2023 Newsletters

Newsletter

Winter 2023

Pastor’s Corner

Advent is defined as an arrival or beginning, and wind also brings change and marks new beginnings. I was thinking about that on my walk this morning as the colder winds have been blowing and bringing in snow to coat the fields and trees white. Each season of the year has a different wind that we associate with it, although I notice the winds rarely cease altogether here in Pennsylvania. Fresh winds in Spring that bring the rains and eventually warmer weather; warm winds in Summer that still bring some cool in the heat of the day; cooling winds of Autumn bring the harvest and a changing of the leaves; icy winds in Winter that bear snow and bring frost to help the earth rest. The seasons of our lives also have a different feel to them, like the wind, some destructive and some bringing refreshing, calm, and new life. Jesus spoke of the Spirit of God operating like the wind in John 3:7-8: “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes to. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” May the Lord breathe a new wind of his Spirit into each of our lives this Advent, to bring transformation and refreshment, as well as rest and healing.

The Advent season is the beginning of the Church year as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. Advent is a time of both looking forward to the celebration of when Jesus first came to earth as a child, and looking forward to when he will come again in power at the end of time and show himself as King of all creation. Jesus is the Word of God, created everything that is and everything that shall be, and gives us the privilege of calling on him and asking for healing, peace, and restoration in his name. This is why we can celebrate. God has given us the ultimate gift of grace and the myriad other gifts of life, and we can give thanks. We also celebrate by giving each other small gifts as a reminder of the great gift we have been given by God. It is appropriate after our national celebration of Thanksgiving, to personally remember to give thanks to the Lord during this otherwise very busy season, truly ‘counting our blessings’ so we may experience contentment.

As we walk through Advent and look forward to Christmas, I invite you to take the time to reflect on the many things that God has blessed you with, in terms of life, relationships, physical and spiritual provision, and to give the Lord thanks. I am thankful for all of you, and the privilege of both sharing in your lives and sharing my life with you.

One of the devotional habits that I have started again recently, in addition to short free-form prayers, is listening to or reading the Nightly prayer, also called Compline, from the Liturgy of the Hours. Different traditions over the centuries have kept up the Hebrew practice of praying multiple times a day using words of the Psalms and other scriptures. Each is a little different, although there are suggestions in the hymnals and a short prayer reading in the Daily Texts booklets. Perhaps you will find one that you like that helps you enter into reflection and worship each day. I would like to share with you one to use for Advent.  Shalom – Pastor Karis

Compline Prayer:
God, come to my assistance. (Make the Sign of the Cross)
Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen. Alleluia.

Antiphon: “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1

Psalm 31:1-5: In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

Psalm 130: Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.

Pray – Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen

Daily scripture reading or use the following scripture:
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. Isaiah 40:1-2
Who do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and grow wear, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:27-31.

Responsory: Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Antiphon – Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep; that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Gospel Canticle from Luke 2:
Pray – Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people, Israel.
Pray – Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

Repeat antiphon –
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep; that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.   
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Bible study On Forgiveness:

Confidence to pray for others to be forgiven

By Paul Hagen

  We just celebrated the reformation that happened in Germany over 500 years ago. It was a time when the Church was being called back to follow what Jesus taught us in the Bible. During the second world war, Corrie Ten Boom, her father and sister were put in a concentration camp for protecting Jews from the genocide. After the war Corrie met the Nazi guard whom she recognized from the concentration camp. When he asked her to forgive him, Corrie thought, “I cannot do it.” But then she prayed for God’s help. Christians celebrate how God helped Corrie Ten Boom to take his hand and forgive him. We say that if we could be more like Jesus maybe we could do so too. We need to follow the commands and example of Jesus.

     How can we pray with confidence for other people’s sins to be forgiven? What do we tend to do when someone offends us? Is our first response to attack or slander our fellow Christian? Is this following Jesus’ example or following the ways of the world around us? Let’s start following Jesus’ example by praying for other Christians who have offended us or done something wrong. We can confidently do so because the Holy Spirit inspired John to write in his first letter:

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.  14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  15 And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.  16 If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that.  17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death. (1 Jn. 5:13-17)

This passage starts with the assurance that we have eternal life (look up verses 5-13). Assurance that we have eternal life gives us confidence that death is not our end; rather we will be raised to life again. This confidence takes away our fear of death.

