February 25 at Shells March 4 at St. John Methodist March 11 at

1
SHELLS
MESSENGER
Shells Evangelical Lutheran Church
287 Shells Church Road, Grantville, PA 17028
717-469-2586
Pastor Linda Hostetter
www.shellschurch.org
VOLUME 16, No. 2
February 2015
On February 18, we observe Ash Wednesday, beginning another Lenten season. Didn't
we just decorate the Christmas tree in the chancel? In the blink of an eye we turn our
thoughts from the cradle to the cross; from the cross to the resurrection.
We will continue the practice of sharing a light meal and worship with our sisters and
brothers in Christ from the Grantville ministerium on Wednesday evenings during this
Lenten season. The theme for this year is " Faces on the way to the cross," and we will be
focusing on biblical characters who cross our paths as we journey from creation to the
cross and resurrection. Please join us for any or all of the services.
February 25 at Shells
March 4 at St. John Methodist
March 11 at Faith UCC
March 18 at Zion
March 25 at Shells
Lenten Meal at 6:30 PM
Lenten Services 7:30 PM
Easter sunrise at Hollywood Casino 6:30 a.m.
2
Mandatory Reporting Law Summary
Pennsylvania House Bill 435, which went into effect on Dec. 31, 2014, requires Pennsylvania
congregations to make changes to how they retain volunteers who work with children. The
changes are mandated by legislation passed in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child-sex-abuse
case.
Expanded Mandated Reporters
The legislation expands the definition of “mandatory reporters” to include paid church
employees who work with children, and also volunteers over age 18 who work with children in
regularly scheduled programs. This means ALL Sunday school teachers, nursery attendants,
VBS volunteers, youth group leaders, anyone who is responsible for caring for children in a
regularly scheduled program or activity are considered mandatory reporters.
Mandatory reporters are required to call the state ChildLine when they have reasonable suspicion
of child abuse. They are required to follow up with a written report. Willful failure to report is
punishable by law. The law also includes new confidentiality protections for mandatory
reporters.
Background Checks Required
The new law calls for background screenings to be conducted on all mandated reporters every 36
months.
1) Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) ($10) - Obtained from the Department of
Human Services, i.e. DHS(Previously known as the Department of Public Welfare i.e. DPW)
2) Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record Check Form (SP4-164) ($10)
3) Federal Criminal History Background Check (with submission of fingerprints at a cost of
$28.75). FBI checks will not be required for volunteers if they have been a resident of the
Commonwealth for the prior 10 years.
Volunteers who have not lived in PA for 10 years are required to get the FBI check.
Effective date: Volunteers must have current clearances by 7/1/2015.
Bars to volunteering
The new laws maintain and strengthen provisions of the legal code (§6344(c)) that disqualifies a
person from volunteering based on convictions of certain crimes in Pennsylvania or any other
jurisdiction. Current volunteers must affirm in writing that they are not disqualified from service
based on convictions to crimes listed in §6344(c) or similar crimes in non-Pennsylvania
jurisdictions.
Bottom line
In 2015 Congregations will be required to create a system to identify all mandated reporters and
ensure that:
-All mandated reporter volunteers have the two required clearances (and if necessary, three) by
July 1, 2015.
-All volunteers affirm they are not disqualified from volunteering under §6344(c).
Shells is putting a system in place to comply with these new laws. We will be assisting our
many volunteers that work with children to comply also. An information session for all
interested people will be held following worship on February 15th.
3
BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES
Lily Klos
Emily Rose
Keith Espenshade
Ruth Espenshade
Jean Stammel
Jared Espenshade
Tom Terry
He will never forget that you are His child.
Feb 01
Feb 03
Feb 04
Feb 07
Feb 14
Feb 15
Feb 17
Feb 18
Feb 20
Feb 21
Feb 25
Feb 26
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Kathy Peffer
Patty Harmon
Emily Maynard
Rylie Michael
Corine Potter
Randy Gotshall
Blaine Moreland
Sylvester Lilley
Karen Gussler
Emily Rose
Barb Dupler
Connie Terry
John Terry
Gerry Hess
Mackenzie Friedline
GRANTVILLE AREA FOOD PANTRY
The Food Pantry served 329 families, 863
people, 249 children, 614 adults and 528 bags
of food were given for the month of November.
