Stepping Up to Make a Joyful Noise Having Fun and Singing to the

NOVEMBER 2015
This Issue
Stepping Up to Make a Joyful Noise
Pastor Browning has a few things to say
about Resurrection’s musicians................1
Having Fun and Singing to the Lord
Ken Meyn discovers why Joyful Praise singers are having so much fun........................ 1
Notes & News
Thank God for all these happenings at
Resurrection this month..............................2
Café Ablaze Gives Thanks
Evelyn Hoffmann previews the November
coffeehouse event........................................3
Media Spotlight
Vicar Simeon Raddatz recommends a new
video series on some old books..................3
Stepping Up to Make a Joyful Noise
by PASTOR JEFF BROWNING
T
he highlight of my week, every single week, is gathering with my
church family for worship on the
weekend. This is in no small part because
the music at all four of our weekend services is absolutely amazing. This doesn’t
simply happen by accident. Our congregation is blessed with exceptional musicians
who devote a great deal of time and energy
to planning, leading, and playing at our
worship services.
I realized I have been asking quite a lot of
our church musicians, especially in recent
months. With that in mind, I thought I
would use this month’s Lamplighter as a
venue to heap effusive praise on the three
musicians who serve our congregation.
Of course, I start with our Minister of Music, Mr. Ed Dettling, Jr. Ed has been serv-
ing Resurrection and overseeing our music
ministries for nearly a quarter of a century.
Most notably, he plays the organ for our
Sunday morning services and directs the
adult choir. He shines especially at Christmastime and in Holy Week, coordinating
all of our musicians and choirs to bring the
music to such a high standard every single
year.
As many of you know, Ed is perhaps the
most gracious and gentle human being you
could ever hope to meet. Perhaps fewer of
you know that he is a tireless worker, who
directs our congregation’s music when he’s
not otherwise engaged in his fulltime job at
a local university. Every Saturday and most
evenings, long after everyone else has gone
home, Ed is still here preparing the music
Please turn to page 2
Christmas Fair 2015
Gifts, baked goods, treasures galore.........4
Nathan’s Path to the Pulpit
Jan Lamback talks with Pastor Erb about
his journey to become a pastor..................5
Building Blocks
Registration opens for 2016-17; New staff
join preschool faculty....................................7
What People Are Saying . . .
. . . about the new Midmorning Service.....7
Daily Bread
Nancy Garbowski finds encouragement in
Jesus’ promise to be with us always..........8
Having Fun and Singing to the Lord
by KEN MEYN
I
t’s my first time singing in a choir. I
think it’s fun.” So says Annabella
Georg-Hyun about singing in Joyful
Praise, one of Resurrection’s musical ensembles.
Joyful Praise is a choir of fourth through
eighth graders and is led by Jackie Kildale.
The group rehearses twice a month on
Tuesday evenings, and sings at the 11 a.m.
worship service once each month.
When Jackie became director of Joyful
Praise in 2014, there were five singers. Now
there are 14.
What’s in store for Joyful Praise?
Jackie explains, “My goal with the Joyful
Praise Choir is to provide a positive musical
experience for these children to partake in.
I would like our time together to be fun, yet
Please turn to page 4
Notes & News
Nathan Erb Ordination.................Sun, Nov 1, 3:30pm
Worship service followed by dinner.
“Women in the Word” Bible Study.
....................................................Mon, Nov 2, 12:30pm
A study on the “Challenge of Christian Womanhood”;
Fellowship Room. Info: Deacon Deb Cavacchioli or
Rachel Buck at 516.746-4426 (Also 11/9, 11/16,
11/23, 11/30)
for his spirited work leading the hand
bell choir and playing the piano for
Continued from page 1
holiday services. Ken also sings in the
for the upcoming weekend. His dedica- adult choir and serves as the primary
tion continues to be an example to me. substitute organist when Ed is away.
