The
Epistle
September, 2013
St. Paul’s Lutheran
Church,
Brothers and Sisters in Jesus,
Do you remember when schools provided
pencils? It was always great to get rid of that
old pencil with the worn down eraser for a brand new one.
You felt you could write and draw a lot better with that new
pencil. My question is this: “Do you see yourself as a
pencil?”
Mother Teresa once said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of
a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”
Each and every day we write down over life with our actions
and words. We do not have to do big actions, but simple
little actions. You can not help the world by trying to save
everyone but one person at a time.
417 Howertown Rd,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
610-264-3221 Fax: 610-264-5732
Email:stpaulschurch@rcn.com
Web:www.stpaulscatasauqua.com
Child Care: 610-264-0190
Summer Worship
Services in Chapel
8:00 am Holy Communion
9:15am Worship
1st & 3rd Sunday Holy Communion
~~~
(resumes September 8, 2013)
10:30 am Worship
1st & 3rd Sunday Holy Communion
_______________________
Church Office Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
Sunday School
September-May 9:00am
Everyday people watch your actions and words to see if you
really are the kind of person you say you are. Sure you will
make mistakes, but that does not mean you need to stop
trying. You are in the midst of creating a master-piece by
God using you as a pencil to write a beautiful love story –
His love story. Each and every day a new chapter will
begin, the last chapter is over and a new start is ahead of
you. Let God use you for His glory each day. Here is a
pencil prayer for you:
“Dear Writer God, please give me the humility to recognize
that I am only a pencil, not an expensive pen, and yet you
can use me to express Your love to the world. Just as Jesus
testified to Your light, may I, small pencil that I am, testify to
Your great love. May all that I do this day be an expression
of that love. Amen.”
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Child Care Center
Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm
_______________________
Church Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Gary Walbert,
Pastor Emeritus:
Rev. Dr. Hartland H. Gifford
Dir. Music: Michael Fister
Office Admin: Charleen Burik
Treasurer: Paul Peters
Financial Sec: Debbie Stewart
Dir. Child Care: Margaret Bossons
Sexton: Norbert Huber
Congregation Council
Rena Ackerman
Robert Bastian
Tom Danner
Tammie Englert - Secretary
Kerry Lewis – Vice President
Kay Muehlberger
Doug Newhard- President
Laurie Perna
Albert Renn
(3) Open
Hymn of the Month
Be Thou My Vision
Occasionally hymns we sing during the service
become popular in the contemporary Christian music
scene. “Be Thou My Vision” is one that has been sung
by many contemporary groups. This beautiful hymn
dates back to the eighth century from Ireland. It
expresses the ageless need of man to have a heavenly
vision and to experience God’s care and personal
presence throughout our earthly journey.
This hymn was translated in 1905. Through the years,
this hymn has become a favorite for many. Truly our
visionary attitude throughout life is often the
difference between success and mediocrity. One is
reminded of the classic story of two shoe salesman
who were sent to a primitive island to determine
business potential. The first salesman wired back,
“Coming home immediately. No one wears shoes.”
The second responded, “Send a boat load of shoes
immediately. The possibilities here are unlimited”.
May we as believers be characterized as people of
vision – “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of
our faith….”
Hebrews 12:2.
Celebrating Full Communion
On Sunday, July 14, nearly one
thousand Lutherans, Episcopalians and
Moravians gathered in Central
Moravian Church, Bethlehem, for a
service of celebration of the full
communion relationship between the
three denominations. It featured an
ecumenical choir of about 100 singers
from about 20 churches. Representing
St. Paul’s was Amanda Dungan and
Linda Walbert.
It was truly an
inspiring service.
Be Thou My Vision
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art:
thou my best thought by day and by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my soul’s shelter, thou my high tower,
raise thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise,
thou mine inheritance, now and always:
thou, and thou only, first in my heart,
great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.
Light of my soul, after victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys, O heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
2
August Highlights
*
Approved
fees
for
Weddings were added to
Continuing Resolutions eff.
1/1/14
On September 8, at 9 am, Sunday
School will begin another exciting year.
We will begin in Fellowship Hall.
Come join us in learning about Jesus
and how to follow him every day.
~~~
Confirmation
classes
begin
on
September 8th. Any student who is in
seventh, eighth or ninth grade who has
not been confirmed, is asked to attend
that with at least one parent. Please
notify the church office as soon as
possible if your child will be part of the
confirmation program. Confirmation
will happen on Pentecost, June 8,
2014.
