The ENTRANCE HYMN - St. Michael Lutheran

The
Archangel
Herald
October/November 2016
In This Issue
Altar Guild ………………………... 31
Adult Education …………………... 19
Blood Drive ………………………..16
Caring Shepherds …………………. 29
Church Bus ………………………. 23
Christmas Poinsettia ……………… 24
Council President’s Report …. ……. 6
Faith Formation ………………….. 21
Family Promise …………………... 22
Fellowship Opportunities ………… 13
First Communion Class …………… 4
From the Associate Pastor ………… 5
Good Neighbors Project ………….. 15
Holiday Baskets ………………….. 12
Luther House Support ……………. 25
Make a Difference ……………….. 26
Memorial Gifts …………………….30
Men and Women of St. Michael ….. 28
Music Notes ……………………… 8
Office News and Notes…………… 30
Pastoral Pondering ……………….. 3
Reformation Sunday ……………… 11
“Seekers” Book Club …………… 32
Sixty Plussers …………………….. 14
Sixty Plussers Fall Dinner ……….. 17
Social Ministry ………………… 10
Stewardship……………………… 7
Trunk or Treat ……………………. 18
Youth Group Update …………….. 33
Church Staff
The Archangel Herald
Senior Pastor
of
ST. MICHAEL
LUTHERAN CHURCH
Associate Pastor
Published by
St. Michael Lutheran Church
Unionville, Pennsylvania
Rev. Frederick J. DeRasmo, Jr.
fderasmo@stmichaelpa.com
Rev. Adrianne M. Meier
ameier@stmichaelpa.com
Visitation Pastor
Rev. Danny N. Bodine
bodinepd@verizon.net
Music Director
Linda Lorgus
llorgus@stmichaelpa.com
Office Manager
Bonnie McDonald
bmcdonald@stmichaelpa.com
Nursery Caregiver
Sarah Fickes
“Following Christ’s Example, Welcoming All, Strengthening Each Other,
Serving the Community”
Church Phone: 610-347-1696
Church FAX: 610-347-0148
E-Mail: saintmichaellc@verizon.net
Prayer Chain: smlcprayers@stmichaelpa.com
WEBSITE: htpp://www.stmichaelpa.com
Newsletter Staff
Contributors
Members and Staff of St. Michael
Calendar/Follow-Me Servers List
Office Staff
Proofers
Kammy Franz, Judy Erdmann, Pastor Rick
Distribution Team
Doris Colligan, Sue Fisher, Kammy Franz, Dot Huf, Leona Souser,
Sandy Raffa, Debbie Schultz and Carolyn Wonderly
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Pastoral Ponderings
Pastor Rick
In doing a little research, I came upon a quote about
gratitude that I’d like to start with: "Gratitude unlocks the fullness
of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns
denial into acceptance, chaos to order, and confusion to clarity. It
can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into
a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for
today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
- Melody Beattie
I don't know who Melody Beattie is, but I do know that she is on to
something when she says, “gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.” Here in
America, November culminates in our ritual observance of gratitude, the great
big holiday feast of Thanksgiving. On the fourth Thursday of November we enjoy
that rarest of all holidays, an honest-to-goodness four-day weekend. And while
there is a huge meal to prepare and/or attend, beyond the turkey and the
trimmings, the expectations upon us are fairly minimal, and we may even find
ourselves with some time to relax.
I know it takes a lot of work to put that meal on the table, believe me I do,
but beyond that we are not asked to sing special songs, attend extra church
services, find new clothes, decorate the whole house, hunt for eggs, or find the
perfect gift for everyone on our list. We're really just expected to show up, spend
some good old-fashioned quality time together, watch a little football, talk a little
bit about what we are thankful for, and of course eat a lot more in one sitting
than is humanly possible.
Ritual gluttony aside, Thanksgiving is one of the most precious holy days left
on our calendar because slowing down and counting our blessings is actually a
part of the script. We wish one another a "Happy Thanksgiving" and often we
find, lo and behold, that something as simple as being conscious of what we are
thankful for does in fact make us happy. This is a significant discovery.
We live in a society that rightly trumpets “the pursuit of happiness” as a
basic human right. But more and more people are wising up to the fact that our
ardent pursuit has robbed us of the experience we are chasing. Happiness is a
worthy goal, but in order to experience it, we must slow down long enough to
recognize that it is here! When we take the time to be thankful and count our
blessings, one of the things we are doing is taking the time to be happy.
October – November 2016
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Pastoral Ponderings
Pastor Rick
Happiness is not something we can go out and get; and in spite of all the
commercials we are exposed to, we know deep down it is not something we can
buy. Happiness is not material but spiritual. It is something that steals over us in
those moments when we realize . . . as we look over the turkey at our partner, or
down the table at our kids, or across the way at the friend who chose to include
us, or the parent who raised us . . . that we may not have everything we want, but
by association, we do have everything we need.
On the whole, I think Thanksgiving is a holiday that makes almost all of us
happy, because we take the time to focus on what we do have rather than put
our energy into wishing for those things we don't. Even more than this,
Thanksgiving is the time when we are thankful for whom we have. I don't think
material things, beyond a perfectly roasted turkey, really enter into our
enjoyment of this holiday very much at all. I hope and pray that Thanksgiving
stays this way.
