needed at this time are small bags of flour, sugar, grits, and cornmeal; peanut butter, canned meats, fruits, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and jelly. Also needed are paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper and laundry and dish detergents. Be sure to bring your filled bag to the Upper Room, the assembly room or the desk between the pastor and secretary’s offices. Manna House up until now has served a needy person only once per year. In 2015, the board is making an effort to do this more often, using a voucher system. If this works, the plan will be developed further.

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If you are unable to serve on your designated Sunday, please get a person to serve on this date in your place or swap with someone.

FEBRUARY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

SERVING GOD THROUGH

SERVING OTHERS

Feb. 1—Scout Sunday Feb. 8 Acolytes Scouts Mason Hawkins and Mackenzie Crotwell

Crucifer Scout Jared Ballantyne

Closing the Church Enoch Boozer Russell Hendrix

Greeters Scouts Sheila and Reggie Beckham

Lectors Scout Maria Millsaps Altar Flowers The family of Henry Brandt Dottie Fulmer

Altar Guild

1/26-2/1 Faye Shealy and Junior Shealy and Deann McManus

2/2-2/8 Neal Lester and Laura and Adam Lester

Ushers Tim Connelly Chesley Minick Casey McCarty Evan Pitts

Penny Ballantyne Joe Boozer Russell Hendrix Kevin Longshore

Feb. 15 Feb. 22 Acolytes Payton Gardner and Elise Mills Eliza McManus and Calen McManus

Crucifer Marshall Horne Anabel Barnett

Closing the Church Bobby Morris Jody Green

Greeters Enoch and Maria Millsaps Gina Mays and Catherine Boozer

Lectors Barry McManus Wanda Crotwell

Altar Flowers Joe and Linda Kunkle No flowers for Lent

Altar Guild 2/9-2/15 Randy and Judy Nobles

2/16-2/22 Mitchel & Harriett Connelly and Wanda Crotwell

Ushers Mickey Fulmer Russell Kunkle Steven Lake Lee Livingston

Reggie Beckham Andrew Green Jody Green Joey Long

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18 Joe and Sylvia Moore 21 Dean and Cindy Bedenbaugh 23 Ronald and Catherine Boozer Happy Birthday and Anniversary!

01 Margaret Koon (Happy 90th!)

02 James Enlow

03 Marshall Horne

Michael Connelly

Matthew Barnett

05 Jacksen Long

07 James Salter III

08 James Kesler

Justin Dickert

11 Vicki Boozer

12 Katherine Barnett

13 Allen Michael Bickley

15 Adam Bedenbaugh

17 Susan Connelly

21 Cathryn Kunkle

Janette Vaughn

22 Kaylee A. Nobles

25 Chad Hawkins

Patrick Livingston

26 Mike Horne

Braylen Long

27 Alvin Connelly

28 Linda Kunkle

Ben Lake

Saint Luke’s LCY ½ Super Bowl Party!!!

Sunday, February 1

6:30 until half time

(there’s school in the morning.)

@ The Schafer’s house

Bring a finger food to share.

Come and cheer for your favorite team and share some fun with your church.

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New Horizons Remembers The St. Luke’s New Horizons hosted a memorial service on January 10, 2015, to remember their members who had passed away in 2013 and 2014. The families of these seven members brought precious pictures and memorabilia to share with the group. Memories of special times spent together as New Horizons members, as well as personal, church and community memories, were shared, bringing tears, comfort, joy and laughter. A person from each family participated in a candle lighting ceremony, show in the picture from left to right. In memory of Essie T. Suit—daughter Nancy Shealy.

In memory of Mary Nell T. Boozer—daughter Emily Lake.

In memory of Mary Edith S. Bedenbaugh—son Dean Bedenbaugh

In memory of Catherline T. Amick—daughter Nancy Pitts.

In memory of Rebecca H. Killian—daughter Anita Higgins.

In memory of Robert “Bob” Beebe—wife Helen Beebe.

In memory of Betty N. Huggin—husband Charles Huggin.

A delicious meal and fellowship followed and was enjoyed by everyone.