There is a basket for the Grantville Area Food
Pantry each Sunday in the Narthex. Please
continue to bring food pantry donations on
Sundays at 9:00 AM. Thank you
PRAYER LIST: Janet Espenshade, Rose
Espenshade, Ed Fake, Mim Fake, Janet
Fasnacht,
Randy
Gotshall,
Keira
Karijomenggolo, Mary Kreiser, Sandy Musser,
Sonya Oltean, Corine Potter, Norma
Shelahamer, Carol Spangler, Ron Stammel,
Jay Vogler, Dick Wenner, Witness Ministry,
Shells Capital Campaign, our home bound,
and service women and men, especially Bill
Elliott, Crist Espenshade, Andrew Foutz,
James Hess, Nikolas Jaggan, Jason Kerstetter
and Matthew Martin.
Family & Friends: Andi Alleman, Kim
Amodei, Zach Barkman, Janet Batdorf, Samuel
Bish, Gladys Blouch, Connie Bower, Donald
Brink, Chip Brink, John Brinser, Tammy Carillo,
Garth Callaghan, Cherya Cavanaugh, Chuck
Cishek, Janet Cleckner, Jim Dunkle, Donovan
Eberly, Mary Feaster,
Matthew Fortnese,
Eleanor & Al Germann, Sr., Gretchen Giordano,
Barb Greenwood, the family of Mary Gregory,
Dennis Haines, James Harmon, Dennis Hess,
Erin Hesse, Lilly Higgins, the family of Eva
Hummel, Rob Kearney, Austin Keller, Samantha
Kelly, Alex Kinlock, Gene Lemmon, Margaret
Levi, Jackie Lithgow, Kayla Lutz, Debbie
McDade, Daniel McNeil, Don Mease, Debbie
Mesaric, William Milliken, Ronald Morton,
Gretchen Moyer, Becky Neidigh, Ralph Nelson,
Mary Kay Parker, April Parr, Christian Pankake,
Craig Pheasant, Mary Plouse, Jim Reed, the
family of Kimberly Reese, Jessica Reinzer,
Heather Ritter and family, Lisha Robertson,
Shirley Rodrock, Ryan, Linda & Jeff Sanders,
Don Schlosser, Carol Shay, Barb Shaeffer,
Bruce
Shutt,
Alex
Stammel,
Louise
Swartzbaugh, Nick Sweeney, Beth Wagner, John
Walmer, Robert Wenner, Bob Wentzel, Jim
Whetstone and Daryl Zimmerman.
Anyone wishing to place someone on the
prayer list may call Karen Gussler, Prayer Chain
Coordinator at 717-838-4946. A Prayer Chain
list is available in the Narthex.
SHELLS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
December 9, 2014
Marianne Germann, Council President, called the
meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Those present: Marianne Germann, Erica Hilbert,
Tom Hrivnak, Erica Strang, Pastor Linda Hostetter,
Louise Murphy, Karen Gussler, Steve Rose, Diana
Budd, Mark Stremmel, and Bobbie Boyer. Kevin
O’Brien and Michael Hilbert were excused.
Diana offered opening devotions.
4
Council meeting minutes from November 11,
2014 were reviewed. Steve made a motion to
accept the minutes as presented. Mark seconded.
Motion passed.
Annual Budget meeting minutes from November
16, 2014 were reviewed. Steve made a motion to
accept the minutes as presented. Mark seconded.
Motion passed.
Treasurer’s report for November 2014 was
reviewed. Marianne had a question about what
Mutual Ministry’s discretionary fund money was
spent on. Discussion was had about it possibly
being for the supply organist. Bobbie will check
with Tom. Steve made a motion to accept.