So friends, enjoy your Thanksgiving. Revel in it. Watch the parade in your
pajamas. Ask or offer to help while dinner is being made. Take your time as you
whip up the potatoes, set the table, pass the gravy, and watch the kids do the
dishes, count your blessings and feel the happiness that ensues. If you do, then
you might just realize, come Friday, that you don't have to rush out and hit the
sales at the mall, wait in line at the movies, or even begin the process of making
your list and checking it twice, because you'll know, deep down, that you already
have exactly what you need, and better still they're already sitting right around
you there at home.
Another Step along the Faith Journey …
This is an invitation to all 2nd grade or older children who
have not yet attended a First Communion Class, to join us on
Sunday, October 23, 1-4:00 p.m. Please register with Pr. Adrianne,
and pick up a special workbook filled with fun activities to
prepare for the class with your family.
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From the Associate Pastor
Pastor Adrianne
When were you baptized? Lutherans rarely remember their
own baptism. I had to contact the church where I was baptized
in order to list an accurate date on my seminary applications (it
is easy to remember now, because I was ordained on the same
date!) Whether or not we remember the water flowing over our
heads, we should know that baptism matters to our lives.
Luther recommends you remember your baptism at least daily, if not every
time you touch water. I was particularly touched this last weekend when, at the
ordination of a dear friend, Hope said, “I want to do the ‘Jesus loves you,’” when
faced with a font full of water. She dipped her fingers in the water and blessed not
only herself, but also me and a kind, retired pastor who asked for a blessing.
How do you celebrate baptism? Do you still run across your white baptismal
taper from time to time? Have you ever lit it? What if you did a little random act
of kindness on that day, just to remember the great kindness God extends to you?
What if you spent a little time on that day in silence rejoicing not just in your
salvation, but in your Savior?
Being a disciple means relishing in rituals and traditions (you know, like
baptism and communion, but there are a myriad of other traditions) that point past
us and our own needs and to the God whom we worship. Bringing ritual into our
homes allows all who live there the opportunity to experience the expansiveness
of God’s love.
Put a little note to yourself at the kitchen sink. Make it say,
“I am baptized - thank God.” And when you see your note,
thank God. Draw yourself away from the dishes that need
done, the meal that needs fixing, the coffee your bleary eyes
need and to the God who provides for your needs.
October – November 2016
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Council President’s Report
Eric Heiss
On September 12, one day after Rally Sunday, we held our most
recent Council meeting. This gave us a chance to get back into our own
routines with renewed energy for the year ahead. This year we’re
grateful to welcome Wes Parker and Joe Martin as our newest members
to Church Council.
Last month I mentioned that one of my goals is to be a
straightforward communicator, so I thought I’d start with an attempt
to de-mystify how Church Council works at a high level on a monthly
basis.
We start with prayer led by Pastor Rick or Pastor Adrianne, asking for guidance and
clarity as we go about discussing the work of the Church. Then it is on to a review of the
previous meeting notes and action items, as well as the most recent Treasurer’s report.
We’ve been very fortunate to have Karen Liska stepping into this role over the past several
months and helping us stay up-to-date on the financial side of things.
Then we have the opportunity to discuss new topics brought forward by any of our
Ministry Teams. It’s a forum to share updates on team efforts and programs, while giving
us time to have a collaborative dialogue to make sure all sides of an item have been fully
considered. This month we covered the Stewardship Campaign, which is now in full
swing.
The next area of our agenda is to hear from our Pastors and their monthly updates as
well as reports submitted by our Ministry Teams. These usually take the form of updates
on completed activities and planning of any upcoming efforts in the near future.
Lastly, we always wrap up with a section called “Caring and Growing”, where we
discuss what went well and what could have gone better during the past month. This is
another opportunity where we can collaborate and engage in honest discussion about
things we can work on together and learn from going forward.
Hopefully this quick summary of our monthly gatherings has given you a glimpse of
how we work together as team and sets the stage for the more detailed updates we’ll be
providing to you in coming months.
Please be sure to check out pages 18 and 19 of the newly printed directory if you ever
have questions about who is on each Ministry Team, and please don’t be a stranger if
there is anything I can ever help you with!
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“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture
has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” - John 7:37-38.
How do you go from being thirsty to becoming a flowing river? How do you go from
being parched to being a spiritual supply for others? In some ways this is the journey St.
Michael is on and what we’re called to do: grow our faith and belief so that we can then be
rivers of living water for others.
Rivers of Living Water is the theme for our annual Stewardship Campaign. This fall we
will entertain the discussion of how we can best use our time, talents, and treasure as
generous stewards of the gifts God has blessed us with.
In the coming weeks we will hear several members of St. Michael share, from their
perspective, ways in which St. Michael has been a River of Living Water in their lives and,
by extension, the lives of others. They will bring forward examples of the good work being
done in our Church, showing how powerful we are together through our time and our
talents. As members of God’s family, we are all called continually to grow in our faith
each day, so that we may spiritually quench the thirst of others.
Throughout this campaign we would like to challenge you to consider your role and
commitment to Christ and St. Michael. We encourage you to consider the various
ministries you are involved with and potential ways you can become even more involved.
It has also been several years since we used the “Time and Talent” inventory. When the
forms are distributed this fall will you commit to prayerfully considering ways you can
increase your participation in our ongoing and potential new ministries?