Earlier this year, Ed approached me
Ken has endeared himself to all of the
and offered to help with the new mid- bell ringers and everyone he works
morning service, “in any way that he
with, through his great sense of humor
was able.” This statement was typical
and quick wit.
of Ed, who always wants to serve, asWhat many of you may not know about
sist, and do whatever he is capable of
Ken, he plays the organ for most of the
doing to help ensure that our congrememorial services that are held at Resgation’s music is exceptional.
urrection. Every time I have called on
Mrs. Elisabeth Erb has been a part of
Ken to help with a service, he has althe music ministry at Resurrection for ways stepped up, willingly and joyfully.
over 13 years. Her primary role during His efforts have been a blessing to so
her tenure has been directing the wor- many people who were and are in the
ship band at the Saturday night sermidst of life’s most difficult time. He
vice. Through the years, the worship
shares the Good News of life through
band has grown from a few people to
Christ with those who most need to
over 25 singers and instrumentalists.
hear. He is a true servant.
This is largely a reflection of ElisaEd, Elisabeth, and Ken are exceptional
beth’s efforts. Not only is she kind and
musicians. They are even better peopatient, she has a true sense of vision.
ple. Time and again they have proven
She leads a group of people with differthey are willing to go above and beent musical backgrounds and levels of
yond to enhance the worship life of our
experience, with a variety of different
family of faith. I thank God for them
schedules. She somehow manages to
and their continued service to the Lord
mold them into a cohesive unit and
and the people of this congregation.
create great music every Saturday.
Please make a point in the coming
Over the past 18 months, Elisabeth has
weeks to thank each of our amazing
also been instrumental in planning for
musicians for helping all of us make a
the start of our new service. She plays a
joyful noise.
key role in planning and playing the
music every Sunday at 9:45 a.m.
Pastor Jeff Browning
Stepping Up
Mr. Ken Meyn is probably best known
2 / RESGC.ORG
Pastor Browning is Pastor at
Resurrection and THE LIFE.
First Place for Health...................Mon, Nov 2, 7:30pm
“Overcome temptations, join with others for success.” Info: Parish Nurse Linda Wardley at 516.7464426 ext 12 or Linda@resgc.org (also 11/9, 11/16,
11/23, 11/30)
Christmas Fair..........................Sat, Nov 7, 10am-3pm
Handmade Christmas decorations, other handmade
items, cookies, baked goods, white elephant items,
toys, jewelry, books; lunch is available.
Confirmation Class.........................Tues, Nov 10, 7pm
(Also 11/24)
Youth Prayer Breakfast.............Wed, Nov 11, 6:30am
Carle Place Diner; open to all youth of Resurrection
and THE LIFE and their friends. Info, Nathan Erb,
nathan@resgc.org. (Also 11/25)
Middle School Game Night................Fri, Nov 13, 7pm
A night of fun and games, open to everyone in
grades 5-8 and their friends, from 7 to 9 pm.
SAIL Luncheon............................Fri, Nov 13, 12:30pm
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner; monthly mission is
veteran’s group Wounded Warriors.
Men’s Ministry Breakfast............Sat, Nov 21, 8:30am
Devotion, prayer and discussion for men. Info: Harry
Oellrich, harry@resgc.org
Cafe Ablaze.......................................Sat, Nov 21, 7pm
Gospel folk-rock band with Dom Crincoli and Sam
Powell; reservations at resgc.org/cafe-ablaze or
email cafeablaze@resgc.org
Meal-a-Month Program..................Tues, Nov 24, 4pm
Help prepare meals to be sent to The INN in Glen
Cove for people in need. Info: Elise Olson through
the church office.
Thanksgiving Worship Service.
.......................................Wed, Nov 25, 4:30 & 7:30pm
Service of Holy Communion to commemorate National Day of Thanksgiving.
Please turn to page 6
Café Ablaze “Gives Thanks”
T
he Saturday before Thanksgiving, Café Ablaze, Resurrection’s
Christian coffeehouse, opens its
doors at 7 p.m. to “give thanks” on the
occasion of its seventh anniversary.
