MESSIAH MESSENGER
Published by
MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH
www.messiahsouth.org Phone: 570-326-9171
e-mail address: messiahoffice@comcast.net
September 23, 2015
VOL. 73– NO. 38
Youth Ministry at Messiah
We are blessed to have a thriving youth ministry at Messiah, and it is due to the efforts of
dedicated volunteers that we are able to offer a variety of opportunities for our youth. While
we do have a Youth Director on staff to help coordinate these efforts, it would not be possible
to achieve our goals without those who serve on the Youth Committee and the countless
individuals who work with our youth in many, many ways.
The primary function of the Youth Committee is to plan and administer youth events and
programs encouraging Christian growth, fellowship and service. Highlights of some of the
activities we offer include: Weekly youth group meetings for grades 7-12; annual trips for
grades 6-12 to Pittsburgh to attend the Youth Quake each January and Lutheran Youth Day
each April; occasional fundraisers such as the apple dumpling sale or calendar sale; Family Fun
Nights such as Carpenter’s Farm, a Hawaiian Luau, or a Flashlight Party, or larger scale events
such as Rally in the Alley and Family Advent Night (in cooperation with the Christian
Education Committee and the Fellowship Committee); opportunities to just have fun together
such as bowling, rollerskating, or trips to Knoebel’s or Del Grosso Amusement Park; service
opportunities such as working together to package meals for the hungry, purchasing and
wrapping white gifts at Christmas, helping out at the Clothing Exchange, or God’s Work/Our
Hands; aiding the Christian Education Committee with Vacation Bible School and Kids in
Mission events; Second Sunday meals and group time for children in Grades 3-12 and their
families; John Bower Basketball League; BYG group trips to Camp Mount Luther, supporting
the ministries of Camp Mount Luther, and working in conjunction with Pack 41, the Boy Scout
troop we sponsor.
Many hands and many talents are needed, and I am continually amazed at the way people
step up to help. The committee itself meets only several times a year, but smaller groups and
individuals work together through mini meetings or phone/email conversations to plan,
organize, and implement the many events.
How can you help? We are always looking for new ideas and new experiences to offer our
youth! Do you have a passion for youth, or a talent or hobby you would like to share? Are you
able to drive for a trip, attend a youth group meeting, or help out at one of these events? There
are also many behind the scenes roles as well if you would like to offer support but prefer not to
be directly involved. Let us know! We will help you to find the right “fit” for you.
Yours in Christ,
Kathy Wither, Director of Youth and Family Ministries
SERVICE ASSISTANTS
USHERS: 8:15 am Paul Larson, Gordon Emick, Brian Bair,
Ed Blackburn, Sally Congdon
10:45 am Edna Schooley, Randy Garrett, Gary Hilling,
Linda Miller, Don Rosenbaum
LAY ASSISTANT: 8:15 Rod O’Brien; 10:45 Jill Lavallee
COMMUNION ASSISTANT: 8:15 Rita Strickler; 10:45 Glenn Spoerke
ALTAR GUILD: 8:15 Sue Shoemaker; 10:45 Yvonne Kaiser
CHIEF COMMUNION USHERS: 8:15 Harry Seltzer; 10:45 Sam Hessert
GREETERs and COMMUNION PRESENTERs:
8:15: Tom and Candy Stopper
CANTORS: 8:15 Gordie Emick; 10:45 Bob Schweppenheiser
ACOLYTE: 8:15 Hailey Stewart (Acolyte); Olivia Welter (Crucifer)
10:45 Payton Hammaker (Acolyte); Ben Byham (Crucifer)
FLOWER DELIVERY: Barb Houseknecht
The Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Gladys Reigel
Batey by her daughters Evelyn, Merry and Penny.
The Basket of Flowers is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Dorothy and
Gordon Ritter by their daughter Deborah Leonard and family.
The nominees for Congregation Council 2016 are Georgette Copp, David Bausinger,
David Wonderlich, Sandra Ream and Alice Morrison. Any voting member may now make
Nominations-at-Large. These nominations must contain written assurance that the
nominee will serve if elected. Please present these nominations to one of these
Nominating Committee members: Rita Strickler, Doris Butt, Cathy Byham, Craig Kropp,
Debby Frey. No nominations will be accepted at the annual meeting.
Milestone Ministries: Prayer Pillows will be presented to children who are 2 and 3
years old at both worship services this Sunday as they reach the age at which they can
attend Sunday School. A session on how to teach children to pray will be offered by
Pastor Josh in Shaheen Hall during the Sunday School hour.
New Members will be received this Sunday during the Worship Service.
A Coffee Hour will be held between services this Sunday to honor the new members we
will be receiving as well as the toddlers who will be presented with Prayer Pillows.