Bobbie seconded.
Report was accepted.
Financial Secretary’s Report for November 2014
was reviewed. Steve made a motion to accept.
Karen seconded. Report accepted. Report will
be filed for audit.
Correspondence was reviewed as follows:
• Thank you letter from Save the Children
regarding contribution.
Steve made a motion to donate $100 from the
discretionary fund to Bethany Espenshade for her
trip to Africa. Mark seconded. Motion passed.
Pastor’s Report – November report was
submitted and reviewed. Report was accepted.
Ministry Reports:
Worship – No report.
Altar Care – Cookie trays and goodie bags were
gathered and delivered to the shut-ins.
Witness – No report. Draft for the directory is in
the process.
Learning – New regulation dealing with security
and people that work with children – see New
Business.
Historian/Curator – No report.
Service – Gift tree is in the narthex. All the gift
requests were taken from the first tree – yay! So
they refilled the tree with more gift requests.
Fellowship – Christmas Tea for the college
students on December 28th.
Race Track – Shells will be providing a meal on
Monday, December 15th. A sign up sheet is in the
Narthex.
Health – No report.
Support -
Finance – Staff Christmas gifts -- see New
Business. Higher Ed. Grants – see Unfinished
Business.
Property – No report.
Technology – Working on quotes for purchasing a
projector for the sanctuary
Stewardship – No report.
Strategic Planning – No report.
Youth – Report/email from Christina Frye updating
on recent activity. Craig put all of the Winterfest
registration fees on his credit card. The church will
reimburse for half of each youth’s registration fee
and the entire fee for the advisers. The youth will
have to cover half of their cost. For now, the
money is coming out of what would have been
Pam’s salary. Finance committee is going to begin
writing a policy on how the church will help with
youth event fees.
Mutual Ministry – Report reviewed. Audio issues
were discussed. Catherine Germann is willing to
look into finding an expert to help look into issues,
get an estimate, and a recommendation of how to
move forward. Steve made a motion to authorize
Catherine to obtain proposals on how to correct the
system. Tom seconded. Motion passed. Concerns
will be addressed as soon as possible.
Unfinished Business:
1.
Higher Ed. Grants – five
applications were submitted. In the past, $100 was
given to each applicant. Bobbie motioned that we
give $100 to each applicant. Karen seconded.
Motion passed. Marianne challenges that we find
some use for the money from the trust. Bobbie will
take that back to the finance committee.
New Business:
•
Staff Christmas Gifts – Barb D., Barb
G., Theresa – in the past $100 has been given to
each staff member for Christmas.
Bobbie
motioned that we give $100 to each staff member
as a Christmas gift. Diana seconded. Motion
passed.
•
New Requirements for Volunteers and
paid staff (Federal and State Clearances) –
including Nursery, Bible School, and Sunday
School. The two that most people will need cost
$10 each. Anyone that comes into contact with
kids on a regular basis are also considered
mandated reporters. Law takes effect as of
December 2014. Employees must have current
clearances by December 31, 2015. Volunteers
must have current clearances by July 1, 2015.
5
Diana closed with a prayer.
January newsletter articles are due by December
15, 2014.
Next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,
January 13, 2015. Mike has devotions.
Steve motioned to adjourn, Mark seconded.
Meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Erica Hilbert, Council Secretary
Service Ministry - Basket Ministries
The collection location for our basket
ministries is now back in the outer Narthex.
We continue to collect the following for our
on-going basket ministries:
 Soda Can Tabs
 Used Postage Stamps
 Used Cell Phones
 Greeting Card Fronts
The collection box for Aluminum Cans is
back! Look for it near the entrance to the
Christian Education Building. We will no
longer be collecting glossy magazines at
Shells. Please continue to donate directly to
the Ronald McDonald house. Locations can
be found at rmhc-centralpa.org under "How
You Can Help."
WE’VE GOT MAIL!
Dear Shells Lutheran Church,
Thank you so much for your generous
donation to Tree 4 Hope.