* Congregational Meeting was approved for
September 22, 2013. (Rescheduled from April
28, 2013 due to lack of quorum)
* A motion was made and carried to purchase
replacement curtains for Fellowship Hall.
Funds to come from Memorial Committee and
donation made by Bob Bastian.
*A motion was made and carried to allow
choir to have a Dinner Theater on October 5,
2013 with the “Quartet of 5”.
~~~
Child Care Center
September is here and we
begin a new school year
here at St. Paul’s Child
Care Center. We look forward to a busy but
fun school year for the children. All of the
classes will begin with a topic on “All About
Me,” and making new friends. They will also
expand and talk about their families. Most of
the classes will talk about apples and the
different colors and tastes. Kindergarten will
also have to learn new school rules and bus
rules. With everything the children will be
learning, they will still have time to be creative
and make crafts to go along with their themes.
We will also spend time outside every day to
observe the changes in the season to come.
Happy September,
Margaret Bossons,
Child Care Director
Choir begins on Wednesday,
September 4, at 6:30pm in the
choir room. Rehearsal is only
about an hour and we even have
air conditioning.
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NOTE: Starting September 8th, worship
services will be held in the Sanctuary
St Paul‘s Committees &
Volunteer Directory
Upcoming Events
Celebrate the beginning of Sunday School
on Sept. 8th at 9:00am with breakfast in
Fellowship Hall
Acolytes: Pastor Gary Walbert
Altar Guild: Jackie Younger
Child Care: Rena Ackerman
Christian Ed: Shelly Laudenslager
Communion Assist: Epistle: Charleen Burik
Evangelism: Finance: Betty MacHose
Fundraising: Tammie Englert
Lectors: Judy Donchez
Memorials: Betty MacHose
Prayer Chain: Bette MacHose
Property: Bob Bastian
Scouts: Al Renn/Mark Weaver
Social Activities: Laurie Perna
Social Ministry: June Hahn
Stewardship: Tammie Englert
Worship: Youth: Stephanie Shook
Saturday, September 14th is Applefest - a
celebration of the apple in its many delicious
incarnations. There will be a little something
for everyone at this festival: games, contests, music,
entertainment, crafters, food, and did we mention
apples?
September 22, 2013. There will be
only one service beginning at 9a.m.
NOTE: there will be Sunday School
classes. (Meeting rescheduled from April
28 due to lack of quorum).
Sept. 25
Sept. 29
New Member Class in Library
New Member Installation
October 5, 2013
St. Paul’s Dinner Theater
Chicken Dinner: 4:30-6:00pm
Quartet of 5: 6:30pm
Tickets available for purchase by
contacting church office or choir
members
Greeters are needed!
Greeting people as they enter the facility is more
than a handshake and a smile - it is an opportunity
to express God’s love through Christ and help set
the tone of the upcoming worship service.
Blessing of the Animals
One of the highlights of the church year has
become “the Blessing of the Animals” service.
This year it will be on October 6 at 9am in
the Fellowship Hall. We do this service on
the day closest to the day we remember St.
Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Over the past few years, the blessing
service has grown in numbers, but more
importantly in spirit. We have had animals
brought in very sick and a short time later has
gone to heaven peacefully. All types of
animals have been blessed: dogs, cats, birds,
gerbils, hamsters, hermit crabs, turtles, frogs,
snakes, lizards and even a tarantula.
.
Please check the sign-up charts and see what
Sunday you can help express Gods love
Altar Flowers/Bulletin
Honor a loved one, give thanks for an anniversary
or accomplishment, or commemorate a loved one’s
birthday or death by sponsoring flowers for our
altar or by sponsoring our church bulletins.
If you would like to celebrate in this way,
please fill out an Altar Flower and/or Bulletin
Dedication form along with payment of
$40/$15 & submit to church office.
Dedication forms are in the Narthex.
4
.
Cradle Roll.
"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will
not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
The Splash Cradle Roll is a ministry for families of
little ones from birth to three years of age. This
program was designed by the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America and is published by Augsburg
Fortress Press. It offers valuable resources for
families with infants and toddlers and plays a
special part during the celebration of Holy Baptism.
At St. Paul’s, when a young child is baptized,
he/she will be automatically enrolled in the Cradle
Roll. At this time parents will receive a welcome
letter into the program along with a Splash! Parent
Page and a Sleepy Time Tunes CD. Each month
the family will receive age appropriate mailings,
called Parent Pages. Upon the child’s third birthday,
Cradle Roll “graduates” will be invited to join our
Three Year Old Sunday School class.