Confirmation Ministry: The following students (and their mentors) were received into
Confirmation Ministry last Sunday: Jacob Blass (Scott Rosenbaum); AJ Brosan (Glenn
Spoerke); Jonathan Hess (David Wonderlich, Sr.); Emilee Merrill (Barb Waltz); Lauren
Peck (Doris Butt); Hailey Stewart (Cynthia Spoerke). Please join us in praying for these
students and their mentors as they explore their faith and journey toward the day on which
they will affirm their baptisms.
I would like to thank Pastor Reinsburrow for all his visits and prayers and to everyone
for all their prayers, cards, visits and the flowers that were delivered while I am
recovering at the Loyalsock Rehabilitation Nursing Center from my fall. I am improving
with my rehab and hope to be back to church soon.
Peace be with you,
Carl Fenstermacher
Daily Bible Readings
Sunday
Sept 27 Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50;
Psalm 19:7-14
Monday
Sept 28 Psalm 5; Zechariah 6:9-15; 1 Peter 1:3-9
Tuesday
Sept 29 Psalm 5; Zechariah 8:18-23; 1 John 2:18-25
Wednesday Sept 30 Psalm 5; Zechariah 10:1-12; Matthew 18:6-9
Thursday
Oct 1 Psalm 8; Genesis 20:1-18; Galatians 3:23-29
Friday
Oct 2 Psalm 8; Genesis 21:22-34; Romans 8:1-11
Saturday
Oct 3 Psalm 8; Genesis 23:1-20; Luke 16:14-18
Calling All Young Singers: Rehearsals for children’s choirs begin on Thursday, October
1. Cherub Choir, boys and girls age 4 through grade 2, will rehearse from 4:30-5:00 pm in
the choir room; Chapel Singers, boys and girls in grades 3-6, will rehearse from 5:00-5:30
pm in the choir room. All are welcome.
Hope for Healing and Recovery: A Service of Prayer. A prayer service in support of
those affected by drug addiction will be held on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 p.m. in
the Tower Chapel at Susquehanna Health Regional Medical Center, 700 High Street. The
Rev. Andy France, chair of the Faith-based Initiative, along with other local clergy, will
offer prayers on behalf of first responders, healthcare providers, families coping with
loved ones with addictions and those in recovery.
Harvest Home and Blanket Sunday
On Sunday, October 4, 2015, worshippers will be invited to bring
forward their gifts of canned goods, boxes of pasta, or monetary
offerings for the hungry during the singing of the Hymn of Praise.
Decorating for Harvest Home will take place on Saturday, October 3 at 2 p.m.
Volunteers are always needed. Call Meg Harbaugh at 570-322-6445 if you can help.
Donations of fresh produce (pumpkins, potatoes, apples, squash, etc.), cornstalks and
gourds to use in decorating are very much needed.
These perishable items may be dropped off at the Bald Eagle Alley entrance any time
Thursday-Friday, October 1-2 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. or after 10 am on Saturday,
October 3.
Where does the food go? All perishable gifts of food received will be shared with the St.
Anthony Center and the canned goods will stock our own food pantry and help to supply
the Christmas baskets.
Monetary gifts in lieu of in-kind gifts may be placed in plain envelopes marked
“Harvest Home.” Checks should be made payable to “Messiah Lutheran Church” and
be sure to include your envelope number if you would like your offering recorded.
Blanket Sunday: Donated blankets and quilts will be distributed
by Lutheran World Relief. Please place clean blankets or quilts in the
gray bin located in the elevator entrance no later than October 4.
Monetary gifts may be placed in an envelope on which you mark
“Blankets.” Checks should be made payable to “Messiah Lutheran Church.” These
monetary gifts also will be received during the singing of the Hymn of Praise.
Messiah's Women of the ELCA will meet in Shaheen Hall on Wednesday, October 7,
at 7:00 p.m. to "Carve Halloween Pumpkins." It has been fun in other years--see the
bulletin board for last year's "carvings." There will be a brief business meeting; devotions
by Marge Wonderlich; refreshments by Bobbie Bower and Barb Houseknecht. Bring a
hollowed-out pumpkin and a "Pumpkin Carving Set." Everything else will be provided.
Cub Scout Pack 41 will be marching in the Mummers Parade, October 17. A box for
donations of candy to be distributed during the parade has been placed in the alley
entrance. Your donations would be appreciated.
Lutheran Shared Ministry's SCHOOL OF RELIGION
Wednesdays in October from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
October 7 - October 14 - October 21 - October 28
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 142 Market Street, Williamsport
There is no cost, but you must pre-register by October 4
by calling St. Mark's office at (570) 323-4619.
Further details were published in the September 22 issue of the Messenger, or can be
found online at http://messiahsouth.org/christian-education/
United Churches Fundraiser at Hoss’s: Eat at Hoss’s on Sunday, September 27, and
20% of your total bill will be donated to United Churches. If a lot of people go and there is
$1,200 in sales, Hoss’s will donate 25%! Vouchers will be available on the ushers’ desk.
Fundraiser for Family Promise at Eder’s Ice Cream: Saturday, September 26. $1.00
from every baby cone or dish sold that day will be donated to Family Promise! Get Your
Ice Cream On!