In October pledge cards were distributed. A pledge card is not just a sign of our
commitment for next year; it is also a critical tool that helps us plan and set a budget for
2017, enabling us to put into place the plans that will help us become Rivers of Living
Water for others. In today’s economy, we fully appreciate that not everyone is in a
position to give more in 2017. We’re all in different situations. It is our hope that many of
us are in a position to help maintain the positive momentum we’re building with our
current mission and programming. We ask that you fill out a pledge card and place it in
the Narthex bin by October 16.
Please use the coming weeks to prayerfully consider the choices you make with your
time, talent, and treasure and the faith community we’re building together at St. Michael.
October – November 2016
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Music Notes
Linda Lorgus
If you have been coming regularly to worship, you
will notice that on any given week, the number singing
in the choir fluctuates quite a bit! That is because our
singers are as busy as everyone else. Many travel or have Sunday school
commitments, or shore homes, or children’s sports, which is why it makes
such a difference when YOU decide to come out and sing.
Come as you can – you will be very welcome. Matins Choir meets once a
month for the 8:00 AM service. Chancel Choir sings weekly at the 10:30 AM service.
What’s the difference between the Chancel Choir and Chancel Choir ‘PLUS”?
Chancel Choir rehearses Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. Members of this group work on a
mix of anthems in style and difficulty. Most robe, process and sit in the choir loft, but
some sit with their family and just come up to sing for the anthem. Some members read
music, some do not, but all benefit by the extra time to work on the music, grow in
fellowship and support each other in prayer.
Chancel Choir “PLUS” combines the regular Chancel Choir ‘plus’ extra singers who
either can’t rehearse Thursday nights, or only want to sing occasionally throughout the
year. “PLUS” rehearsals are the first and third Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Our High School
singers often come to these rehearsals, and can receive HONOR SOCIETY SERVICE
HOURS by participating on Sunday mornings.
SING FOR CHRISTMAS!
For the past several years, all the choirs have combined
on the Sunday before Christmas to present a musical service
of worship. The service of music blended with scriptures and
other readings has become a much anticipated event by
singers and congregation
This year, the Christmas cantata is Sing We Now of
Christmas by Howard Helvey. It will be presented on Sunday,
December 18th at 9:30 AM. Exquisite, fresh carol settings are
woven together with scripture and poetic narration to create
a refreshing celebration of Advent and Christmas. All choirs
will participate in this wonderful event, which includes
narrators, instrumentalists and Handbells.
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Music Notes
Linda Lorgus
CANTATA REHEARSALS – If you would like to sing in the cantata, please
sign up (choir room and bulletin board) so enough music can be
purchased. Rehearsals are listed below. Please plan to make seven of
the 10 rehearsals plus the final dress rehearsal on December 15 th.
Rehearsal dates are:
Sundays: November 6, 20; December 4, 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Thursdays: November 3, 10, 17, December 1, 8
Monday: November 21
DRESS REHEARSAL FOR ALL – Thursday, December 15
All evening rehearsals begin at 7:30 p.m. A CD will be available for ‘drive time’ learning.
Youth Choir will rehearse parts of the cantata
during their regular Tuesday rehearsals.
If you would like to sing the entire work,
plan to make at least three evening rehearsals.
CHOIRS SINGING IN WORSHIP
Chancel Choir: every week at 10:30 service, both services on Reformation Sunday
Matins Choir:
October 9 and November 13 at 8:00 a.m. service
Children’s Choir:
October 9 and November 13 at 10:30 a.m. service
Jubilation Ringers:
October 16 and November 20 at both services
Vivace Youth Choir:
October 23 and November 13 at 10:30 a.m. service
Thanksgiving Week – Change Of Rehearsal Schedule:
Children’s Choir will NOT rehearse during Thanksgiving week.
Youth Choir will rehearse at the usual time, 6-7:00 p.m.
Jubilation and Cantata Choir rehearsals will be Monday night, Nov. 21, at
the usual times.
October – November 2016
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Social Ministry Special Projects
Pastor Adrianne
Well,
we broke the bank! St. Michael’s
members donated so many coins we temporarily
put the bank’s coin counting machine out of
commission. So we are still counting coins - we
have four full coin jugs to go, but we are happy to
announce that we EXCEEDED OUR GOAL.
(Actually, we blew our goal out of the water, raising
well over $6000.) All excess funds will be donated
to the Kennett Food Cupboard to help feed local
families. Thank you to everyone who donated,
thank you to all the willing volunteers who helped pack our 15,000+ meals
on October 2, and thank you to the fellowship team for helping prepare and
serve lunch.
But we’re not done yet! October 22-23 is our Blood, Sweat, and Tears
weekend. Details about Good Neighbors Day on Saturday and the Blood
Drive on Sunday are elsewhere in this newsletter, with information about
where and how to sign up. Please, do sign up to help!
Watch your bulletin for details about Thanksgiving and Christmas
donations and service projects, as well as details about our 2017 plan and
theme - Servant of All.
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Reformation Sunday –
Pastor Rick
“Who would have predicted that I would become a Bachelor and
Master of Arts, then lay down my student’s cap to be a monk, thus earning
the displeasure of my father; that I would get into the pope’s hair, and he
in mine; that I would take a runaway nun for a wife and with her have
quite a few children?”
That is how Martin Luther once summed up his life. There was of
course, far more to this man who was hailed both as a heretic and a
revolutionary thinker. The Reformation he launched, in protest against the
church which he served as a priest, spread like wildfire in his lifetime and
had a lasting impact on Western thought and culture.