Our mission is to help new families fulfill their
baptismal promise and support them as they begin
their journey of faith together.
For more information regarding this program,
please contact church office
There will be a membership class on
Wednesday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the
church library. If you are interested, please
contact Pastor Gary or the church office (610-2643221), or fill out the information sheet and hand it
to Pastor Gary and on September 29, during the
10:30 a.m. service, St. Paul’s will receive new
members into the church family.
Name:
_________________________________________
Address:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Phone #: _________________________________
July’s Enrollees are
Church
Membership:______________________________
Nathan Lee Csanadi
Born: 10/03/2012
Baptized: 07/28/2013
Gabriel Sparacello
Born: 03/18/2013
Baptized: 08/18/2013
Children:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His
blood,
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God!
Calling all departing College students!
Are you heading off to college this fall and will
be living away from home? Please let us know
your college mailing address and e-mail address by
calling the church office at 610-264-3221 or e-mail
us at stpaulschurch@rcn.com. We want to send
you the Epistle and also other surprises from your
church family to brighten your school year
5
Ways to help St. Paul’s & Our Community
Catasauqua Food Bank Needs:
Products: Paper
towels, napkins, tissues, toilet paper, Personal
Hygiene Products: Shampoo, bar soap, body
wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental
floss, deodorant, razor blades, plastic combs,
packages of Band-aids, disposable diapers &
diaper wipes. Household items: laundry detergent,
dish washing soap, floor cleaning liquid, and
furniture polish. Items can be placed in our
Narthex.
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Deadline: September 13
Epistle Volunteers:
September 20, 9:00am
Thank You’s
If you would like to put an article or announcement
in our newletter, please contact Charleen Burik.
Request: If you are able, please E-mail your
articles to Charleen Burik, Office Admin at
stpaulschurch@rcn.com
* For the HYFAD Scholarship for my graduation.
I will put this towards my college expenses –
Cole Derhammer
* For your generous donation of two hams –
Board, Staff & Clients of Victory House
Another Way To Get Your Epistle:
Would you like to receive your monthly newsletter
by e-mail and help us cut down on postage? Just
send your request via an email to church office at
stpaulschurch@rcn.com
* Many thanks to everyone who gave so much of
their time and talents this week at VBS. Special
thanks to all parents and congregation members that
donated food and supplies including Sue Hodge for
her donation of 30 lbs. of chicken & 5 lbs. of bacon,
Darryl & Janice Dawkins for their $300 donation
(used for food), and Jennifer Cline for her $40
donation to assist in our good will projects. I
would like to especially thank all the
volunteers. Without their dedication, VBS would
not be as successful as it has been. —
Shelly Laudensalger
*St. Paul’s would also like to thank Kathy Reyher
& Lutheran Congregational Services for their
extremely generous donation of 13 cases of 48/8oz.
bottles of water for our V.B.S. program.
For all you Smartphone users: We can
easily email your Epistle directly to your
smartphone (PDF format) so you can enjoy it
anytime, anywhere. Just email us at
stpaulschurch@rcn.com or call church office and
let us know where you want us to send it.
Don’t forget you can also get up-to-date church
information on our website too
www.stpaulscatasauqua.com and
check out St. Paul’s Facebook page too!
Hospital Visits
If you or someone you know is admitted
into the hospital, it is very important to
notify the church as soon as possible.
You can do this by either calling the
church office directly or informing the
hospital upon admittance that you are a
member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and
they will list you under our Pastoral Code
312. If you are admitted into a
Rehabilitation facility, please inform the
church office as well. Without either of
these notifications, Pastor will not know to
visit you and you will not be added on to our
prayer chain
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
7
8
September Celebrations
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World”.
May the birthday candles that represent the years of your life be a reflection to others of your love for Christ.
9/1
9/1
9/1
9/2
9/3
9/4
9/5
9/6
9/6
9/6
9/6
9/6
9/7
9/8
9/8
9/10
9/10
9/12
Jason Kesack
Katelyn Lawlor
Barbara Roth
Jason Mengel
Paula Kesack
Ryan Kish
Corey Hersh
Lisa Bauer
Laura Klotz
Megan Henry
Maggie Phillips
Shirley Teets
Sandra Osiecki
Norma Bauer
Katherine Buss
Boyd Chamberlain Jr.