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Sunday School Attendance The October, November and December Quarter

There were thirteen Sunday School classes held during this quarter. Only ten people were present for every class. Those having perfect at-tendance were David Eargle, Cheryl Lucas, Carolyn Shealy, Joe and Peggy Boozer, Randy Gobel, Doliene Bedenbaugh, Virginia Cannon, Sandra Lominack and Faye Shealy. Twice as many attended twelve classes. They were Sarah, Alana and Julia Eargle, Betty Connelly, Braylen Long, Parker Pitts, Marc Hunter, Jerran Long, Enoch Boozer, Ronald and Catherine Boozer, George and Faye Hawkins, Ruth Boozer, Henry and Rose Brandt, Betty Dominick, Joe and Linda Kunkle and Janette Vaughn. Twelve people attended all but two classes. We recognize Ethan Hunter, Gina Mays, Caroline Brandt, Jason and Micah Schafer, Gracen Green, Avery DuBose, Michael Fulmer, Don Pitts, Paulette Gobel, Wilfred Dominick and Margaret Koon. Congratulations to all of you! As for the rest of us, let’s see if we can add more names to each group this quarter. New Horizons will meet in the assembly room on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 3:00 pm. Mr. Bill Henderson, who plays and sings, will entertain us with some special music. The meal will consist of vegetable soup, cornbread, and desserts provided by the Planning Committee. Everyone is invited to join us on Saturday for the meal, a short business meet and fellowship. New Horizon’s Planning Committee has planned the year’s activities. There will be programs at the church, trips to Savannah River Plant, Sumter’s Iris Festival, Newberry Community Players’ production of “Nine to Five”, and Narro-Way Theater to see “The Real Christmas Story.” Anyone 55 years and older is invited to become a member of New Horizons to share in our educational programs, trips and fellowship.

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Congregational sympathy is expressed to Mickey Fulmer (grandson) and family of Doris F. Meetze, 85, of Chapin. She died Jan. 4, 2015. Funeral services were held at 11 am on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015 at St. Peter Lutheran Church Piney-wood. Congregational sympathy is expressed to the family of Mildred Perdue Sligh, 90, of Newberry. She died Monday, Dec. 29, 2014 at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Funeral services were held at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at 1:00 pm. Congregational sympathy is expressed to Jeffrey (Lisa and family) Lever for the loss of his father, Jimmy Lever. He died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014.

Our prayers are with you.

A reminder: Names will stay on the prayer list up to four weeks unless the office is notified otherwise. Thank you.

Judy Graham* Monty Hawkins Paige Hoover* Jenny Huneycutt* Danny Jones* Fred Kesler Billie Lindler* Allen Litz*

Dwain Mayer* Dot Merchant* Joe Minick Teresa Murray* Tom Perry* Logan Reyes* Sylvia White* *Family/Friends

Nursing Home

Hattie Boozer (Springfield Place) Carol Brandt (Saluda Nursing Center)

Jacob Bundrick (Lowman Home) Bernice Connelly (White Oak Manor)

Ossian Higgins (White Oak Manor) Dezaree Morris (White Oak Manor)

All care givers and others who have experienced pain, disappointment, anger, and grief in this congregation and elsewhere, our prayers are with you all.

Christine Arehart* Philip Bedenbaugh Clay Beck* Margaret Boozer* Rudy Boozer Makayla Connelly Sophia Feid* Peggy Garrett*

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Saint Luke’s Church Family, I really appreciate your sharing the joy of Christmas with me through your prayers, visits, and so many beautiful cards. May God bless each of you al-ways! Love, Hattie Boozer Dear Pastor and Members, I am so proud to be a member of St. Luke’s Church. You have been so kind and loving to me. I never thought I would be out of my church this long. The cards: get-wells, Easter, Birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas have your prayers and love to me. I pray that it won’t be long until I can worship with you again. I miss all of you and I thank your for your love and prayers and for each and every card. In Christian Love, Betty Shealy I want to… Thank you all for coming to my house tonight, your Christmas songs were a joy and delight. You all have talent and you do a good job, at whatever you do, so keep shining like stars and my prayer is that God will bless each one of you. In Christian Love, Reba Lester Thanks to all who have faithfully donated aluminum cans and old metal to the church. We raised $48.69 for 74 lbs. of aluminum cans for December. The total aluminum cans for the year of 2014 for St. Luke’s Church was $459.89. The church has helped the environment as well as adding to its improvement fund.

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Children’s Hand Bells: anyone in grades 3 and up interested in participating in the children’s hand bells, please contact Dana Green at 803-600-5949.

The Thomas Suber Circle has placed drop boxes in the narthex and old assembly room for you to place the Christmas card fronts. Due to the expense of postage for other card fronts, we are limiting the card fronts to Christmas only. These will be sent to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children by mid-February. Thank you for helping with this project.

2014 Contribution Statements are available for pickup on the back pew. Any statements not picked up by mid February will be mailed.

Honorarium/Memorial Acknowledgement Change: Beginning in 2015 MEMBERS of St. Luke’s who make an honorarium and /or memorial to St. Luke’s will no longer receive acknowledgements in the mail. These donations will be listed on the year end contribution statements. Non-members will continue to receive acknowledgements. This reduction in mailings helps lower our postage fees. The Sunday Morning LMM meeting will be next Sunday Feb 1st at 8:30 am. Russell Hendrix will have the program and Pastor Jason Schafer will have the breakfast. Hope to see you there.