Save the Date - Trivia Night: Food, Fun, and Fellowship - Saturday, October 24, 2015
Apple Dumplings will be on sale beginning September 28! The youth will
again hold their Apple Dumpling Fundraiser to offset the cost of attending the
Youth Quake. Youth will begin taking orders on Monday, September 28 and
throughout the month of October.
The dumplings are available baked or unbaked, and regular or sugar-free for a cost of
$3.00 each. All orders must be pre-paid by November 1.
Apple Dumplings will be available for pick-up on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday,
November 8. Watch for more details!
YOUTH NEWS
September/October Youth Group Activities – Grades 7-12
Weekly Youth Group Nights  Grades 7-12  Sundays  5:30-7:30 p.m.
September 27  October 4  October 18  October 25
Youth Quake 2016! – Grades 6-12: January 29-31, Pittsburgh, PA
If you would like to attend the Youth Quake but did not receive an information letter,
please contact the church office. Cost is $144 per person if you turn in your paperwork
to the office by November 16. An INFO MEETING will be held on Sunday, September
27, 4:30 p.m. for all those interested in going on the trip. A parent should accompany you
to the meeting. We will also discuss our Apple Dumpling Sale and pass out order forms
that evening.
The John Bower Sunday School Basketball League is starting up again!
The season runs from December through February for players from
Kindergarten through grade 12. According to the rules of the league,
players must have regular attendance at either Sunday School or worship
as attested by the pastor to be eligible to play. Applications are available
on the alley bulletin board or on the church web site.
Children are encouraged to sign up at the alley bulletin board. If we do not have enough players
to field a team in a specific age bracket, players will have the option to be placed on a team with
another church in coordination with the league and with the approval of Messiah’s coaches.
In accordance with league rules, players may play on a team with another church only if Messiah
does not have enough players in their age bracket to field a team..
Coaches are needed for all levels. If you are able to coach or assist this year, please contact Kathy
Wither at the church office. All coaches will be required by PA State Law to obtain the necessary
clearances. The church will cover the cost of the clearances.
“BYG” News
Building Youth Groups - Grades 3-6
Saturday, October 31 - BYG Fall Retreat
Day Trip to Camp Mount Luther
 Team-building Games  Reflection on God’s Word
 Nature and Recreational Activities  Fun!
Registration Deadline: Sunday, October 18
$15 per person; cost will be waived in the case of need
Registration forms are available on the alley bulletin board or on our web site at
www.messiahsouth.org/youth
** We will be home in plenty of time for trick or treating!

Family Fun Night - Saturday, October 10
Hayride and Corn Maze at Carpenter’s Farm in Linden
Meet at the church at 4:30 p.m. to caravan to the site.
Find your way through the corn maze, go on a hayride, and
pick out your own pumpkin, all for $6 per person.
Following the hayride, we will gather together for a
cookout while we enjoy a time of fellowship, hot dogs on
the grill, and some traditional fall treats.
Please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board. Hope to see you there!
Weekly Calendar of Events
Sunday, September 20
8:15 am Holy Communion
9:30 am Sunday Church School
9:30 am New Members Class
10:45 am Holy Communion
1:00 pm Synod Day Knoebels
Monday, September 21
10:00 am SC Peppi
12:30 pm SC Square Dancing
6:15 pm Cub Scouts
6:30 pm Finance Committee
6:30 pm Youth Committee
Tuesday, September 22
1:00 pm SC Bingo
4:00 pm Morningstar Choir
Wednesday, September 23
10:00 am SC Peppi
11:30 am SC Bible Study
Thursday, September 24
SC Cards all day
6:30 pm Celebration Ringers
7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir
7:30 pm Alanon
Friday, September 25
9:00 am SC Craft Group
10:00 am SC Peppi
Weekly Calendar of Events
Sunday, September 27
8:15 am Holy Communion
9:30 am Sunday Church School
9:30 am Coffee Hour
9:30 am Prayer Pillow Session
10:45 am Holy Communion
4:30 pm Youth Quake Information
5:30 pm Youth Group
Monday, September 28
10:00 am SC Peppi
12:30 pm SC Square Dancing
6:00 pm Boy Scouts
6:15 pm Cub Scouts
6:30 pm Christian Ed. Committee
7:00 pm Property Committee
7:30 pm Stewardship Committee
Tuesday, September 29
1:00 pm SC Bingo
4:00 pm Morningstar Choir
Wednesday, September 30
10:00 am SC Peppi
11:30 am SC Bible Study
Thursday, October 1
SC Cards all day
10:00 am Knitters for Neighbors
4:30 pm Cherub Choir
5:00 pm Chapel Singers
6:30 pm Celebration Ringers
7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir
7:30 pm Alanon
Friday, October 2
9:00 am SC Craft Group
10:00 am SC Peppi
Saturday, October 3
8:00 am Synod Workshop