Onstage for the Nov. 21 festivities will
be two talented veteran performing
artists. Prepare to first be “jazzed for
Jesus” by multi-instrumentalist, Sam
Powell. Then, relax with the soothing
voice and acoustic guitar of international troubadour, Dominic Crincoli,
and his namesake gospel folk and soft
rock band. Ticket sales will benefit Resurrection’s participation at the 2016
National LCMS Youth Gathering.
Ken McCormack on drums and Pat
DiPalma on bass. Dom’s rich tenor
voice has been compared with that of
Neil Finn of Crowded House. Cross
Rhythms Christian Radio (101.8 FM) in
the United Kingdom has dubbed guitarist Dom “an American songsmith”
because of the “memorable imagery”
his lyrics evoke. His music has been
called “comforting and healing to the
spirit.” Dom leads worship in Connecticut at Harvest Time Church and Messiah’s House.
For music ministry sure to bring glory
to the “giver of every perfect gift,” Jesus
Christ, (James 1:17), consider coming
Sam Powell was featured in an episode to “the café” for this special evening.
of Samantha’s Li’l Bit of Heaven Chris- Café Ablaze welcomes singles, couples,
tian television show (now online) two
families with children (12 and under
years ago. Formerly Jewish, Sam has
free), and groups of friends. Tickets,
embraced Christianity on a grand scale sold at the door, are $10 each. Seating
since age 28. He provides music minis- is at reserved candlelit tables before the
try weekly at Centereach Bible Church stage. A separate freewill offering is
and elsewhere on Long Island. Known collected for the talent. Self-service
for his gospel jazz style, Sam mixes
offerings include specialty coffees, teas,
contemporary praise and worship
and scrumptious desserts. Intermission
songs with his own biblically inspired
offers fellowship, ice cream, and anniand spiritually uplifting ones. This
versary cake. Christian door prizes will
singer amazes with the number of inbe raffled off around 10 p.m. Consider
struments he plays. These include key- bookmarking www.resgc.org/cafeboards; guitar and bass guitar; alto,
ablaze, and find the link to make resersoprano, and tenor saxophones; trum- vations through Lori McDonald at cafepet, flugelhorn, and clarinet; and
ablaze@resgc. org.
drums.
Dominic Crincoli and his namesake
band have ministered nationally and
internationally. Backing up Dom are
Evelyn Hoffmann
The Old Testament Unveiled
Chad Bird
https://birdchadlouis.wordpress.com
/2015/10/12/my-new-youtube-channelthe-old-testament-unveiled/
The Old Testament can be a challenging read.
Not only is it really long, but it can also be
hard to understand! In Luke 24:27 Jesus
interprets the Old Testament in light of himself: “And beginning with Moses and all the
Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the
Scriptures the things concerning himself.” In
addition, Jesus says in John 5:39 that the Old
Testament Scriptures “bear witness about
me.” According to Jesus, the Old Testament is
all about him!
Recently, I came across a YouTube series
called “The Old Testament Unveiled.” Chad
Bird, a Lutheran blogger, writer, and theologian, started the series mid-October. After
watching the first two episodes (both under
10 minutes each), I thought I would share the
series.
If you are looking for a short, yet rich, weekly
study of the Old Testament, this might be a
great place to start. The series is a worthwhile
aid for reading the Scriptures in a Christcentered manner!
Review by Vicar Simeon Raddatz
has written and managed publicity and
online media for Café Ablaze since the
coffeehouse opened in 2008.
RESGC.ORG / 3
The Lamplighter
CREATIVE & EDITORIAL
Ginny Raffa, Ken Meyn
Jan Lamback, Jennifer Smith
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rev. Jeff Browning, Vicar Simeon Rabbatz
Jan Lamback, Ken Meyn, Chris Turner
Evelyn Hoffmann, Nancy Garbowski
Ginny Raffa
LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Nathan Erb, Ginny Raffa
Having Fun and Singing to the Lord
PHOTOGRAPHY
Continued from page 1
Faley says, “It feels great,
and we get to be with our
friends.”
Referring to Director
Jackie Kildale, Emma
DerGarabedian says “I
like Coach K,” while sister
Chloe DerGarabedian
adds, “She’s the bomb and
she makes it really fun.”
