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...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
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Welcome to Millcreek Lutheran Church!
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Welcome to our website. Our hope is that through it you will come to know what is going on at Millcreek, and will be encouraged to participate as much as you are able in the life of the congregation; whether you are already a member or searching for a church home.
We’re glad you came and trust you will feel the same, not only here, but our worship experience Sunday morning, as well as all of our activities. God’s blessings be with you in the name of Jesus, who invites and accepts all to share in fellowship with him. He is our model and guide in all things at Millcreek Lutheran.
Pastor B. 
The Parish Echo Newsletter - November 2008
Pastor B’s Message: "Angel Food"
This month I would like to talk to you about Angel Food. Not cake, ministries. Angel Food Ministries is a program currently operating under the direction of Jim Sherman of the Gospel Center on 7th Street, though the food distribution takes place at the Middle School on 8th.
On the 2nd weekend of the month, food orders from menus are placed at the Gospel Center in person or sent in by mail. (Please see me about obtaining a current menu or visit the Gospel Center website at www.thegospelcenter.com The orders are then picked up by those folks on the 4th Saturday at the school. The food is high quality at very reasonable prices. This is not a need based ministry. Anybody can order the food boxes or specials but, this is a big help for folks of low income or fixed income, especially in current times.
There are people going into Lebanon from our end of the county and beyond into Berks. Thus there is an interest in establishing a site in our area. Through interest expressed by several of our members, the Church Council has decided to try to establish Millcreek as the location for that sire. Eileen and Diane Sites have already volunteered to be coordinators for the project. Obviously, many more volunteers will be required. In speaking with Jim Sherman, he estimated 20 volunteers would be needed, including 3 with a truck to pick up the food orders in Lebanon.
As the Council envisions this as an area-wide program, being a benefit to the various communities in our vicinity, I sent a letter to each of the Pastors of the 8 congregations that make up the Richland-Millcreek Ministerium, inviting them to participate in it. Anyone can help with this ministry. Hopefully, other community groups would want to take part as well.
As I said before, even though the program is not need based, it will meet real needs. If you would like to help with this ministry, please be in touch with me or Eileen Sites. And spread the word. As the old saying goes, “many hands make light work”. And in this case good work too. Your hands will be most welcome.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
Pastor B.
Honoring Our Veterans
Sunday, November 9th – We will be honoring our veterans. As part of this, we would like pictures of those currently serving in any of the Armed Forces. Please mark your pictures so they can be returned. There will be a box in the Narthex for them.
Honor our veterans. Veterans Day, which is November 11 each year, is a holiday to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for our nation’s common good.
Christians follow the Prince of Peace, so war is a dilemma that often challenges people of faith. Some Christians are pacifists, while others believe in a “just war.” Many believe that the goals of freedom, justice, equality and democracy are worth the cost required.
Whatever individual Christians decide about any given conflict, most Christians believe that men and women who strive to make this world free of tyrants are to be respected. As Winston Churchill said, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
Thank you to all the men and women who served or are now serving our country.
Blood Drive
Thank you to all who came to support the Blood Drive on Saturday, October 18th. 40 pints were collected!!!! Special thanks to Nate Hepler for leading it for his Eagle project and his troopmates who helped him.
Musicians Needed
All instrumentalists are invited to play with the MLC Musical Ensemble on Sunday, November 9th at 10:00 at MLC for Veterans Day, November 26th for Thanksgiving Eve Service at MLC, November 30th for the Millcreek Tree Lightening Ceremony, and Sunday, December 21st for the Lessons and Carols Service.
Rehearsals are:
Sunday, November 2 @ 7:OOAM,
Saturday, November 8 @ 10:OOAM,
Sunday, November 16 @ 6:00,
Sunday, November 23 @ 6:00.
Please call Julie Strickler (610-207-9650 or 717-274-3715) with any questions or for music.
Thanks!
Julie
Coming Events!
November is a very special month with every Sunday including something special.
November 2nd is All Saints Sunday, when we especially remember those who have died in the past year since last All Saints Day. This service also includes communion.
November 9th is our Veterans’ Day celebration, and will include special music from the choirs and the MLC ensemble, as well as honoring our own veterans. If you know someone who has served, please give him or her a special invitation to join us. We are also looking for pictures of veterans – from when they served preferably. There will be a box in the narthex for them. Please note who it is – just in case we can’t tell.
The Junior Youth Group will be roller skating at Mt. Gretna on Sunday, November 9th. The skate session is from 2-4:30. We will meet at the church at 1:00 pm. Admission is $4.00 and skate rental is $2.00. On Sunday, November 16th we will be working on our craft project for our shut-in visitation on December 14th.
November 16th is the last Sunday of Pentecost and will also feature special music.