Scouts Sunday will be Sunday, Feb. 1. We will recognize the contributions of our young people and adults in Scouting.

“Relay for Life” Salad Luncheon

St. Luke’s will kick-off “Relay for Life” on Sunday, Feb. 1st. The team is sponsoring a SALAD LUNCHEON immediately following worship. All are invited to share in this time of fellowship and make a donation to help with cancer research. We need volunteers to make salads! There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex to let us know if you will make a salad and what kind: meat, vegetable, congealed, etc. If you are interested in being a part of St. Luke’s team contact Harriett Kesler, Helen Beebe or Cheryl Lucas. Essie Hawkins Circle will meet Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 10:00 am in the assembly room. The G.A.L.S Group will meet in the assembly room at 10:00 am on Monday, Feb. 9.

Once again the St. Luke's players will be doing a 5 part drama series for Lent. Practice times for the Lenten Drama are: February 15, and 22 at 3:30 pm March 1 and 8 at 4:00 pm March 22 at 3:30 pm Cast members check email for reminders and updates.

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Dear St. Luke’s Family and Friends, Your thoughtful expressions of love during the holidays means so much to me. It’s a blessing to have such wonderful family and friends. The beautiful cards, delicious food, special gifts, and other expressions of fellowship help to make my holidays merrier. Thank you for every thing. May God bless you all, Carol Brandt Dear Pastor, Officers and Congregation: Thank you all so much for your very generous gift for the restoration of our church. We are exceedingly appreciative of the sincere kindness and love ex-tended from everyone. God is good and we are forever thankful for all your help to restore our sanctu-ary. It’s going to be a long rood to recovery, so please keep us in your prayers. We know God will make a way out of no way. God bless all of you for your loving care and generosity. Yours in Christian Services, Rev. Booby Seepersaud Pastor of Trinity AME Church Dear Members of Kids Club, This note is late, but I want you to know how much I appreciated you thinking of me with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. You did a wonderful job cooking and one day you will make some young man a good wife, years from now. Thanks again and keep the good work up. These old folks, like me, need your love. It keeps us going. With love, “Miss” Betty Shealy During Dec., St. Luke's collected 16 Red Bags containing 160 items for Manna House. Thanks to all who contributed.

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Sun Mon Tue 1 (4th Sunday after Epiphany) LMM 8:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am “ Relay for Life ” Salad Luncheon after service LCY Super Bowl 1/2 Party at parsonage 6:30pm

2 St. Luke’s works at Manna House 1-2:00 pm

3 Essie Hawkins Circle 10:00 am St. Luke’s works at Manna House 1-2:00 pm Choir Practice 7:00 pm

4 Brow

11 St. Luke’s 1-2:00 pm

Stoney

8 (5th Sunday after Epiphany) Sunday School 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am Margaret Koon’s 90th Birthday Drop-in 2:30-4:30 pm in fellowship hall Congregational Council meeting 6:00 pm (Fellowship hall and assembly room are reserved)

9 2015 Yearbook and directory Information is due G.A.L.S. 10:00 am LMM 7:30 pm Thomas Suber Circle 7:30 pm

10 Faye & Hilton Roof Circle 6:30 pm Choir Practice 7:00 pm

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15 Sunday School 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am Barbara Richardson Circle mtg. after service Lenten Drama practice 3:30 pm

16 Newberry Co. Schools are closed

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18 Service at

22 (1st Sunday in Lent) Bold Women Sunday Sunday School 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am Lenten Drama practice 3:30 pm

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LigPla

Wed Thu Fri Sat

wn Bag Bible Study 1:45 am –1:00 pm

works at Manna House

y Hill Center 7:30 pm

5 St. Luke’s works at Manna House 1-2:00 pm

6 St. Luke’s works at Manna House 1-2:00 pm

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wn Bag Bible Study 1:45 am –1:00 pm

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Bulletin info due by 10 am

13 March newsletter info is due

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noon and 7:00 pm

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Bulletin info due by 10 am

LMM Heartland Conference Meeting at 7:00 pm

Location TBA

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21 New Horizons 3:00 pm Bill Henderson in assembly room State LMM Meeting at Mt . Pilgrim in Lexington Registration at 12:00 pm Program at 1:00 pm

ht supper 6:00 pm ay/service 7:00 pm

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Bulletin info due by 10 am

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Fellowship hall reserved

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The most famous verse in the Bible [John 3:16] begins “For God so loved the world that he gave …. ” It’s a generosity verse. I say you can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. If you want to become a loving person, you have to learn to give. You spell love G-I-V-E. —Rick Warren