  If our first reaction is to follow the ways of the world, we are assured by John that we can overcome the worldly ways, “5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”  We can overcome our tendencies to accuse, slander, or attack other Christians by praying for them because we all believe that Jesus is the Son of God.  This will prepare us for when we may experience violent attacks form outside the church.  Let us practice praying for others to be forgiven of little things so that we can pray the same for extreme violence that Jesus said we can expect. God had Moses write: " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Lev. 19:18) Jesus also said that the greatest command was:

37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  (Matt. 22:37-39)

We are afraid of being slandered by our neighbors.  The internet has made us afraid of even unknown people’s attacks. So we look for the ‘likes’. But Jesus said:

26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.    27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Lk. 6:26-28)

Note especially: “pray for those who mistreat you.” We do not think such violence could happen in our country because we are so tolerant.  But Jesus said:

“A time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. 3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you.” (John 16:2b-4).

Jesus did not ask us to defend him by violence.  Look at what happened when they came to arrest him:

50 Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.  51 With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.  52 "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.  53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?  54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matt. 26:50b-54)

Jesus did not only command us to pray for those who mistreat us. He showed by example how to do it. The greatest example is Jesus praying for those who were killing him:

33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Lk. 23:33-34)

We might say, “That was Jesus, how can I be like him?” Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to us.  The Holy Spirit puts Jesus’ character in us.

7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.  8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; (Jn. 16:7-9)

We are also given the example of Stephen who was full of the Holy Spirit and was being killed for his declaration that Jesus was at the right hand of God:

55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. . . . 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:55-60)

Let us also ask God that we can follow Jesus’ commands and example to ask God to forgive those who mistreat us.

Autumn roundup

LCMC Annual Gathering
Pastor Karis and Becky and Paul Hagen attended the Annual Gathering in St. Charles Missouri. The theme was All Hands on Deck, and emphasising that we are all needed in the body of Christ and as part of the association. We can also trust in our Lord Jesus as we move forward, as he is in control, just as he was in the boat with the disciples when they feared for their lives.
If you would like to watch any of the sessions they are now available at: https://subsplash.com/lcmc/media/ms/+dg5fjst (link is also above).

Operation Christmas Child
We collected 41 Shoeboxes. Thank you to all who contributed gifts! Let us pray for those who will be receiving them.

Ladies Night – We had an excellent turnout and night of fellowship and learning. The speakers highlighted the threat of human trafficking and ways that we can be involved in prayer and practical ways of providing for those who escape out of it. Thank you to Jodi Lenker for organizing this, and we look forward to future events!

Home Visits

For those who are unable to attend church, if you would like to be visited by Pastor Karis and/or receive communion, please call Pastor Karis. For emergencies of any sort please contact Pastor Karis directly. Calls, texts, messages, emails, or just stopping by to chat are all welcome forms of communication.

Winter Texts 2023-2024

December 3rd – Jeremiah 33:1-18;
                          Mark 8:27-29
December 10th - Isaiah 40:1-11; Luke 1:5-25,       
                            57-80; Mark 1:1-4
December 17th - Ezra 1:1-4, 3:1-4, 10-13;  
                            Luke 2:25-32
December 24th – Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-20;
                            Psalm 113; Psalm 146          
December 31st - Mark 1:1-20;
                            Psalm 91:9-12
January 7th –  Mark 2:1-22;
                      Psalm 103:6-14
January 14th – Mark 4:1-4;
                        Psalm 126
January 21st – Mark 5:1-20;
                        Psalm 89:1-4
January 28th – Mark 5:21-43;
                        Psalm 131
February 4th – Mark 6:1-29;
                        Psalm 122
February 11th – Mark 8:27-9:8;
                            Psalm 27:1-4
February 14th – Ash Wednesday –
                            Mark 9:30-37
February 18th – Mark 10:17-31;
                            Psalm19:7-10
February 25th – Mark 10:32-52;
                            Psalm 34:11-14

Announcements:

Special Christmas Eve Service – 2:00 pm Dec 24th!

Christmas Eve is the same day as our fourth Sunday in Advent this year. We have decided to have one service instead of two that day, so will be gathering in the afternoon for a special time of worship and celebration of Christmas. Come sing, and hear the account of Jesus’ birth anew. A fellowship time with treats will follow the service.