We celebrate our Lutheran heritage on Reformation Sunday, which is always the last
Sunday of October. We commemorate Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the door of the
Castle Church in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517. Surprisingly, Luther himself never
reported having engaged in such an act of protest. Did he nail them to the Castle Church
door? Scholars continue to debate that answer. Here are some other interesting facts about
Martin Luther, according to Dr. Herbert Jacobsen, former adjunct professor of theology at
North Park College, Chicago.
-
At birth, Martin Luther’s name was Martin Luder. He later changed it to the
more academically respectable Luther.
Christopher Columbus set sail when Luther was in grammar school and
Michaelangelo was completing his Sistine Chapel ceiling as Luther began
teaching theology.
As a schoolboy, Luther preferred music to any other subject and he became
proficient at playing the lute.
Luther once said he had not even seen a Bible until he was 20 years old.
Luther translated the Greek New Testament into German at the rate of 1,500
words per day.
Luther publicly criticized the abuse of indulgences more than three years before
he published his 95 Theses on the topic.
In 1520 and 1521, Luther was the rage of Germany. Posters of Luther (single
sheet woodcuts) sold out as soon as they went on sale, and many were pinned up
in public places.
October – November 2016
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Holiday Baskets
Pastor Rick
A Family Effort in Generous Giving …
Well, it’s that time again-Thanksgiving Baskets for the needy of
our community. For the past 23 years St. Michael has partnered
with community organizations to bring all the makings of a
traditional Thanksgiving meal to needy families in the Southern
Chester County area.
This year we will once again partner with the Kennett Food
Cupboard in an effort to assist families for Thanksgiving. On
November 6, a display will appear in the narthex where families are invited to take a
container along with a Thanksgiving shopping list. We ask that your family go to the store
together, shop as a family for the items on the list, bring them home and fill the container.
Once your container is filled, bring it back to church as we watch the outpouring of
generosity accumulate in the narthex. The Food Cupboard will be picking up all Thanksgiving
Baskets on Monday, November 21. The baskets should NOT include any perishable items. If
you would like, include a Giant Gift card that the Food Cupboard can distribute for families
to purchase a turkey or chicken for Thanksgiving.
We realize that participating this way can prove to be a physically challenging endeavor
for some. (Those baskets do get heavy!) We are also in need of monetary donations that will
help the Food Cupboard with the purchase of perishable items. Please give generously as
these monies will also help St. Michael when we participate in the Food Cupboard’s
Christmas Basket Project in December. Simply place a donation in the Sunday offering or
send it to the Church Office and indicate “Holiday Baskets”.
Last year St. Michael provided 50 Thanksgiving Baskets to area residents with the
help of the Food Cupboard. It was truly a “family” experience involving
children, parents, grandparents and friends.
We hope to be able to equal that number this year.
Join us on November 21 for our Service of Thanks to bless food collected.
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A Favorite Fellowship Opportunity
Wine, Cheese, and Appetizer Tasting
Saturday, November 5, 7:00 p.m.
You are invited to a St. Michael favorite … a Wine,
Cheese and Appetizer Tasting. This is sure to bring out
everyone’s favorite appetizer, not to mention an
opportunity to sample some fine wines! Who knowsperhaps you will find a new appetizer or a little known
Pinot or Cabernet that will absolutely make you the talk
of your next dinner party!
Everyone is asked to bring a bottle or two of your favorite “can’t miss” wine
along with a cheese combination or appetizer. The event will be at the home of
Pastor Rick and Karen DeRasmo and promises to provide an
excellent opportunity for good fun, food, and fellowship. A
sign up poster will appear on the kiosk in the narthex at
church, or you can call the Church Office by October 30.
Please join us!
The St. Michael Columbarium
Have you considered memorializing your loved ones
with a plaque on St. Michael’s Columbarium? It can be a
lasting and meaningful way to express your love and
honor.
Brochures can be found in the track racks in the Narthex.
October – November 2016
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Pastor Rick
“Sixty-Plussers” Upcoming Events
Thursday, October 13
12:00 Noon
Barbershop Quartet
With Rick Serpico and Friends
We hope you will join us for an afternoon of good food and song as we welcome our own
Rick Serpico and friends as they share the always-pleasing tones of barbershop music with
us. Barbershop music features songs with understandable lyrics and singable melodies. Rick
has directed and performed with many award-winning barbershop groups and has sung at St.
Michael in recent years.
Please be sure to sign up on the kiosk at church or contact the church office so we can
plan for our luncheon.
Thursday, November 10
12:00 noon
Pluto New Horizons
Special guest speaker, Edward Tupin
New Horizons is the first NASA mission to the planet Pluto, its large moon Charon and
then on to the Kuiper belt of rocky, icy objects beyond Pluto, (the planet, not the dog). We
will take a look at the spacecraft, the scientific instruments on board, the pictures and other
scientific data that has been returned to earth so far.
Get Ready for an “out of this world” experience!
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A Blood, Sweat & Tears Weekend
Social Ministry Team
The FALL EDITION of GOOD NEIGHBOR'S DAY!!
A Day of Service
for All Ages!
Saturday, October 22
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(You can volunteer whatever amount of time,
whenever you have time that day!)