Joyful Praise singers include, back row: Kate Grande, Sarah Faley,
Annabella George-Hyun, Evan Kreth, Grace Faley (blue shirt)
front row, starting with Little Mermaid shirt: Chloe DerGarabedian,
Emma DerGarabedian, Sophia Luciano, Ashley Kreth, Katelyn Gayson. Missing from photo: Alex Roth, Lindsey Engheben, Ava Parker,
and Lauren Persaud.
educational, as we embark on learning double parts and harmonies.” She adds, “I want
them to understand that they are worshiping the Lord through song and how vital it is
to understand the lyrics they are singing.”
When choir members are asked about belonging to Joyful Praise, the word ‘fun’ pops
up frequently.
“I like being in the choir cause it’s fun,” says
Ava Parker. Ashley Kreth adds, “It’s fun, and
it teaches you more about singing.” Sarah
4 / RESGC.ORG
Jackie reflects on the
choir. “I am so proud of
their success thus far, as
they are hard workers and
truly enjoy singing together. The Joyful Praise
Choir is made up of dedicated children of various
ages who make a joyful
noise unto the Lord.”
Jackie notes, “This group certainly has personality and a passionate Christian attitude
each time we gather.”
Christine Zimmerman, Ken Meyn
Ginny Raffa
MAILING STAFF
Helen and Bernie Smith
Marilyn Perduto, Eileen Peers
OFFICIAL ACTS of the CHURCH
Baptism
Lillian Hope Teta
10/3/2015
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
420 Stewart Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
516.746.4426
office@resgc.org www.resgc.org
And maybe just a little bit more.
Evan Kreth also likes being a part of Joyful
Praise because “sometimes at rehearsals
Jackie has pizza and Pringles.”
Ken Meyn
Handbell Choir Director and occasional organist. He retired after 38
years at The New York Times.
The views and opinions expressed in
publication are not necessarily held by
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. If
have questions or comments about
content, please contact Pastor Browning.
this
the
you
any
NATHAN’S PATH
TO THE PULPIT
by JAN LAMBACK
B
y the time you read this, Vicar
Nathan Erb will be Pastor
Nathan Erb, having been ordained into the Office of Holy Ministry on November 1, 2015.
The path to the pulpit— from an inspiring mentor and Director of Christian Education to Vicar and then Pastor— is one Nathan seemed destined
to follow.
Growing up Lutheran in Illinois, his
family was always involved in church.
“My mom graduated from Concordia
at River Forest and was a kindergarten teacher in a Lutheran school, so
being involved in the church was al-
“I realized at that
point that God’s
Word and involvement in church are
important.”
ways a part of my life.” In fact, Nathan’s longtime friend, Jeff Alexan-
Pastor Nathan Erb, ordained into Holy Ministry, November 1, 2015.
der, who preached at his Ordination,
is someone who had a big impact on
Nathan’s decision to enter fulltime
ministry.
ple through a week of fun activities
and spiritual growth.
As high school students they were
enlisted by a member of their home
congregation to gather other young
people in their church to write and
perform a youth cantata with the aim
of helping other youth hear the gospel
in their “own language.”
“I realized at that point,” recalls Nathan, “that God’s Word and involvement in church are important; it
doesn’t have to be boring. God’s word
is good, relevant and fun!” After a few
trusted adult leaders from the camp
and within the church urged him to
pursue fulltime ministry, the seeds for
the future DCE were sown.
Nathan also volunteered his time in
high School to be a Lutheran Camp
Junior Counselor, leading young peo-
Nathan chose his mother’s alma mater, to major in Theology and the Director of Christian Education (DCE)
Please turn to page 6
RESGC.ORG / 5
Nathan’s Path to the Pulpit
Continued from page 5
program, specializing in Youth and
Family Ministry. It was at Concordia
that Nathan met Elisabeth. After they
were married, they moved to Gainesville, Florida, where Nathan completed his internship as a DCE.
Nathan inspires the youth to be spiri- would provide, and He has!”
tually and socially responsible.