Crystale Ungiran
Richard Ackerman
9/12
9/12
9/13
9/15
9/16
9/18
9/19
9/19
9/19
9/20
9/21
9/21
9/21
9/22
9/22
9/22
9/22
9/22
Joseph Bauer
Jacob Sutter
Al Renn
Julia Sparacello
Adriane Strohl
Brittany Steidel
Belle Chambers
Erin Dolan
Ethan Schweitzer
Raymond Laubach
Tammy Bastidas
Cory Daddona
William Hrusovsky
Robert Buss II
David Eck
Paul Peters Jr.
Wade Reinhard
Sara Santos
9/23
9/23
9/23
9/23
9/24
9/25
9/25
9/25
9/26
9/26
9/27
9/27
9/28
9/28
9/30
9/30
9/30
9/30
Philip Ginder
Tyger James
Alicia Roth
Thomas Sierzega
Jacob DeAngeles
Deborah Price
Donna Sheckler
Alan Shook
Lori Heffner
Louis Kuhns
Debra Hoffman
Alyssa Rushatz
Mason Forstoffer
Kathleen Witt
Carole Cardona
Tammie Englert
Kaitlyn Kulp
Emily Reiner
Special Birthdays
A few of our seniors will be celebrating birthdays this month. Please take the time to remember them with a card or note
9/5
Raymond Kunkle
81
9/14
2021 Westgate Dr,
Bethlehem, PA 18017
9/8
Dorothea Walck
Lorraine Reitz
82
9/15
80
R. William Younger 80
31 6 St. John St,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
9/18
John Bechtold
9/17
Wilmer Burrows
85
9/20
91
Margaret Corcoran 87
337 Bridge Street,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
9
82
Violet Butler
84
Cedar Brook Annex, 724 Delaware Ave
Bethlehem, PA 18015
9/22
232 Church St,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
9/18
Nancy Steitz
313 Wood St,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
1450 Deer Path Dr.,
Walnutport, PA 18088
255 Main St.,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
9/12
93
245 Main St, Rear,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
1519 Walnut St. #217,
Allentown, Pa 18102
9/10
Hilda Tameler
Sally Chromiak
81
823 Breinigs Ln,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
9/26
Harold Steitz
313 Wood St.,
Catasauqua, PA 18032
91
Wedding Anniversaries
9/3
9/4
9/5
9/9
9/13
9/14
9/19
John & Phyllis Bechtold
59
Alan & Stephanie Shook
20
Lewis & Kathy Heller
26
Anthony & Amy Wright
7
Christopher & Stephanie Winkler Sr. 5
Vane & Suzanne Smale Jr.
39
Wendy & Barry Panasik
16
Membership files
If you move, changed phone or cell numbers, email
addresses, or add members to your household, it is
very important that you let the church office know so
we can update all our information!
Please take a moment to fill out the Member
Information Sheet below and return to church office
or place in offering plate on Sundays
Name______________________________________
Address_____________________________________
___________________________________________
Congratulations &
God’s Blessings!
Home #___________________________________
Cell #: ____________________________________
Email_____________________________________
Baptism
Marital Status: ___ Single ___Married
___ Divorced ___Widow/er
A special prayer for God’s loving
guidance; blessings & happiness as the
following were recently baptized:
Nathan Lee Csanadi
Gabriel Sparacello
Spouse’s Name_____________________________
Date of Birth_______________________________
Date of Marriage____________________________
Condolences
Children (Living with parents)
We remember the families of
Elizabeth Peck, July 1
Donald Muehlberger, July 6
Janet Gales July 17 (Tina Dixon’s mother),
who recently went home to be with our
Lord.
We pray that the family will find comfort
and peace during their days of sorrow
Name______________________________________
Date of Birth_________________________
Name______________________________________
Date of Birth_________________________
Name______________________________________
Date of Birth_________________________
10
September, 2013
1
2
8:00 Holy Communion
9:15 Holy Communion
8 Services in Sanctuary
8:00 Holy Communion
9:00 SS Breakfast
10:30 Worship
Church Office
Closed
9
7:00pm
Worship
Meeting
3
7:00
Property
Meeting
4
6:30 Choir
5
6
7
10
11
6:30 Choir
12
7:00pm
Finance
Meeting
13
6:30
Fundraising
Meeting
14
Deadline for
Epistle articles
15
8:00 Holy Communion
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Holy Communion
16
17
7:00 CCC
Meeting
18
6:30 Choir
18
20
9:00am Epistle
Volunteers
21
22 One service
9:00 Sunday School
9:00 Worship/
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING to follow
23
7:00pm
Council
Meeting
24
25
6:30 Choir
7:00 New
Members
Class
26
27
28
29
8:00 Holy Communion
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Worship
New Members
Installation
30
____________________________________________________________
DEDICATIONS FOR September
FLOWERS ($40)
BULLETINS ($15)
9/1
n/a
open
9/8
n/a
n/a
9/15 open
open
9/22 open
open
9/29 open
open
If you would like to be a sponsor for any of these opens dates, request forms are in the Narthex or contact the
church office. Payment must be submitted with request.