Come help us support one of our local missions, Good Neighbor's, by
donating a few hours (or the whole day!) to help members of our community
with the upkeep of their homes. We are planning to have the need for both
'light duty' volunteers to do yard/easy clean up/painting tasks, but also
those who have the skills for more involved jobs like roofs,
drywall, etc. ANY AMOUNT OF TIME AND SKILL LEVEL IS APPRECIATED!!
We will meet at church at 8:00 a.m. with Good Neighbors and then travel
to the sites. Please look for the sign-up sheets in the narthex in the coming
weeks. Anyone who signs up and has an email address will receive
information about the sites/necessary jobs prior to 10/22.
If you wish to help with this important outreach
ministry, you can also use Sign Up Genius
http://bit.ly/2cOGP8H or the QR Code (left) to take
advantage of our online sign-ups.
October – November 2016
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Blood, Sweat & Tears (cont.)
Rick Huneke
St. Michael Lutheran Church
Blood Drive
Sunday, October 23rd
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Please visit: http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation and search
by sponsor code smlutheran to schedule an appointment.
*** Please contact tedra.farrell@redcross.org if you experience
issues scheduling donor appointments. ***
Donor Eligibility Guidelines: call 1-800-RED-CROSS
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Sixty-Plussers Dining Experience
Art Knechtel
A Fine Dining Experience
November 19 – 6:00 p.m.
The Mendenhall Inn
Beverages and Fellowship – 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
A beverage station of Iced tea, lemonade, water, and canned soda is available.
A cash bar will also be available.
Choice of Entrée
Stuffed Boneless Chicken Breast $30
North Atlantic Fillet of Salmon $30
Roast Prime Rib of Beef $31
(All entrees come with a Freshly Tossed Mesclun Salad,
Chef’s Vegetable and Potato and assortment of Fresh Baked Rolls)
Dessert
New York Style Cheesecake, Coffee, and Tea
Cost: $30-$31 per person depending upon entrée selection
Watch for a sign-up poster on the kiosk in the narthex. Reservations ARE necessary. You may
also contact the church office for more details. The sign-up poster will have a place for you to
select your entrée. Checks should be made out to St. Michael Lutheran Church. We cannot reserve
your seat without a selected entrée and payment in advance. Deadline for sign up is November
13th.
We have dined at The Mendenhall Inn in recent years and it was a well-received evening out for
all who attended. Don’t miss this opportunity to share an evening with good friends, good
fellowship, and fine food. Additional questions may be directed to Art Knechtel.
October – November 2016
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Evangelism
Renee Keiser & Tony Summa
Sunday October 30th - from 3-5 p.m.
The Evangelism team has been working hard to prepare for our
upcoming Trunk-or-Treat event. We are looking for volunteers to come
to the church with decorated trunks and treats for community children
who enjoy this event each year. There will be cider and donuts as always
as well as many other treats! If you are interested in participating in
Trunk-or-Treat, please contact Tony Summa at ars173@yahoo.com.
TRUNK OR TREAT is a SAFE and FUN way
to enjoy Halloween!
Come in costume – not too scary, as
there will be little ghosts around
Visit each of the cars in our parking lot and collect your treats
Don’t forget about the Ladies Christmas Tea Luncheon.
Save the date for December 3rd at 12pm!
Ticket sales will begin in October.
Watch for the ticket table in the narthex!
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Adult Education
Hank Fisher and Ray Foy
(We offer two classes on Sunday mornings for adults: the Bible Study Class and the Life Application
Class. The classes are located at the end of the Education Wing, rooms 108 and 109.)
Starting Point
A DVD Study by Andy Stanley
Everything has a starting point—your life, your
relationships, your education, your career. Sometimes we forget
that faith has a starting point as well. For some of us, our faith journeys began in childhood
as a set of beliefs handed to us by a parent, teacher, or pastor. Maybe you developed a
framework of faith based on personal experience. Or maybe you had no faith at all. Too
often, a faith formed in childhood isn’t strong enough to withstand the pressures of adult
life. But what if you could find a new starting point for faith?
Welcome to Starting Point, an 8-session small group conversation about faith. Whether
you’re new to faith, curious about God, or coming back to church after some time away, it’s a
place where your opinions and beliefs are valued, and no question is off limits. During the
eight sessions, we will:
 Use the Starting Point Conversation Guide to reflect on central questions
of faith and life.
 Watch the video component each week in preparation or as part of the
discussion.
 Explore and share what we are learning with other people in a
conversational environment.
UPCOMING SESSIONS INCLUDE:
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
9
16
23
30
Session
Session
Session
Session
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Jesus
Grace
Faith
Invitation
Come as you are and build relationships with others as you discover
your starting point.
October – November 2016
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Adult Education
Ray Foy
(We offer two classes on Sunday mornings for adults: the Bible Study Class and the Life Application
Class. The classes are located at the end of the Sunday School wing, rooms 108 and 109.)
Bible Reflection Class
Journeying with Matthew
As the fall Sunday School season gets under way, the Adult
Bible Reflection class will be directing its focus on the Gospel of Matthew. When the
next liturgical year begins in December (at Advent), the Sunday morning Gospel
texts will feature the Gospel of Matthew. We will be using James Woodward and
Paula Gooder's new book, Journeying with Matthew. Its publishers have this to say
about Woodward & Gooder's book: "The reader will find an introduction to the
Biblical text(s) that looks at the historical and literary themes, along
with imaginative new ways to encounter Matthew’s witness including poetry and
reflection on Matthew's texts for the contemporary Christian life."