Sunday, November 16th is the deadline for the Christmas Shoebox project. There is still time to put one together. Information on how to do it is available at the church or give Betty Templin or Pastor B. a call.
Beginning Wednesday, Nov 19, the children will be rehearsing on Wednesday nights from 6:30 – 7:30 in preparation for their Christmas program. This is when we learn many of the songs, and put it all together. Please try to attend as many as possible. Rehearsals will be Nov 19, December 3, and December 10, with the program on Sunday, December 14.
November 23rd is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the church year.
In Gathering Sunday – Our totals for this year’s appeal are as follows: 12 blankets, 20 sewing kits, 198 bars (50lbs!!) of soap, and 16 yds. Of extra fabric. We thank all who donated to this project.
God Bless – Evangelism Committee
Millcreek is hosting the Community Thanksgiving Eve Service on Wednesday, November 26th at 7:00 pm. Pastor Linda Lowman of Elias U.C.C. will be preaching. The Millcreek Ensemble with others invited from other churches, and both the children and senior choirs will be singing. We will also need greeters, ushers, acolytes, and nursery personnel as well as snacks for the fellowship time.
The Advent Season begins on November 30th. We will be sharing in the Sacrament of Holy Communion that Sunday with the young people of our First Communion Class who will be receiving it for the first time. We look forward to starting the season of preparation for Christ’s coming with our support and celebration of this important event in their lives.
Looking ahead...
The 2nd Sunday of Advent (December 7) will be Hanging of the Greens;
the 3rd Sunday (December 14) – the children’s Christmas program;
the 4th (December 21) Lessons and Carols Service.
Christmas Eve Service will be held at 10:00 pm (one service only).
First Communion Classes
Wednesdays: November 5, 12 and 19. Class sessions will be one hour from 7:00-8:00.
Confirmation Classes –7:30pm
Class sessions are for one hour and we will meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays evenings through May (except December, January and February when it is the 1st and 2nd Mondays).
Recycle Aluminum Cans for the American Cancer Society
Please place any bags of aluminum cans at the kitchen entrance of the church. Thank you for your continued support.
Note: The tabs of cans are still being collected for the dialysis machine at the Ronald McDonald House. The container is on the table in the Narthex.
Relay for Life News
MLC’s Relay Team has a couple of open slots to join the team. If interested please call/see Linda Reamor any other member of the team.
MLC’s Relay for Life Chicken Bar-B-Que from 10-1:30 at the Richland Fire Hall
If you haven’t gotten tickets, there is still time to do so. If interested please call/see any member of the team.
KAUFFMAN'S CHICKEN BAR-B-Q AND BAKE SALE - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8
1/2 CHICKEN, POTATO AND ROLL
$6.00
PICK UP FROM 10AM TO 1PM AT RICHLAND FIREHALL
ANY DONATIONS TO OUR BAKE SALE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!
DONATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT CHURCH ON FRIDAY the 7th FROM 3 TO 6PM, OR SATURDAY MORNING AT THE FIREHALL AFTER 8AM
IF YOU NEED A DELIVERY OF A CHICKEN MEAL, CALL KATIE AT 866-9606.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE TICKETS, SEE ANY TEAM MEMBER.
OUR TEAM THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Linda Ream
Peg Auman
Katie Beckhardt
MarciaGlucksnis
Tammy Hepler
Rachel Mock
Steph Seldomridge
Eileen Sites
Beth Tice
Jaime Webber
Betty Lou Weik
Birthdays in November:
7 Adam Polynone
11 Barbara Risser
12 Emma Breidigam; Sherrie Bressler
13 Susanne Sallade
14 Renee Strickler; Carol Sova
16 David Engle
17 Gail Hoffman; Jullianne Strickler
19 Nathan Tice
21 Christopher Sauter
25 Tom Tice
27 Jocelyn Stoudt
29 Matthew Engle
If you are not included on the birthday list already, please submit your name to me at your earliest convenience. Either put the above slip in the Newsletter mailbox in the church office, or email me at: carolsova@yahoo.com Thanking you in advance, Carol Sova
Change in Church Office Hours
Due to a change in jobs, our church secretary, Beth Tice, will now be in the office on Wednesday and Friday from 3:00-5:00pm. Pastor Beckhardt will still be available at the office from 10:00 am-Noon on Wednesday and Friday. If you are coming to the office, please do however, call ahead to make sure Pastor B. or Beth are there.
Card Shower...
For Derick Sites:1911 27th Street, Room 22, Zion, IL 60099. If you don’t like sending cards, but like e-mail, he can also be contact at dzone2080@comcast.net.
Bible Study
Tuesday’s study is continuation of our reading and discussion of Ephesians and the Thursday afternoon group Bible Study has the same format with 1st John.
We need college addresses/Emails of MLC students.See carolsova@yahoo.com or give to Pastor B.