LCMC 3-Days of Prayer: January 2-4, 2023
Every congregation, member and pastor is being invited to set aside some time each day for prayer. Prayer is not a hopeless act of desperation but a gift that God has given us to approach his throne with confidence. Prayer is a conversation between the Creator and the created. You are invited to set some time aside each of these three days to have a conversation with God.
Jan 2 – Confession. We confess that the church belongs to Jesus and not us. We gather to lay down our pride, our sin, and our agenda and ask the Lord of the church for forgiveness, which he gives freely.
Jan 3 – Petition. Pray for your congregation, for the pastor, for the leaders, for all who carry out ministry in any way. Pray for those in the hospital or nursing home. Pray for all connected to your church, that they may know God’s redeeming love for all in Christ.

Jan 4 – Vision. Pray that the Holy Spirit will again move through hearts and minds. That God’s vision for His church might be revealed and fulfilled. This is a time of prayer for renewal personally and as a congregation, for revival and encouragement. Pray for God’s vision.

Congregational Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 14th at 8:30am prior to the morning service.

250th Church Anniversary

In 2024, our congregation will be celebrating 250 years of worshiping together. We are planning a celebration weekend next Autumn, September 15-16, 2024.

We are forming a committee to discuss ideas, and our organizational meeting will be Saturday, January 13th at 1pm.

Church Cookbook – as part of the 250th commemoration, we are compiling a cookbook full of all your favorite recipes. Please comb through your standards and favorites. A drop box and additional recipe card forms are available at the back of the sanctuary for submissions.

Heritage recipes are also welcome as a means of sharing favorites that have been passed down. You can submit the recipe in their name and put “in memory” beside the submitter name. This will be indicated by a symbol in the printed copies.

Anna Hause has offered to type recipes if needed. Please use standard amount notations as much as possible.

All submissions are requested by January 28th to be compiled and send to the publishing company.

So that we have an idea of how many to print, please also provide an estimate of how many you anticipate ordering. A form will be at the greeter’s station, or message Sandra Reed.

Vacation or sick days? -  As a reminder, Sermon videos and Livestreams of Services are available every week on the YouTube channel: Ziranphel. The  link is posted each Sunday on our Facebook page.

Sunday Bible School - 10:30 am
We are studying Bible answers to participants’ questions with open discussion time. We have decided to start again at the beginning with Genesis. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! Please join us

Weekly Prayer—Wednesdays 9am
Sunday School room next to the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join in prayer or send in prayer requests.

Newsletter

Autumn 2023

Pastor’s Corner

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Are you ever overwhelmed by the harvest or wondering how to tackle the bounty? It is a much better plight to be in than having a lack, but it is still a challenge. My family has been swamped with the fruit of the garden and orchard this year. Pears, tomatoes, beans, zucchini, strawberries…the list goes on. As soon as a dent gets made it is filled again with more, and it can be exhausting trying to deal with all of it in a constructive manner before it goes bad and is wasted. (If anyone needs fruit or vegetables by the way, you are welcome to some of the harvest) It takes hard work to store it all or use it in cooking so that it can be used and appreciated both immediately and later in the year when the ground is at rest. The food could be left for the animals and birds, but then it would mostly be wasted, and it wouldn’t be able to be enjoyed later.

Jesus said that the harvest in the world and the work of the church is similar. There are many who are searching for meaning and life, and who don’t know the good news of the life that comes from a relationship with God through the person of Jesus Christ. It is a plentiful harvest. Yet we as fellow workers in the body of the church often either don’t perceive the abundance, are not sure of the right tools for the work, or find ourselves tired from the task that doesn’t seem to end. There are seasons of plenty and seasons of rest even in the church, but may we look to the Lord of the harvest to equip and strengthen us for the work of sharing the good news, and bringing in the harvest by teaching, and sharing in the life of discipleship with those to whom God calls us. When we grow weary and feel alone, let us pray for more workers in the harvest fields. Work is always easier together. God will send them and promises to equip and provide for all who answer the call. Jesus gave us the mission and will enable us to carry it out.

Shalom,

Pastor Karis

“Therefore 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 28:19-20

Mission moment

Aaron Ruohoniemi sent the following update from Nepal early August and gave permission to share:

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to finally give an update on my adventure to Nepal! I arrived in Katmandu a week ago following safe and comfortable travels. Since then, I have had the chance to meet several other missionary and Nepali families here! It has been so great to enter this welcoming community and have the chance to help Ross and Abby Williamson with their children.