Walking Forward
Our Wednesday Walk Bible Study has resumed its in depth journey through the
Gospel of Matthew. Coffee with fellowship will be ready on Wednesday mornings at
9:15 AM. Pastor Dan Bodine will attempt to get the study moving forward at 9:30
AM and send you out the door with a smile by 10:45AM. There is always room for
more around our table. Bring your bible and your love of the Lord.
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The Archangel Herald
Sunday School Corner
Pastor Adrianne
If you’ve been missing Faith Formation Hour, then you’re missing
out on great conversation, fantastic Reader’s Theater, and caring
fellowship. Look at these great pictures from our first few weeks!
Come and check out this new and unique approach to Faith
Formation.
October – November 2016
21
Family Promise
Annette Bowers
Week of Service - November 6-13
Family Promise of Southern Chester County is flourishing. Maybe some of you saw the
Family Promise float in the mushroom parade. The theme of the float was "There's No Place
Like Home" and the Wizard of Oz characters were on board to support the message.
We have been and will continue to support the Vineyard in the Barn church for their host
weeks. By the time you read this we will have supported them the week of September 18
through 25. St. Michael parishioners volunteer for setup, meals, sleepover, fellowship and
tear down. Our church also provides financial support for breakfast and lunch food and
miscellaneous expenses. Our next support week is November 6 through 13. Volunteer
signups happen electronically through Sign-up Genius. If you want to be added to the list,
contact me, Annette Bowers, at wanda_bowers@msn.com or 610-444-4496. We always need
more volunteers and greatly appreciate those loyal volunteers who sign up every time.
We also support the effort by responding to requests from the Family Promise Director
for necessary items and volunteer needs at the Day Center. These requests are passed via my
Family Promise e-mail list and are listed in the bulletin. Let me know if you want to be added
to the email list. Folks have been very generous in responding to these needs.
Last but not least, Family Promise is one of the organizations supported through our
Social Ministry budget. Family Promise uses these funds to pay for staff, van expenses, day
center expenses, etc. I have posted the Family Promise budget and newsletter on the Social
Ministry bulletin board at church.
Susan Minarchi, the Director of Family Promise, and the board of Family Promise,
including our own Wes Bowers, want to thank St. Michael for their support. Helping to end
homelessness in Southern Chester County is a huge ecumenical effort. Thanks for being a
part of the effort.
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The Archangel Herald
Church Bus Schedule Update
Church Office
FALL/WINTER BUS SCHEDULE
Please share the word with friends that St. Michael
provides transportation for seniors to Sunday Services
EVERY WEEK. The bus makes stops at the Luther
House and Jenner’s Pond campuses in Jennersville and Kennett Friend’s Home. This is an
outreach ministry of the congregation and the Luther House Foundation. It continues to
grow with new riders. If you know of folks who would benefit from this outreach, please
share the information with them.
Return Trip
Pick-Up Times
9:30 a.m.
9:34 a.m.
9:36 a.m.
9:38 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
9:48 a.m.
10:06 a.m.
10:20 a.m.
Luther House I
Luther House II
Luther House III
Luther House IV
Jenner’s Pond (Alison Bldg)
Jenner’s Pond (Ruston Res.)
Kennett Friends Home
Arrive at Church
11:50 a.m.
12:01 p.m.
12:17 p.m.
12:20 p.m.
12:24 p.m.
12:26 p.m.
12:28 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
Depart from Church
Kennett Friends Home
Jenner’s Pond (Ruston Res.)
Jenner’s Pond (Alison Bldg.)
Luther House IV
Luther House III
Luther House II
Luther House I
[If you intend to bring a scooter or wheel chair, please call the Church Office to make a reservation.]
December/January
Deadline …
The deadline for all articles to be included in the
December/January issue of The Archangel Herald is November
15th. Please forward all articles in MSWord format to
saintmichaellc@verizon.net.
October – November 2016
23
Christmas Poinsettias
Church Office
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
In the United States, the flower most symbolic of the Christmas season is the
poinsettia. Dr. Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, who discovered it
there, and for whom the flower is named, brought it to this country in 1928. This lovely
Christmas flower will be used to adorn our sanctuary on Christmas Eve. We will be
placing an order for poinsettias and they will be placed in the church for Sunday,
December 18. What a beautiful gift in honor or memory of a loved one.
To honor a loved one with a poinsettia please return this order form to the Church Office
NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13th.
************************************************************
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDER FORM
I/We wish to order _______ poinsettia(s) at $15.00 each.
Color and How many:
#_______ Red
# ______White
Total $: __________
Envelope #: __________
Please PRINT names clearly: (Write all additional names on the back)
In MEMORY of: ____________________________________________________________
In HONOR of: _____________________________________________________________
GIVEN by: __________________________________________________________________
It is difficult to keep the poinsettias in the sanctuary through New Years. We ask that you take
your poinsettias with you after 9:00 pm Christmas Eve service.
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The Archangel Herald
Luther House Support
Lisa Morrison
Thanks
to the efforts of many St. Michael
members, during the summer the residents of
Luther House were able to participate in a variety of
activities. On June 15th, they attended a Blue Rocks
game which included a food voucher. On August
24th, they took in a buffet lunch and performance of
“The Music Man” at the Candlelight Theatre. The
annual Summer Picnic was held on August 27 th which was, once again, well
attended. Many thanks to everyone from the congregation who volunteered to make
these events memorable.