A major turning point also came
In Fall of 2012, yet another turn of
when the Erbs became first-time parevents led Nathan to where he is toents with Abigail, followed by Audrey
day. With the encouragement of Pas- and Charlotte. “Although I always
tor Browning, Nathan enrolled in the knew it,” Nathan said, “I fully realSpecific Ministry Pastor (SMP) proized how important parents are to the
gram through Concordia Theological faith of their children, and how important the whole family is to youth
ministry.” As he begins his new role
as Pastor, Nathan is excited that he
can fully engage families in their faith
life , from baptism, to confirmation,
to marriage. He reflects happily on
the journey, “God puts us in this office, in this vocation—God works
through us! It’s a very humbling
thing.”
In 2002, his first call as a DCE came
from Trinity Lutheran Church in
Hicksville. As Nathan and Elisabeth
arrived, one of the first people they
met was Pastor Bill Harmon, who
was also serving as the LCMS Circuit
Counselor for Nassau County. Pastor
Harmon quickly recognized Nathan’s
gift and recommended him for interim pastor in New Hyde Park. It
was during this interim year that Nathan had the opportunity to experience firsthand what the role of a pastor might entail. Meanwhile, Elisabeth was brought on staff at Resurrection to be the Assistant Director or
Music and lead music for the new
Saturday Service.
Seminary in Fort Wayne Indiana. The
goal of this program is to train men,
In August of 2006, Nathan accepted
from within a congregation, to be
the call to be Director of Christian
able to continue serving at their
Education at Resurrection. Since
church, while they study and train to
become pastors.
“I never thought I
would be a pastor.
I was content to be
a DCE for life, but
God had other
plans.”
He has helped
youth and families
learn and grow in
a variety of ways.
then he has helped youth and families learn and grow in a variety of
ways, from confirmation classes,
prayer breakfasts, sleeping in cardboard cities, packing food for Lutheran Social Services, and flipping
pancakes, to taking youth on mission
trips and National Youth Gatherings.
6 / RESGC.ORG
An SMP student immediately becomes a Vicar for two years. After
having satisfied the requirements,
classes of those first two years, and
passing the Theological Interview,
Nathan became eligible for Ordination, which he has now just celebrated.
Nathan, in pondering about his journey to get to this point, sees God at
work all the way. “Back when I first
started, I never thought I would be a
pastor. I was content to be a DCE for
life, but God had other plans.” He
realizes that when God calls, you
should follow. “There was certainly
fear, but we also had faith that God
Our prayers are with Nathan and his
family, and for all of Resurrection, as
we begin this new chapter together!
Praise be to God!
Jan Lamback
enjoys chairing Christian Education, choir and Special Missions.
She’s been a contributing
writer since 2006.
Notes & News
Continued from page 2
Notes
New outdoor pathway lights are due
to be installed by the middle of November. The new lights will be taller
and better illuminate the sidewalk.
The Saturday Worship Team is looking for singers and instrumentalists.
Info: Elisabeth Erb, elisabeth.erb
@gmail.com
Volunteers are needed to serve as
ushers, readers or communion assistants at any of the four weekend
worship services. Fill out volunteer
card in the lobby or sign up at
www.resgc.org/volunteer
Stories and News from Resurrection’s Preschool
It’s That Time Already
by CHRISTINE TURNER, Director
Starting Nov. 1, we begin registration for
the 2016-17 school year. Our programs include Mommy & Me (gentle separation),
Separation Two’s (complete separation), a
Three-Year-Old nursery program, a FourYear Old Pre-K program and our Transition
Kindergarten for children turning five. Call
the Preschool, 741.6447, to set up a tour or
request registration forms. All current and
alumni families, as well as Resurrection
members, have first preference for registration. We will open our registration on Nov.
18 to outside families.
Fond Farewell and Welcome
The Preschool paid a fond farewell to FourYear-Old teacher Pam Beatty in midOctober. Pam needed to secure fulltime
employment. She was a fabulous teacher
who touched the lives of many children and
families over the last five years here.