My days have so-far mostly consisted of spending time with Jude, Esko, and Livi while I try to get over jetlag. However, Jude’s homeschooling will begin next week so soon I will have some much-welcomed structure and responsibility each day. My first impression of Katmandu is that it is a breathtakingly beautiful city. The cultivated terraces and unique architecture that make up the city are particularly striking, and the overall atmosphere reminds me quite peculiarly of Mongolia. Three days ago we went on a long walk through rice paddies and along steep, rocky cliffs. We stopped at a small fishing pond where they cook the fish you catch, so I actually had my very first fishing experience. Despite not catching any fish, I had an incredible first experience having a long conversation with Nepalis. My first impression of Nepalis is that they are a very generous, kind, and curious people whom I would love to keep meeting and learning more about! I also went to an international family fellowship for church, which was an excellent opportunity to meet many fellow missionaries and international students my age.

As I settle in, I’m especially hoping to attend a Nepali church in the next few weeks; I would love to experience a purely Nepali Christian community. Also, Ross works for the Kathmandu International Study Center (KISC), a large international school nearby that I am hoping to soon get a tour of, and I’m also hoping to have the opportunity to shadow teachers and potentially even try teaching a little bit! Finally, one goal I have is to learn to speak a little Nepali while I am here because it will definitely help me connect better with the native people, and the country in general.  

Prayer Requests:

- Continued guidance and ease as I settle into the Williamson family and begin homeschooling Jude.

- Continued safety and good health for me and the Williamson family.
Thank you for all of your prayer! Praise the Lord for safe travels and for what a blessing this trip has already been so far!

Love, 

Aaron Ruohoniemi

Autumn Bible Readings

September 10th – Genesis 2:4b-25; Mark 10:6-9

September 17th – Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7
                            Mark 10:27

September 24th – Genesis 32:9-13, 22-30
                            Mark 14:32-36

October 1st – Exodus 1:8-2:10; 3:1-15

October 8th – Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 6:4-9

October 15th – Ruth 1:1-17

October 22nd– 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 6:1-5; Psalm 150 

October 29th – 1 Kings 12:1-17, 25-29                

November 5th – 1 Kings 18: (17-19), 20-39

November 12th – Hosea 11:1-9

November 19th – Isaiah 5:1-7; 11:1-5

November 26th – 2 Kings 22:1-20; 23:1-3

Summer roundup

VBS went well this summer and we had a great turnout with kids from all over the community. Thank you to those from both congregations and the community who donated time or invited kids to join!

Our theme was the Parables of Jesus, which included Storytime, skits, singing, crafts, and games.
Pastor Karis had lots of fun meeting kids and working on the “Belt of Truth” leather project. Twenty-four belts were finished and sent home with kids.

 If you have ideas for VBS next year please share them with Pastor Karis or Elaine Balum, who was our main organizer this year.

Chicken BBQ and Bake Sale was tremendous! Thank you to all who came out to support through donations of time and items, or by buying food! All of the food was excellent, and the teams working the BBQ pits and the team indoors worked well together.

Announcements:

2nd Annual Churn N Chill – September 10th

12:15 in the Urban Grove following Sunday service. Picnic is provided.
Come taste test ice cream and share in fellowship!

Ladies Night – October 7th
Save the date! Further information enclosed.

Urban Folk Day – October 14th
Meals will be take-out this year at the Grove. Pre-orders are being accepted for Doughnuts, Soup, and Scrapple. Order forms are available at the greeters station.

Community Thanksgiving Service
Sunday evening November 19th – 7pm
Himmel’s Church in Rebuck. Hosted by the Koinonia Ministerium. Please bring a donation for the foodshelf if you are able.

Vacation or sick days? -  As a reminder, Sermon videos and Livestreams of Services are available every week on the YouTube channel: Ziranphel. The  link is posted each Sunday on our Facebook page.

Newsletter

Summer 2023

Pastor’s Corner

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

How do you find rest? Summer can be a great time for relaxation. For enjoying the sun and the wind, the green of the grass and trees, and time on the water. But it can also be a time of great busy-ness. For some, work increases during the summer months instead of decreasing. World events don’t pause for summer, and the stresses can be just as present in our lives, even if they show up in different ways than the winter and transition months.

Some of the ways that I enjoy taking moments for rest include sitting outside and listening to the sounds of nature, the birds singing, the wind through the trees, and the music of the chimes. Walking through the woods or by the stream and taking a breath of quiet, singing hymns, or reading something interesting.

Less frequently, I enjoy target archery. One of the aspects of archery that is both good and challenging, is that I have to settle myself in order to do well. If I am agitated, or focused on other things, I miss my aim. It requires me to set aside whatever else is going on and be present mentally and physically for each and every time I pull back an arrow on the string, settling my breathing, and focusing through the release. Each and every shot requires the same, and the more I practice it, the better I do with both muscle memory and mental coordination. When I repeat the process over and over again, it becomes a habit that I can rely on when I am in competition and have to shoot rapidly and under pressure.