We really
appreciate it, on behalf of our children and
elders.
Your donation will purchase
vaccines for children at Hogar Miguel
Magone, who otherwise transmit sickness
quickly between them. You are awesome!
Peace & Blessings,
Charles Allegar
Dear Friend:
Re: Monetary gift in honor of Rev. Linda
Hostetter
Partnerships! I cannot even begin to express
how important they are for us here at
Gettysburg Seminary.
Those partnerships
range from the shared relationships we have
with the other seven ELCA seminaries, to the
strong bond we have with our Region 8 Synods
and, especially, the congregational support we
receive through them, to the hundreds of
individuals who have become financial
partners with us in support of the important
mission we seek to fulfill.
Thanks, again, for your partnership, for
together we will continue to serve our Lord
and the church we love by raising up trained
leaders for witness and service to the Gospel.
In partnership with you,
Rev. Glenn E. Ludwig
Vice President of Seminary Advancement
Dear Pastor Hostetter:
Shells Lutheran Churchs' gift of $85.00 in
honor of the pastor's 25th ordination
anniversary is a wonderful expression of love
for the countless children, adults and families
who depend on Diakon Lutheran Social
Ministries for care and services. The needs of
our neighbors are present all year long, but
never more than now. As the individuals
Diakon serves face another year of challenges,
we are reminded of Christ's love for others and
that compassion and love for others is truly
our highest calling.
Thank you for your continued prayers and
generosity. Have a blessed holiday season!
Gratefully,
MaryEllen Dickey
Senior Vice President of Advancement
2015 ALTAR FLOWERS CHART
is
available for sign up. Please fill out a form to
let us know to whom you will be
honoring/remembering and whether you want
to keep or donate them to our homebound.
Please designate the Sunday you are donating
on the top of the form. Thank you
6
Capital Campaign Update
As we come to the end of our official three
year Shells Capital Campaign all I can say is
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your
support has allowed us to raise $476,901.93
as of January 18, 2015 and reduce our
outstanding loan balance to just below
$194,000.
What we have been able to accomplish with
God's help over the past three plus years has
been truly remarkable.
For those that have not yet fulfilled their
pledge there is still time to do so. And for
those that can continue to give to further
reduce our outstanding loan balance it will
greatly help and insure the long term health
of Shells Lutheran Church.
Thank you again for your past, current, and
continued support of our Capital Campaign.
In His Service,
Al Germann
Capital Campaign Chair
Through the Flames into the Future
On Ash Wednesday we begin our Lenten
journey.
Our hymns, songs and choral
repertoire for the season portray a wide array of
the images and subjects that help us actively
remember the Paschal Mystery -- our Lord’s
suffering, death and resurrection. The Senior
Choir is working on psalmody and choral
offerings, enhancing and leading the
congregation in worship. An invitation to join
choir and share in our music ministry is
extended to all.
Senior Choir rehearses
Thursday evenings from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Our Children In Worship Sunday School music
program continues for our children in
preschool through sixth grade, providing
opportunities for them to share in worship in
many ways. The children are learning music
for the bell choir, and working on scripture
readings and psalmody with non-pitched
rhythm instruments. We begin Sunday School
each week at with our Children in Worship
program. The children will be participating in
worship on February 22.
Our youth have the opportunity to share in our
music ministry with seasonal choir, solos,
keyboard and instrumental music during the
choir year. The Youth Ensemble will be
working on music for guitar and keyboard
accompaniment to share during the Lenten
season.
CHOIR SCHEDULE:
SHELLS MUSIC MINISTRY
The Sundays after Epiphany began with
Jesus’ baptism and end with the
Transfiguration of Our Lord. We sing
“Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the
Father’s glory; blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our
hearts on fire.” The Transfiguration of Our
Lord is also the last Sunday before Lent.
Alleluia is bid farewell on this Sunday and
will not be used until Easter.