There are two trips coming up during the fall. A bus trip to Harrisburg is slated
for October 14th, which includes a dinner cruise on the Pride of the Susquehanna.
We have been trying to get a cruise for some time now and are hoping that this one
will go off without a hitch. The “Winter Wonderland” Holiday Show at the American
Music Theatre is our next destination on November 30 th.
A service of remembrance will be held in early November, date not yet set.
Following that will be the traditional Holiday Luncheons on December 5, 6, 7 and 8,
which will take place in each of the four buildings on the Luther House campus.
In addition to organizing excursions and social activities, the Luther House
support committee also regularly distributes clothing donated by the Encore shop.
Christmas is a very busy time with holiday sing-a-longs for residents, the decorating
of five Christmas trees (one in each building and one in the gazebo) as well as the
hanging of approximately 2,500 outdoor lights and large wreaths in each building.
In addition, on Christmas Eve, every resident on the campus receives a Giant Gift
Card.
As you can see from the schedule over the next few months, our ministry at
Luther House is vibrant and extensive. The residents also greatly appreciate the
opportunities it offers them, as well as the time and effort that goes into the
coordination. This vibrant ministry is only possible with the generous gift of your
time. If you are interested in becoming involved, Bruce Beitler would be glad to
explain how donating only a day or two during the year would be a great help in
continuing this ministry.
October – November 2016
25
Opportunities to Make a Difference
Janet Weber
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Saturday, October 15
St. Michael is sponsoring a team in the Walk to
End Alzheimer’s at the Wilmington Waterfront on
Saturday, October 15, 2016. This message is an
invitation for you to participate in one of two ways.
1. If you are interested in joining the team and participating in the walk,
contact
Team
Captain,
Janet
Weber,
at
610-869-3757,
or
janetkubik@verizon.net.
2. If you are not able to walk, you can still support the effort with your
contributions. You may give directly to St. Michael and designate your gift to
“Walk to End Alzheimer’s”.
Alzheimer’s is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death. Many of us in the
congregation have lost loved ones to this disease and many of us know someone
who is currently suffering from it. Consider that five million Americans are living
with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, and every 68 seconds another
person is diagnosed with it. This disease also takes a tremendous toll on the family
and friends of those afflicted.
The Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to
advancing research to prevent and treat
Alzheimer’s and provides programs and
support to improve the lives of millions of
Americans affected by the disease. Those of us
who participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
help to raise awareness of this terrible disease.
In addition, our contributions advance the care,
support,
and
research efforts
of the
Alzheimer’s Association.
Thank you for your support of this very worthy cause.
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The Archangel Herald
Getting Involved
Carolyn Wonderly
Remember . . .
October is NGA month.
During the month of October, we will once again be supporting NGA in their
effort to support local agencies assisting those in need.
The items most needed this year are: twin sheets, pillows, blankets, crib sheets
and crib blankets, bath towels and hand towels, diapers and baby wipes, men's and
women's low white and black socks, and men's T-shirts med/large and women's Tshirts small/medium.
The NGA In-Gathering will be held on Monday, November
7th at 9:00 a.m. to prepare the items collected for distribution
to the agencies. If you have any questions or would like to
help, please call Carolyn Wonderly at 610-388-3934.
Daylight Savings time ENDS
November 6, 2016, 2:00am.
Don’t forget to set your clocks
back before you go to bed on
Saturday night.
October – November 2016
27
Men and Women of St. Michael
Thursday, October 6
10:15 a.m.
Dear Friends — Fall is here and we’re
ready to start a new church season of service with our annual sing-along of Oldtime Songs at Pocopson Home, located on Route 52, Pocopson. We will provide
finger-food snacks to share with the residents before we sing together. Please note:
We have been asked by staff to bring purchased, sugar-free snacks only. Please
plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early and bring a friend.
Our November meeting will held on Thursday, November 3 at 9:30am in the
conference room. We will make Christmas ornaments for Friends Home under the
excellent direction of Megan Minella. We always have a good time and discover
hidden creative talents.
All women are welcome to participate in Women of St. Michael activities. Come
when you can! Questions? Contact Jean Hillegass at 484-883-4953 or
jeanhillegass@gmail.com
An Invitation to ALL
Men of St. Michael
Please join us for breakfast and fellowship
on the third Thursday of each month. Our next
gatherings will be October 20 and November
17 8:00 a.m. at the Longwood Family
Restaurant on Rt. 1. We have good food and conversation. Each month we get a few
new faces and that’s GREAT! We’d love to see you for this time of fellowship.
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The Archangel Herald
Caring Shepherds
Kammy Franz
C
aring Shepherds never go on vacation. During the
summer months they sent many cards, made many personal
contacts, and offered many prayers. The purpose of this
ministry is to CARE for all members of St. Michael, no
matter what the circumstances.
Every member of St. Michael has a Caring
Shepherd. If you don’t know who your
Shepherd is, ask me or call the Church Office.
If you know your Shepherd’s name but don’t
know what he or she looks like, check out the
picture at the top of the ramp or check the pictures in the new
church directory.
Please “check in” with your Shepherd on occasion, if only to
say “Hi”. We do care.