Jesus invites us to come to him to find rest and instruction. This can take time in learning how to listen to the Lord when reading the word or praying. Perhaps that is in a specific time or place in your home or during your day. But perhaps it is an ongoing thing, so that it is not just on Sunday or once a day that you come to the Lord for rest, but throughout your days. What does this look like for you? It may require intentionality, but I invite you to think about it this summer. How can you find moments for rest and giving the challenges in your heart and life to the Lord so that you may receive peace?

I find that archery relates to this in two ways. The first one is this: We sometimes mess up in our lives…or if we are honest it isn’t just sometimes, just like I more often miss than hit the bullseye with my arrows. Sin is like missing the mark. But we have the opportunity to repent and ask God’s forgiveness and reset ourselves once more for the next attempt. God treats our sin like I need to treat each attempt in archery. The prior ones don’t matter. Just the next one. What was Jesus’ response so often in scripture? “Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.” Reset and try again.

The second way archery relates is when we reset and take time to rest and focus on God. When we develop the habit of being present and listening, whether through prayer, reading the word, or singing, we develop a spiritual “muscle memory.” It may take intentionally scheduling it in initially, but when we develop the habit of turning to God for our spiritual rest moments, we find that we will do so in moments of crisis as well. Amidst the winds and the waves of the troubles of our lives we are invited, like the disciples, to be still and know that Jesus is in control and that we can trust and find rest in him.

Shalom,
Pastor Karis

Mission moment

Aaron Ruohoniemi, who has served as the administrative assistant here and is a recent graduate from Line Mountain, has applied as a candidate with the World Mission Prayer League to do short-term mission work overseas this next year. Please pray for him and the mission for discernment as they consider potential opportunities for service. The World Mission Prayer League is an independent Lutheran mission organization founded on prayer support. Their mission statement reads: We are a Lutheran community committed to know Christ, pray for the advance of his kingdom, share the gospel and ourselves with those who do not know him; and encourage Christians everywhere in this global task.
If you would like to be added to his mailing list, please contact Pastor Karis and she will pass on the information.

A Glimpse into the past

David Hause has been digging into our church history because he enjoys it, and it is good to highlight those who have gone before in our congregation. He compiled this list of the Pastors of Red Cross, both Lutheran and Reform, from its founding through the present day in May. If you have any additional information, please let us know!

1-Rev. Wolf, 1774 until 1775, Lutheran Pastor

2-Rev. J. Michael Enterline, 1775 till 1785, Lutheran Pastor

3 - Rev. Henry Moeller, Rev. Jacob Schontz and Rev. John Herbst Lutheran Supply Pastors until 1788

4-Rev. Mathias Guensel, 1789 till 1795, Lutheran Pastor

5-Rev. Carl Christopher Getz, 1795 till 1802, Lutheran Pastor

6-Rev. Anthony Houtz 1796, German Reformed Pastor

7-Rev. George Geistweit, 1800, German Reformed Pastor

8-Rev. J. P. Kramer, 1803 till 1805, Lutheran Pastor

9-Rev. J. Conrad Walther, 1805 till 1809, Lutheran Pastor

10-Rev. Daniel Ulrich, 1809 till 1811, Lutheran Pastor

11-Rev. John Felix, 1817 till 1821, German Reformed Pastor

12- Rev. Hartman Henry Knoebel, 1821 till 1827 German Reformed Pastor

13-Rev. John Houtz German Reformed Pastor 1828 till 1830

14-Rev. Benjamin Bryer, German Reformed Pastor 1830 till 1834

15-Rev. Rudolf Duenger, 1836 till 1853 when he resigned, German Reformed Pastor.

16-Rev. Henry Bassler 1853 till 1855, German Reformed Pastor

17-John Nicholas Hemping, 1812 to 1847 Lutheran Pastor

18-Rev. Jared Fritzinger, German Reformed, Oct 1855 till Mar 1871

19-Rev. Augustus Bergner from Jun. 1, 1848 till his death Oct. 26, 1860.  Lutheran Pastor. He helped to build the church and laid the corner stone on June 12, 1859.