Feb. 1 – Senior Choir - Healer of Our Every Ill
Feb. 8 – Supply Organist
Feb. 15 – Senior Choir –Be Thou My Vision
Feb. 18 – Ash Wednesday Service – Senior Choir –
Lord, Create in Me
Feb 22 – Senior Choir & Children in Worship –
Psalm 25
Feb. 25 – Mid-Week Lenten Service (7:30 p.m.)
Senior Choir
Please don't hesitate to call or send me an email
if you have any questions -- evenings, 4690127; cell phone, 991-8862; or email at
scdbjd@aol.com.
With joyful songs and praise,
Barbara Dupler
Director of Music
7
Cancellation of Worship service due to
inclement weather
Be sure to watch and listen to any of the seven
stations listed below for all weather related
closings of Shells Church worship service:
Winter Driving
From Shells Health Ministry Committee
Ideally, we would spend every snowy day
curled up by the fireplace. But some
commitments won’t wait for a fair day. When
you must steer through snow and sleet, here’s
how to navigate safely:
•
As you approach a bend, gently apply
the brakes. Your goal is to slow your
vehicle until it has enough momentum
to coast around the curve.
•
Steer smoothly through the turn doing
your best to stay off the brakes and
gas. IF the front of the car slides on a
slick patch, resist the urge to wrench
the steering wheel. Otherwise the car
could dart unexpectedly once the tires
regain traction.
•
When the road straightens outs
accelerate gradually. Flooring the gas
could cause a spin out. Maintain at
least a 15 second following distance
between your vehicle and the car in
front of you. Remember it takes about
4-10 times longer to stop on snow and
ice.
Reference: Better Homes and Gardens,
December 2012.
Snow Removal Crew
We are looking for additional able
bodied volunteers to assist with the
snow removal on Shells walks and
steps. If you are able and interested in
helping clear the snow and ice please
contact Al Germann.
WGAL – Channel 8 NBC TV
WHP – Channel 21CBS TV
WHTM – Channel 27 ABC TV
CW – Channel 15 TV
OR 97.3 FM WRVV Radio
94.9 FM BOB Radio
FM KISS Radio
The Souper Bowl, known as the Super Bowl
in the secular world, is just around the corner.
The Swatara Creek Lutheran Community will
replay last year's project of collecting soup to
donate to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
This year's preferred flavors are tomato and
chicken noodle soups. Please leave soup in the
container on the narthex or in the box in front
of the coat rack downstairs in the education
building. Let's see if we can out do last years
donation! The soup will be delivered on Super
Bowl Sunday, February 1, 2015.
Anyone interested in helping to plan the
prayer vigil from April 3-4 please contact
Pastor Linda. We will also be needing
volunteers for the vigil.
February 2015 Worship Assistants
Feb 01
Feb 08
Feb 15
Feb 22
Epiphany 4
Epiphany 5
Transfiguration
of our Lord
Lent 1
Terry Kamerzel
David Hostetter
Bobbie Boyer
Karlene Jaggan
Intinction
Vicki Hilbert
Terry Kamerzel
Raelene Smith
Lector
Kathy Peffer
Shirley Huber
Elizabeth Holler
Karen Gussler
Acolyte
Blake O'Brien
Blake O'Brien
Ben Rodemaker
Luke Holler
Greeters/
Ushers
Sherry Davis &
Sheryl Rozman
Sherrie Kauffman &
Karlene Jaggan
Ken Espenshade &
Shirley Huber
Erica Wilkinson & Glen
Peterson
Altar Care
Connie Terry &
Marianne
Germann
Steve & Kathy
Espenshade
Ken & Ruth
Espenshade
Raelene Smith & Diana
Budd
Crist Espenshade
Crist Espenshade
Crist Espenshade
Crist Espenshade
Church lock up Steve Espenshade
Steve Espenshade
Steve Espenshade
Steve Espenshade
Asst. Minister
Comm. Asst.
Bread
Road Clean up
Nursery
If you are unable to serve on the Sunday assigned, please find a replacement. A list of replacements
may be found on the church website shellschurch.org under "Our Ministries"/"Worship Ministry" or
on the bulletin board outside the office. Thank you.