Emily Beckhardt is attending Towson University. Her address is:
P.O. Box 0091
Towson University
8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252
John Bump is attending Lincoln Memorial University Medical School. His address is:
University Inn – Room 232,
134 Brooklyn Street
Cumberland Gap, TN 37724.
Joe Brightbill
Room D1
International House Philadelphia
3701 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19104
Alex Sova is attending Bloomsburg University. Her address is:
Box 1360 Schuylkill Hall
Bloomsburg University
Bloomsburg, PA 17815.
"Thank You"
Thank you to all who walked in the Crop Walk and/or donate to the cause. It was a beautiful day for a walk and a worthy cause. Photos to come, see "Custom 1" link.
Holiday Season
Holidays and family disputes Holidays, which are meant to be days of celebration, often turn into days of stress. One family member may become offended by something said or unsaid, or by things done or not done. A small misunderstanding can quickly grow into bickering among the entire family.
At times such as those we would do well to recall the wise teacher whose method of dealing with slights or insults was to let them pass. He said, “I have only one skin which covers me very well. I don’t let anyone else get under it.”
Grief, Love and Healing
Grief is perhaps the most difficult of human emotions to face, though it also has the potential for being the most therapeutic. Grief isn’t a bad thing; it’s the cost of having loved. If we hadn’t loved, if we hadn’t cared, we wouldn’t grieve. And our lives would have been even emptier.
MLC Treasurer’s Report
Balance 7/31/08 86.66
August/September Receipts 25,312.43
August/September Expenses -23,533.20
Balance 9/30/08 1,865.89
Building Fund Account
Balance - 7/31/08 11,570.77
Receipts 1,288.95
Interest 24.50
Balance 9/30/08 11,476.22
As the expenses of the church continue weekly, our ministry together will be greatly enabled by setting aside an offering for those Sundays that you cannot be at worship service. Regular, intentional giving by all of our members will be a blessing to the work we can do in Christ’s name.
Everyone Can Serve
Look for opportunities to serve; don’t wait to be asked! Remember: You can serve without being a part of an “official” ministry. We all can:
• extend the word of welcome, whether or not we are official greeters;
• be listening, caring friends, whether or not we are official lay counselors;
• be ready to give reason for the hope that is in us, whether or not we are on the evangelism team;
• be enthusiastic participants and ready to
Recovering Members & Friends
Mary Andrews, Kim & Nathan Ball, Francis Barkus, Sandy Bashore, Joan Beaver, Mark & Allison Beaver, Mary Lou Bergman, Kim Blair, Christine Bucks, Jean Capretti, Serenity Cash, Miriam Cole, Dawn Culhane, Bob Derr, Lorrie & Andrew Dunbald, Dwayne Dutrow, Michael Erby, Amy Esler, Jennifer Falasca (Strickler), Alice Falkenstein, Gene Flory, Shirley Fox, Cathy Friede, Mabel Gassert, Julie Gemmel, Michelle Gettle, Marcia Gray, Ella Griffe, Vickie Griffe, Theodore Gromis, Kathryn Gruber, Mary Hancock, Wilbur Harris, Vi Hepler, Beryl Hoffman, David Horne, Warren Hoover, James Kantner, Mary Keath, Linda Kellenberger, Cheryl Kreiser, Judy Kreiser, Pat Kreitz, Shad Kreitz, Gary Landuyt, Kathy Leedy, Ann Leibig, Elaine Lengel, Erin Little, Alee Lloyd, Ed Marinak, Andrew Marshall, Steve McNally, Edna Meyer, Frank Mihalik, Ray Miller Sr., Richard Miller, Aaron Mock, Sharon Mohl, Judy Montgomery, Melissa Neff, Jane North, Mike Patches Jr., Linda Petrys, Brandt Pfleuger, Harold Ream, Richard Rothgaber, Jim & Burneda Russell, Betty Schaeffer, Stephanie and Skeet Seldomridge, Bill Shaak, Zachary Shade, Norm Sharp, Robert Shirk, Betty Singer, Captains David & Neely Joe Sinnk, Bryan Sites, Derick Sites, Eileen Sites, Spang Crest Residents, Florence Shirk Spindler, Joe Stevens, Barney Stoudt, Jane Strickler, John Strickler, Nicole Sweigert, the Taylor family, Deb Tice, Matthew Urey, Dawn Wagner, Katrina Wagner, Robert Wagner, Norman Wilson, Ben Witter, Sandy Wolfe, Michael, Jr. & Aaron Yiengst, Lisa Zerbe
NURSERY SCHEDULE
Oct 26 – Sharon McNalley
Nov 2 – Sue Sonnen
Nov 9 – Beth Tice
Nov 16 – Cheryl Batdorf
ACOLYTES
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