11
Serving at St. Paul's in September, 2013
DATE
LECTOR
COMM. ASSTS.
ACOLYTES
CRUCIFERS
ALTAR GUILD
1-Sep
8:00 AM
-
8:00 AM
Len Witt
8:00 AM
-
8:00 AM
P. Gerber/D. Stewart
9:15 AM
9:15 AM
9:15 AM
9:15 AM
Bob Teets
Doug Newhard
Carol Williams
B. Rabenold/D. Williams
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
-
Pat Gerber/P. Kesack
Hannah Matchette/Bree Sheldon
-
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
Mark Weaver
-
Brian Panasik/Nick Dawkins
-
8-Sep
Brittain Shander
15-Sep
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
-
A. Renn/Bob Bastian
Hope Eisenhard/Alyssa Cantrel
J. Mooney/L Reitz
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
David Eck
Judy Buss/Doug Newhard
Linda Houck/Calla Shander
L. Anglestine/H. Ackerman
Madison MacHose
22-Sep
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
Jessica Kirkpatrick Mark Weaver/Kay Muehlberger
29-Sep
9:00 AM
-
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
-
Bob Bastian/Al Renn
Hannah Matchette/Bree Sheldon
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
Christopher Bastidas
-
Carol Williams/Andrew Kalynych
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
Eddie Forstoffer
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with
his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Ephesians 4:28
12
Sunday School Registration
*Sunday School begins September 8 at 9:00 a.m.
Child’s Name: ________________________________________________________________
Child’s Address: ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________________
Date of Birth: _________________
Has the child been baptized? (Circle one) Yes No
If yes, date of baptism? _________
Grade in School: _________________
Sunday School Grade: _______________
Known Allergies: ______________________________________________________________
E-mail Address: _______________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Mother’s Name: ______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Father’s Name: _______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Whom shall we contact in case of emergency? Name and phone number, please:
1. _____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ___________________________________________________
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September Worship Services
Sept 1st 15th Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 a.m. – Spoken Holy Communion
9:15 a.m. – Holy Communion
Radical Love Triumphs
For most of human history wisdom was largely part
of an oral tradition. From one generation to the
next, wisdom was passed down. These days it
sometimes seems that technology has replaced that
tradition of shared wisdom. Rather than ask a
trusted elder the temptation is to pull out a
smartphone and do a quick Internet search. Next
thing you know, there it is, wisdom at your
fingertips—maybe. Could it be that something is
lost in the process? We can find facts online, but
virtues like humility, respect of elders, hospitality,
servant hood, and peacemaking do not seem to
translate as easily in the electronic age. In the
gospel of Luke 14:7-14, Jesus takes the time to pass
on some ancient-yet-prudent wisdom from the
proverbs of Solomon to a crowd of social climbers
who obviously were not familiar with such
prudence or wisdom.
Sept 8th 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Services resume in Sanctuary
8:00 a.m. – Spoken Holy Communion
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School Breakfast
10:30 p.m. – Worship
Sept 15th 17th Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 a.m. – Spoken Holy Communion
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. – Holy Communion
Sept 22nd 18th Sunday after Pentecost
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
9:00 a.m. –Worship/Congregational Meeting
More significantly Jesus lifts up the mysteriously
gracious and life-transforming values of the
kingdom of God. Jesus lifts up the humility required
to take the lowest seat at the table, never hoping to
be invited to a place of greater honor or status. Jesus
invites his followers to practice the hospitality that
offers a banquet of the finest of foods for people
who cannot repay. Jesus invites his followers to
embody the kind of radical-yet-relational love of
Jesus himself. This radical love is taught by both
individuals and congregations. Communities of
faith by their practices of generosity and
compassion embody the love of Jesus in their
communities
Sept 29th 19th Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 a.m. – Spoken Holy Communion
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. – Worship/New Members Installed
14