Gina Langdon (left) and
Lorraine Valente combine
skill, experience and credentials to teach the FourYear-Olds.
Lorraine Valente,
teacher’s assistant
for our Four-YearOlds, was able to
step in and take
over the class. She
has touched the
lives of many children and families
over the last five
years here.
Gina Langdon, a
Resurrection
member, will be
our new Four’s
teaching assistant and has helped with the
Mommy & Me program, taught Sunday
School and Confirmation Class.
What people are saying . . .
I
've enjoyed the 9:45 service so
far. It gives me the opportunity to
pay attention and actively listen
during the service because my children are in Sunday school. Then, I can
bring them into the service and pay
attention to their needs so that they
can get the most out of attending
church. I can also prepare questions
for them to help keep them on track
during Pastor's sermon. I find myself
less irritated when I have to redirect
them because I've already heard everything!” Jenn Engheben
But sometimes we have other Saturday night obligations. Plus, as a
mother, Sunday School for the kids is
so important to me. So, for my family,
the new 9:45 Sunday service has been
a great option. We really enjoy the
nice mix of the traditional and the
contemporary.” Karen Parker
"We are really enjoying the new Midmorning service because it has the
structure and feel of a traditional service, along with some contemporary
elements. The time also works very
well for our family. We are excited to
see new faces in church as well!" Mike
“I love the new service. [The pastor’s]
bullet point message is so concise. It
“[The Midmorning service] has a great
inspires me to follow the message
balance of song and music. Our kids
which [is] put right out there for me to
do Sunday School and don’t have to
grasp.” Palma Mega
then sit in church afterwards. It keeps
“The new service has been wonderful. us all happy, and it’s a great way to
It is nice to have the opportunity to
start the day.” Joey & Pia Loftas
worship at a different time. The music
“I like that there are singers with the
is excellent and a little different from
piano. It would be great to have a
the music in the other services.”
choir sing with the organ music. As
Anonymous
always, love the sermon.” Anonymous
“I love this service! I love the respon“It has been a time to meet new peosive Psalm; I love the newness. I think
ple. I enjoy the singers before and durthe small differences in this service
ing communion. I feel as though this
make it special.” Patricia Mullerwill end up being a very popular serTodd
vice.” Tracey Forger
“Quick, short, to the point, but still full
“I love the new service since it has a
of love and wonderful people!” Chrismore casual feel, but delivers the same
tine Katalansky
great message. I'm also enjoying meet“I sing on Saturday night with the
ing new people at this service!” Gail
worship team, and I love that service. Haase
RESGC.ORG / 7
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in
command was overwhelming. Make
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore
disciples of all nations….baptize
them…teach them….
How could I possibly
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
I’ve just returned from a marvelous
Christian retreat: Tres Dias—three days
with Jesus.
I had agreed to do this devotion a few
weeks ago. And when I first read this
month’s verse, I must admit that Jesus’
THINK
Every one of us has something to offer
Christ. Jesus asks us to live in a way
that may influence others to want to
grow closer to Him.
do all that?
PRAY
But now, it’s the
other parts of the
verse that are speaking to me.
Lord, thank You for my life in grace.
Help me to choose my words and actions so that others will see my love for
You. Amen.
All authority has
been given to me…
and surely I am with
DO
you always. Jesus empowers His disciples, YOU and me, to trust and obey
Him, to step out into our environment
and be His hands and feet. Every decision we make, every action we take, can
demonstrate who we are in Christ. We
are all called to be Christian leaders.
Consider keeping your Sunday mindset all week long. When faced with
challenging decisions, ask yourself:
“What would Jesus do?” Then, step out
in faith!
Nancy Garbowski
Our next issue ...
Saturday 5:30 PM
Sunday 8:30, 9:45 & 11 AM
Sunday School, Youth Forum & Adult
Education 9:45 AM
Our next Lamplighter will be a combined December/January edition. Look
for stories about the young volunteers for A Night in Bethlehem, Family
Christmas Traditions, A Year of Leaders for Resurrection’s Ministries, and
more.