20-Rev. J. C. Schmidt at St. Peters 1870 till 5 Aug. 1880, Lutheran Pastor

21-Rev. J. F. Bayer at St Peters from 1880 till 1884 Lutheran Pastor

22-Rev. Aaron Rahn Hottenstein at St. Peters German Reformed pastor Nov. 2, 1876, till Mar. 4, 1904

23-Rev Edwin Levan Kistler, St Peters Apr. 26, 1903, till Jan. 29, 1911, Lutheran Pastor

24-Rev. Wirt Addison Dries, 20 Aug 1911 till 21 Dec 1913 Lutheran Pastor

25-Rev. H. Morris Schofer, 1913 till 1914, Lutheran Pastor

26-Rev. Walter H Grunow 20 Dec 1914 till Dec 1915 Lutheran Supply (on Loan) St. Elias Church near Asherton, Lower Augustus Township.

27-James N Blatt at St. Peters from Aug. 1, 1904 till Nov. 1907, German Reformed

28-Rev. George E Koppenhaver at St. Peters from Apr. 1, 1908 till 15 Sep 1916, German Reformed

29-Rev. Simon B Shummon, German Reformed Pastor, Feb. 6, 1916 till Jun. 3, 1916

30-Rev. Charles H Brown, German Reformed pastor, August 6, 1916 till Oct. 10, 1920

31-Rev. Wm. Kline March 19, 1916 till May 1919, Lutheran pastor

32-Rev. Elias S Noll 1 Jan. 1921 till 20 Dec. 1938 German Reformed

33-Rev. Leidy B. Sterner Lutheran Pastor at St. Peters Red Cross church from Aug 15, 1919 till April 30, 1920.

34-Rev. W. W. Kramlich, Sept 1920 till Oct 1, 1927, Lutheran Pastor.

35-Rev. Marlin M Enders, Jul 1928 till Apr 1930, Lutheran Pastor.

36-Rev. Jacob M Singer, 1 Apr 1939 till 11 Mar 1968, German Reformed pastor

37-Rev. Charles Snyder, 1 Aug 1937 till 30 Mar 1955 Lutheran Pastor

38-Rev. Franz Lundahl 1 Dec 1955 till 31 Jan 1963 Lutheran Pastor

39-Rev. John C. McCune II, Lutheran Pastor,
Took office Nov 1, 1963. Resigned Dec 15, 1963.

40-Rev. Irvin Straw, Jr., Lutheran Pastor. Took office June 12, 1966, Resigned Mar 15, 1972.

41-Rev. Paul Freeman 1967 - 1968 German Reformed Pastor

42-Rev. Glen B Keidel, Jr., Lutheran Pastor. Took office June 20, 1972. Resigned Feb 2016.

43-Rev. Will Cole, Nov 2016 – Apr 2017, Lutheran Pastor

44-Rev. Karis L. Hagen. Feb. 4, 2018 – present.

Summer Bible Series

Isaiah
June 4th, 2023 – Isaiah 6:1-8; Luke 5:8-10
June 11th, 2023 – Isaiah 9:1-7; John 8:12
June 18th, 2023 – Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-4
June 25th, 2023 – Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:16-21

2 Peter
July 2nd, 2023 – 2 Peter 1:1-11;
                        Matthew 13:44-46
July 9th, 2023 – 2 Peter 1:16-2:2, 15-19;
                        Mark 13:5-7
July 16th, 2023 – 2 Peter 3:1-10, 17-18;
                          Matthew 24:42-44

Old Testament Wisdom and Poetry
July 23rd, 2023 – Proverbs 1:1-7, 3:1-8;
                          Matthew 13:34-35
July 30th, 2023 – Proverbs 8:1-11, 22-36;
                          John 8:56-58
August 6th, 2023 – Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 3:1-17;
                              Luke 13:1-3
August 13th, 2023 – Song of Solomon 2:10-13;
                                8:6-7; Mark 8:35-37

Creeds
August 20th, 2023 – Genesis 1:1-5;
                                    Matthew 6:30-34
August 27th, 2023 – John 1:1-18;
                                1 Corinthians 1:18-25
September 3rd, 2023 – Acts 2:1-18;
                                        Matthew 28:17-20

Friday Singing Session – July 7th 7pm.
The Koinonia Ministerium is inviting everyone to gather at Pastor Karis Hagen’s campfire for a time of singing and making music together. Bring a chair.

Congregational Meeting – July 9th 8:30am.
We have received two bids to pave the parking lots. We are calling a congregational meeting to approve the expenditure so that we can proceed.

Chicken BBQ & Bake Sale – August 19th
Spread the word! Full platters - $12, Quarters alone $6.

Newsletter

Spring 2023

Pastor’s Corner

Lenten Reflection and Preparation

Dear church of God, you are invited in this season of Lent to enter a time of reflection, of repentance, and turning to the Lord to prepare your hearts for the joy of Easter. It is easy in the midst of the busy-ness of our lives and the struggles we see reflected in the world to lose our focus in life and get depressed about the future of both the church and the world. But when we do so, whom are we listening to? Are we listening to the those who would invite us to fear our neighbors and see each other as enemies? Or are we listening to the voice of God, who calls us to hope in the kingdom of God made real in and through and around us? To God, who calls us his children, and from whom we receive discipline and correction, but also immeasurable love, grace, and mercy. God gives us permission to call him “Abba” which is the Aramaic/Hebrew word for Daddy/Papa. There is a common theme throughout scripture, wherein God calls his people back into relationship with himself. This call is to us now as well, and as we are children of God, it is the call of a caring parent to a child.  God wants us to recognize and acknowledge this relationship.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded…. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:7 & 10.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

We are called to take time to humble ourselves before the Lord, to acknowledge that we mess up and make mistakes, to acknowledge the brokenness of the world and of our need for God, but also to worship and rejoice because he is the source of our hope. Traditionally, Lent has been a season when believers take time to intentionally seek God. Sometimes that is lived out in fasting by abstaining, or giving up various things such as meat, dairy, and eggs, to remind ourselves that we are called to be different. But the most important part of Lent is taking time to reconnect in our relationships with God and with others. Taking time to examine our lives honestly, read the Bible and spend time in prayer and worship is good preparation for Easter.

Perhaps you have heard of the revivals occurring around the country recently? I believe these come out of an honest seeking after the Lord, and a desire to both honor God and see transformation in our lives and world. We are invited to revival as well. It begins in humility and prayer, giving thanks for all that God gives, and in praise of who God is. He alone has the power to bring transformation in us and the world, and therefore we can hope in him, and he invites and expects us to ask for all we need. You are invited to ask for a new pouring out and indwelling of the Holy Spirit for yourselves and one another. Let us also pray earnestly together for transformation and revival in our hearts, lives, and community by the work of the Holy Spirit. Let us seek the Lord together.

Shalom,

Pastor Karis

Invitation to Journey with Jesus

A friend once told me about a man she knew who was horrified at the notion of having a personal relationship with Jesus; thinking of Jesus as a friend.  His reasoning was that the Lord was to be feared, therefore, you can't have a personal relationship with Him.  I think people often misunderstand the biblical meaning of "feared".  In my study bible they use Proverbs 1:7 to help explain it.  Proverbs 1:7 ' The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.'  In the bible "fear" means reverence or worship, suggesting that wisdom begins when we acknowledge who God is and offer him our worship as He deserves.  That being said, can we have a personal, friendship-like relationship with the Lord?  I believe we can, as long as we understand how it works.

I think we get a bit confused as to what a personal relationship with the Lord looks like.  It seems that some people have the idea that they alone have chosen this relationship and that Jesus was just sitting around waiting for a new friend.  Their idea is "hey Jesus, come along with ME and let ME show you the plans I have for us".  When the bible explains that it is Jesus who chooses us and asks us to follow him.  In the book of John, chapter 15, verses 12-13 Jesus tells the disciples "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one that this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  Jesus laid down His life for us and before doing so, he called us friends.  In John 15:14 Jesus also says "You are my friend if you do what I command."  This may seem like a prerequisite to having a relationship with Him.  But in truth, Jesus will never lead us astray or ask us to do things that are not good for us, as earthly friends may do sometimes.  So He really is the BEST kind of friend to have!  On Jesus you can lay all your cares and troubles and worries.  When you learn to trust in Him with ALL of your daily trials and joys, you will begin to see how it works.  Neither I or the bible are trying to tell you that a relationship with the Lord will "fix" everything in your life.  But when you have that relationship, someone who you can trust to tell EVERTHING to, you just feel better.  It's a journey, not a race.  Also, it's not too late.

If this still seems like a foreign concept to you, may I suggest joining a bible study or getting yourself a study bible.  The bible study is a group of people who join together to not just read the bible, but to look into it in depth, have conversations about things they want to know more about due to simple curiosity or a better understanding of perplexing things throughout the bible.  A study bible is a bible that goes into depth about frequently hard to understand or misunderstood verses and teachings in the bible.  Here at Saint Peter Lutheran, Pastor Karis or I would be glad to tell you more about the bible study held here after the Sunday service or tell you about our favorite study bibles or guides.  Also, if you want to know more about how to start that personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, contact Pastor Karis or any Council member. 

I wish you blessings on your journey!

In Christs love,
Jodi Lenker

A Glimpse into the past

In my efforts to put together a history of our glorious church, I felt I could look to the folks buried in our church cemetery.  In doing so, I came across an obituary of a woman where her faith in Jesus Christ was tested many times in her lifetime.  So many people may have lost their faith after losing loved ones and ask “God, how could you do this to me?”  Not Ann M. Zartman.

I, for one, was truly impressed with her endless faith as outlined in her obituary below as she knew she would be reunited with her loved ones on that Resurrection Day.

I want to share her faith with you.

David Hause

Northumberland County Democrat

Sunbury, Pennsylvania 25 Nov 1881, Fri  Page 3

DIED

Mrs. Ann M Zartman fell gently asleep in Jesus at the residence of J. R. Hillbush, her son-in-law, at Mahanoy, Nov. 12.

Mother Zartman, whose maiden name was Seiler, was a faithful Christian and a devout member of the Reformed church. She was early consecrated to God in holy baptism," reared in the fear and admonition of the lord," and at proper age indoctrinated and confirmed a member of the church. She joined her life in holy wedlock with John Zartman. This union was blessed with ten children. These "gifts of God" she received as a sacred trust to be borne upon the heart and led by the hand onward until they too united their lives with the people of God who with their families, are known for their fidelity to the church. Her husband and five children preceded into the eternal world. Thus one limb after another was broken in the family until it became necessary at last to dissolve the family itself, and she took up her abode with her daughter. Yet stronger became the ties to the family of the blest, and more clearly did she recognize its elder brother, Jesus. Was it any wonder that she should be homesick and long to be at rest? Suffering was in store and for five months pain was endured and patiently borne, firmly relying on the grace of a covenant God. When at last all was finished in the communion with those she loved so well, the invoked the blessing of the Lord, and prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" on the 11th inst. her remains were taken to St. Peter's church and accompanied by a large concourse of mourning friends, and there laid to rest in God's acre with the blessed hope of a glorious resurrection. The occasion was improved by offering Christian consolation from the words, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." by the Rev. J. F. Bayer and her pastor. May the devout, pious spirit of this sainted mother rest on all the various members of this bereft yet hopeful family, that they all may commit their body, soul, and spirit to the blessing, keeping and glory of Jesus. Com.

Announcements:

Lent and Easter Seasons

Koinonia Wednesday night services @7pm

March 1st – St Peter Lutheran of Red Cross

March 8th – Zion Lutheran, Trevorton

March 15th – St Luke’s UCC, Malta

March 22nd – David’s UCC, Hebe

March 29th – Himmel’s Church, Rebuck

April 6th – Maundy Thursday at Urban
April 7th – Community Good Friday service at St Paul’s UCC, Urban

April 9th – Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 am
                          Red Cross

            Easter Worship 10:30 am
                          Urban

Breakfast after the service at Red Cross

Koinonia services will be livestreamed or recorded and posted on YouTube. Services can be found by searching for Koinonia Line Mountain.

Catechism Class

Catechism is open to any middle or high school age individuals who would like to learn more about the faith we profess.
Class meets at 6:00pm every Sunday evening except for special holidays.

Sunday Bible School - 10:30 am
We are studying the book of Acts with open discussion time. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Snow or sick days? -  As a reminder, Sermon videos and Livestreams of Services are available every week on the YouTube channel: Ziranphel. The  link is posted each Sunday on our Facebook page. If you are unable to join us in person, please join us online Sunday or later in the week.

250th Church Anniversary

In 2024, our congregation will be celebrating 250 years of worshiping together. If anyone has any ideas on how to mark this special occasion, please contact Pastor Karis or Jodi Lenker. We will be forming a committee to discuss ideas starting in January of 2023.

Weekly Prayer—Wednesdays 9am in the Sunday School room next to the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join in prayer or send in prayer requests. It is important to lift one another up in prayer and seek the Lord’s guidance together.

Line Mountain Food Bank

Please leave donated items in the vestibule. Thank you for your help. For more information, please contact Diane Kahler, 570-758-4805.

Home Visits

For those who are unable to attend church, if you would like to be visited by Pastor Karis and/or receive communion, please call Pastor Karis. For emergencies of any sort please contact Pastor Karis directly. Calls, texts, messages, emails, or just stopping by to chat are all welcome forms of communication