March 2015 Worship Assistants
Mar 01
Mar 08
Mar 15
Mar 22
Mar 29
Lent 2
Lent 3
Lent 4
Lent 5
Palm Sunday
Raelene
Smith
Gen Whitehaus
Karen Elliott
Karen Gussler
Erica Wilkinson
Comm. Asst.
Intinction
Don Whitehaus
Rick Elliott
Bert Gussler
Jean Stammel
Lector
Erica
Wilkinson
Mike Hilbert
Terry Kamerzel
Janet Klos
Nancy
Koppenhaver
Greeters/
Ushers
Dan & Bobbie
Boyer
Brenda Frye & Rena
Sattazahn
Megan & Seth
Frye
Al & Marianne
Germann
Joe & Diana Budd
Altar Care
Rick & Karen
Elliott
Diane Suhr & Terry
Kamerzel
Louise Murphy
& Bobbie Boyer
Connie Terry &
Marianne
Germann
Steve & Kathy
Espenshade
Road Clean
up
Raelene Smith
Raelene Smith
Raelene Smith
Raelene Smith
Raelene Smith
Church lock
up
Karen Gussler
Karen Gussler
Karen Gussler
Karen Gussler
Karen Gussler
Asst.
Minister
Acolyte
Bread
Nursery
If you are unable to serve on the Sunday assigned, please find a replacement. A list of replacements
may be found on the church website shellschurch.org under "Our Ministries"/"Worship Ministry" or
on the bulletin board outside the office. Thank you.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
14
2
Epiphany
Souper Bowl
BP
Screenings
3
4
7 PM Bible
Study
6:30 PM
Dessert
5
7:30 PM
Choir
Rehearsal
6
7
8 5
Epiphany
9
10
11
12
7:30 PM
Choir
Rehearsal
13
14
16
Race Track
Meal
17
18
21
Food Pantry
19
7:30 PM
Choir
Rehearsal
20
Ash
Wednesday
Service 7:30
PM
6-8 PM
SSJYG @
Shells
15
Transfiguration
of our Lord
Food Pantry
22 Lent 1
23
Children in
Worship
6-8 PM
SSJYG @ St.
John
24
25
6:30 PM
Lenten Meal
7:30 PM
Lenten
Services @
Shells
Food Pantry
Food Pantry
26
7:30 PM
Choir
Rehearsal
27
28
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 Lent 2
BP
Screenings
2
3
4
6:30 PM
Lenten Meal
7:30 PM
Lenten
Services @
St. John
Methodist
5
7:30 PM
Choir
Rehearsal
6
7
8 Lent 3
9
10
11
7 PM Council 6:30 PM
Lenten Meal
7:30 PM
Lenten
Services @
Faith UCC
12
7:30 PM
Choir
Rehearsal
13
14
16
Race Track
Meal
17
18 Food
Pantry
6:30 PM
Lenten Meal
7:30 PM
Lenten
Services @
Zion
19
7:30 PM
Choir
Rehearsal
20
21
25
6:30 PM
Lenten Meal
7:30 PM
Lenten
Services @
Shells
26
7:30 PM
Choir
Rehearsal
6-8 PM
SSJYG @
Shells
15 Lent 4
22 Lent 5
Food Pantry
23
24
30
Holy Week
31
6-8 PM
SSJYG @ St.
John
29 Palm
Sunday
Food Pantry
Food Pantry
27
28
287 Shells Church Road
Grantville, PA 17028
(717) 469-2586
E-mail: shellsweb@verizon.net
Web Page: www.shellschurch.org
MISSION STATEMENT OF
SHELLS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH
We are committed to being God’s
presence in the Grantville area with a
mission of evangelism and outreach that
seeks to spread the good news in Jesus
Christ, inviting all to join with us in the
worship of our Lord. We are committed
to read, study, and meditate upon the
word of God. Through prayer and the
guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are
empowered to respond to those in need.