Our Christian Sympathy…
Is extended to … Pastor Dan Bodine on the passing of
his father, Norman E. “Pete” Bodine, who entered the
Church Triumphant on Thursday, September 1, 2016.
Is extended to … Sr. Margaret Tsan on the passing of
her sister, Ruth So, who entered the Church
Triumphant on Thursday, September 1, 2016.
Congratulations …
Sally Chrisman … on the birth of Skyler Gail Chrisman,
born August 3, 2016. The proud grandparents are Rob and
Linda Chrisman.
October – November 2016
29
Office News and Notes
Bonnie McDonald
The following people have made a special gift to the
Memorial Fund in the past months in memory of:
Bob Forney - Joe & Janet Weber
Elaine Fling - Phil Fling
Ruth So - Vinci & Sharon Felix, Sr. Margaret Tsan
Norman “Pete” Bodine - Vinci & Sharon Felix,
Darwin & Kay Wika
We give thanks to our church family who has shown such
love and care, especially during this recent time with the loss
of Dan’s father, Pete. Each card, e-mail, call, and personal
encounter has brought a ray of light to us. You are Christ’s
comforting hands reaching out into our world. Thank you
for being such a blessing to our family.
With gratitude,
Pastor Dan and Pat Bodine
CHANGE OF ADDRESS, PHONE, E-MAIL
Metta Woodruff
Apt. 4205
126 Jenner’s Pond Rd.
West Grove, PA 19390-9453
30
Pastor Adrianne & Matt Meier
Phone: 484-885-1614 (Pastor A.)
Phone: 484-885-1613 (Matt)
Christi Wampler
wamplerchristi @gmail.com
The Archangel Herald
Office News and Notes
Bonnie McDonald
We celebrated the joy and love
of Holy Baptism September 18th for:
Charlotte Mackenzie Lewis
daughter of Christopher and Michelle Lewis and
granddaughter of Lanny and Karen Lewis.
Congratulations and Best Wishes
to Rob Furr, III and Alicia Abedi who were married on
September 18, 2016 in Lancaster, PA.
Special Help Needed . . .
Are you able to become a part of this important ministry?
We are looking for volunteers to join our Altar Guild Team. No
experience is necessary. We will provide hands-on-training
with one of our experienced team members.
The Altar Guild looks after the worship candles, prepares the altar
for Holy Communion, readies the font for baptisms, and cares for the
altar paraments. You are partnered with another member of the Altar
Guild to share the monthly responsibilities.
If you are interested, please let us know by calling the office at 610347-1696
or
send
an
email
to
Bonnie
McDonald
at
saintmichaellc@verizon.net.
October – November 2016
31
Annette Bowers
You Are Invited
October 20th, 1:00 p.m.
Would you like to read some spiritual books
and participate in lively discussions? There is a
book discussion group at St. Michael that meets
every month on the third Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in
Room 109. This group has been ongoing for a few
years and we always welcome new members. The
group meets for about an hour and a half and the
discussion is fairly free form.
At our next meeting we will be discussing the
historical narrative Desire of the Everlasting Hills by
Thomas Cahill. How did an obscure rabbi from a
backwater village of the Roman Empire come to be the
central figure in Western Civilization? Did his influence
in fact, change the world? These are the questions
Thomas Cahill addresses in his subtle and engaging
investigation into the life and times of Jesus.
Cahill shows us Jesus from his birth to his execution
through the eyes of those who knew him and in the
context of his time—a time when the Jews were
struggling to maintain their beliefs under overlords who imposed their
worldview on their subjects. Here is Jesus, the loving friend, itinerate
preacher, and quiet revolutionary, whose words and actions inspired his
followers to journey throughout the Roman world and speak the truth he
instilled—in the face of the greatest defeat: Jesus' crucifixion as a common
criminal. Daring, provocative, and stunningly original, Cahill's interpretation
will both delight and surprise.
Come as you are and join us in these lively discussions.
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The Archangel Herald
Youth Group Update
Pastor Adrianne
Are
you hungry to serve? Mission
Trip RSVPs and deposits ($50) were due
October 2. It’s not too late (yet)! RSVP
to Pr. Adrianne and make checks payable
to St. Michael Lutheran Church.
Maybe you’re hungry for some fun and fellowship?
Here are our upcoming events:
October 2 - Stop Hunger Now Meal Packaging
12:00-4:00 p.m.
October 9 - Empty Bowls and Fire-pit Fellowship
6:00-8:00 p.m.
October 22 – Good Neighbors Day
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
October 23 – Red Cross Blood Drive
8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
October 23 – Haunted Hayride
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
October 30 - Trunk-or-Treat
3:00-5:00 p.m.
November 13 – Escape the Room
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
November 27 – Movie Night
To Be Announced
And don’t forget about the weekly
Faith Formation Hour small group!
October – November 2016
33
Kid’s Page
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The Archangel Herald
October – November 2016
35
St. Michael Lutheran Church
P.O. Box 178
109 E. Doe Run Road
Unionville, PA 19375-0178
www.StMichaelPA.com
Church Office – 610-347-1696
Frederick J. DeRasmo, Jr., Senior Pastor
Adrianne M. Meier, Associate Pastor
WORSHIP TIMES
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
FAITH FORMATION HOUR
9:15 a.m.
Holy Communion
1st and 3rd Sundays
Child care available at all services
DATED MATERIAL
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 434
WEST CHESTER, PA
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED